How to Make an Essential Oil Inhaler + 20 Inhaler Blend Recipes

Updated November 2026
To make an essential oil inhaler, add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil to the cotton wick, slide the wick into the inhaler tube, and snap on the cap. Kids ages 5 to 11 use about half (5 to 6 drops). Then just breathe in slowly whenever you need a lift. Below is my step-by-step guide, the 10 best oils for inhalers, 20 inhaler blend recipes with ages, and a free printable. Jump to the 20 recipes.

Our sense of smell is closely linked to the parts of the brain that handle memories and emotions, which is why a familiar scent can change how you feel so quickly. Aromatherapy inhalers are small, mess-free, and easy to tuck into a purse, desk drawer, travel bag, or nightstand.

Aromatherapy Inhaler Benefits

Inhalers give you all the aroma of essential oils with no spills and no oily hands. They are also a considerate way to use oils around others, since only you breathe in the scent. People love them for:

• A cool, fresh scent when your nose feels stuffy
• A cooling, soothing scent when your head feels tense
• Lifting your mood
• A quick energy boost
• Better concentration and focus
• A calm moment on a stressful day
• Using oils on the go

Types of Essential Oil Inhalers

Personal inhalers are small tubes with a cotton wick inside and a cap to lock in the scent. You can find disposable plastic inhalers, which are inexpensive and great for gifting, or reusable glass and metal inhalers that you can clean and refill.

DIY Essential Oil Recipes Guide

Aromatherapy Recipes with Essential Oils Guide - 150+ Easy & Effective Recipe Blends by Jennifer Lane, Loving Essential Oils Owner & Certified Aromatherapist:

How To Make An Essential Oil Inhaler

What You Need

• A blank aromatherapy inhaler (tube, cotton wick, bottom plug, and cap)
• 10 to 15 drops of essential oil or a blend (5 to 6 drops for kids 5 to 11)
• Tweezers
• A small glass bowl (optional)
• Labels

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Label your inhaler before you add any oils so the label sticks well. I use this sticker paper (affiliate link), and my free printable below includes labels. You can also print on regular paper and attach it with packing tape.

Step 2: Add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil to the cotton wick in a small glass bowl. Use one of the recipes below. For kids 5 to 11, use half the drops and check the age on the recipe.

Step 3: Roll the wick around in the bowl to soak up any leftover oil, then use tweezers (affiliate link) to slide it into the inhaler tube. You can also skip the bowl: place the wick in the tube first, then drop the oils directly onto it.

Step 4: Press the plug into the bottom of the tube until it clicks, then put the cap on to lock in the scent until you are ready to use it.

How To Use An Aromatherapy Inhaler

Hold the inhaler just under your nose, without touching it, and breathe in slowly. You can gently wave it back and forth under your nostrils. I like to think 5-5-5:

• Count to 5 as you breathe in
• Count to 5 as you hold your breath
• Count to 5 as you breathe out
• Repeat 2 to 3 times as needed

A Few Safety Basics
• Kids: No essential oils for babies under 2, and inhalers start at age 5. Kids 5 to 11 use half the drops (5 to 6 total) and only the oils marked for their age. Peppermint and rosemary are for ages 6 and up, eucalyptus is 10 and up, and clary sage and basil are 12 and up.
• Asthma: Strong scents can trigger asthma in some people. Start with a gentle oil and a single breath, and stop if you start coughing or wheezing.
• Pregnancy: Check with your doctor or midwife first. For the first 16 weeks I use only six oils, and only in a diffuser or inhaler: lavender, sweet orange, lemon, ginger, cedarwood (Virginian), and frankincense. After that, inhalers use half the drops.
• Don't share: Inhalers are personal, like a toothbrush. Make one for each person, labeled with a name.
• Keep it away from skin: Hold the inhaler just under your nose, not inside it. Undiluted oil on the wick can irritate skin.
• Never swallow essential oils. If someone does, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Store inhalers where pets and little hands can't reach them.
Read more in my essential oil safety tips.

Tips for Nasal Inhaler Recipes

• An inhaler usually stays fresh for 1 to 2 months, depending on how often you use it.
• Keep the cap on when you aren't using it. The more it's opened, the faster the scent fades.
• When the aroma fades, add a few more drops of the same blend to the wick.
• Old scents can linger, so use a new wick or inhaler when you switch to a different blend.
• Have a favorite diffuser blend? Try it as an inhaler. Just scale the drops to 10 to 15 total, and check the ages for each oil.
• Store inhalers away from direct sunlight and heat, and out of reach of children.

10 Best Essential Oils For Inhalers

These 10 oils are wonderful in an inhaler on their own or blended together.

1. Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is a favorite for winding down, quiet moments, and the minutes before bed. It's mostly linalool and linalyl acetate, the compounds behind its calming reputation, and its soft floral scent is gentle enough for kids 5 and up in an inhaler. Learn about the different types of lavender.

2. Peppermint Essential Oil - Mentha piperita

Peppermint's cool, minty scent is a favorite for stuffy days, a tense head, and an afternoon energy dip. Its menthol switches on the cold-sensing nerves in your nose, which is why a breath of it feels so clearing. It is strong, so it is for ages 6 and up. See my lavender, lemon, and peppermint blends.

3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus radiata

Eucalyptus oil has a fresh, camphor-like scent that feels cool and clearing on stuffy cold-season days. Eucalyptus radiata is softer than globulus. Eucalyptus is for ages 10 and up, and it isn't on my pregnancy list. See my eucalyptus diffuser blends for more.

4. Sweet Orange Essential Oil - Citrus sinensis

Sweet orange smells just like fresh orange peel. Its happy, juicy scent feels calming and cheerful at the same time, and it's gentle enough for kids 5 and up in an inhaler.

5. Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary has a strong, herbal scent that is a favorite for focus and energy. It can also feel clearing on stuffy days. Look for ct. cineole on the label. It's for ages 6 and up, and it isn't on my pregnancy list.

6. Frankincense Essential Oil - Boswellia carterii

Frankincense is distilled from tree resin and has a fresh, warm, slightly citrusy aroma. Its calm, steady scent is lovely for meditation. Learn more in my full frankincense essential oil guide.

7. Lemon Essential Oil - Citrus limon

Lemon's clean, bright scent gives your mood and energy a fresh lift. It's a great addition to energizing, focus, and seasonal blends.

8. Bergamot Essential Oil - Citrus bergamia

Bergamot has a rich, floral citrus scent that feels calming and uplifting at once. It works well in both relaxing and cheerful blends.

9. Tea Tree Oil - Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree has a fresh, medicinal scent that can feel clearing when your nose is stuffy. It's also a favorite in skin care when diluted.

10. White Fir Essential Oil - Abies alba or Abies concolor

White fir has a fresh, woodsy, forest scent that feels energizing and renewing. It's lovely in cold-season blends and pairs well with citrus and mint. You'll see two trees sold as white fir: Abies alba (European silver fir) and Abies concolor (North American white fir). I've used both, and they smell very similar, so either one works in these recipes.

20 DIY Essential Oil Inhaler Blend Recipes

Each recipe makes one personal inhaler for an adult. For kids, check the age on the recipe and use half the drops. Add the drops to the cotton wick as described in the tutorial above. Each recipe uses 1 blank aromatherapy inhaler.

1. Morning Sunshine Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 6+ · 12 drops (kids 6 to 11: half)

An eye-opening blend of bright citrus and cool mint to help you wake up and get going.

• 4 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 4 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• 4 drops lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

2. Clear Mind Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 12+ · 12 drops

A crisp, herbal citrus blend for when you need to feel sharp and clear-headed.

• 6 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• 2 drops basil (Ocimum basilicum ct. linalool)
• 2 drops rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole)
• 2 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Note: If you're pregnant, leave out the basil.

3. Calming Lavender Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 5+ · 12 drops (kids 5 to 11: half)

Two gentle favorites, lavender and Roman chamomile, make a soft, calming blend that is just right for bedtime.

• 8 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 4 drops Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

4. Energy Boost Peppermint Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 6+ · 12 drops (kids 6 to 11: half)

Peppermint, rosemary, and grapefruit make a zingy pick-me-up for a sluggish afternoon. For more ideas, see my energy inhaler recipes.

• 5 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• 4 drops grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
• 3 drops rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole)

5. Calm Moments Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 5+ · 12 drops (kids 5 to 11: half)

A sweet, soothing blend to keep in your bag for tense, stressful days.

• 6 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 3 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• 3 drops ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)

6. Stress Relief Inhaler Blend

Inhaler · Ages 12+ · 15 drops

Sunny orange, grounding frankincense, and earthy clary sage make a relaxing blend for when stress starts to build. Take a few slow breaths and let your shoulders drop.

• 6 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 5 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
• 4 drops clary sage (Salvia sclarea)

Note: If you're pregnant, leave out the clary sage.

7. Focus Inhaler Recipe

Inhaler · Ages 5+ · 12 drops (kids 5 to 11: half)

A fresh, woodsy citrus blend to help you stay on task at work, school, or home. See more focus blends.

• 5 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis)
• 4 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• 3 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

8. Travel Tummy Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 6+ · 12 drops (kids 6 to 11: half)

Warm, spicy ginger and cool peppermint are a favorite pair for car rides and flights. You can swap the ginger for cardamom.

• 6 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• 6 drops ginger (Zingiber officinale)

9. Sleep Time Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 5+ · 12 drops (kids 5 to 11: half)

A cozy bedtime blend with woody cedarwood, soft lavender, and a little sweet orange. Breathe it in as you get into bed. For more, see my cedarwood oil for sleep blends.

• 4 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 4 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 4 drops cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) or Virginian (Juniperus virginiana)

10. Breathe Eucalyptus Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 10+ · 12 drops (kids 10 to 11: half)

A cool, fresh blend for stuffy days that invites deep breaths. For a stronger option at home, try a steam inhalation. Use Eucalyptus radiata for the softest scent.

• 4 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
• 4 drops Siberian fir (Abies sibirica)
• 4 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

11. Relaxation Inhaler Recipe

Inhaler · Ages 5+ · 14 drops (kids 5 to 11: half)

Lavender and sweet marjoram are a gentle, warm pairing for unwinding in the evening after a long day.

• 8 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 4 drops sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana)
• 2 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

12. Inspire Me Aroma Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 12+ · 12 drops

A warm, resinous citrus blend for journaling, crafting, or brainstorming, when you want to feel open to new ideas.

• 5 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 4 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
• 3 drops clary sage (Salvia sclarea)

Note: If you're pregnant, leave out the clary sage.

13. Cool Head Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 6+ · 12 drops (kids 6 to 11: half)

Lavender, frankincense, and peppermint make a soothing, cooling blend for when your head feels tight and tense.

• 4 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 4 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
• 4 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

14. Mood Boost Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 6+ · 15 drops (kids 6 to 11: half)

Floral lavender, cool peppermint, and bright bergamot make a happy, refreshing blend to lift your day. Read about lavender and peppermint together.

• 5 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 5 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• 5 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

15. Spring Breeze Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 6+ · 15 drops (kids 6 to 11: half)

This lavender, lemon, and peppermint trio is the one I turn to when the seasons change. Peppermint brings a cool, clearing feeling, and lemon and lavender keep it bright and soft. See my lavender, lemon, and peppermint recipes for more.

• 5 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 5 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• 5 drops lemon (Citrus limon)

16. Restful Sleep Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 5+ · 12 drops (kids 5 to 11: half)

Smoky vetiver adds deep, grounding notes to lavender and bergamot for a heavier bedtime blend than Sleep Time. Try my sleep diffuser blends too.

• 5 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 4 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• 3 drops vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides)

17. Creativity Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 12+ · 12 drops

Sweet tangerine and fresh juniper berry give this blend a lighter, brighter feel than Inspire Me, for when you feel stuck.

• 6 drops tangerine (Citrus reticulata)
• 4 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis)
• 2 drops clary sage (Salvia sclarea)

Note: If you're pregnant, leave out the clary sage and save this one for after the first 16 weeks.

18. Let Love In Blend

Inhaler · Ages 5+ · 12 drops (kids 5 to 11: half)

A soft floral blend to help you feel open-hearted, loving, and kind to yourself.

• 6 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 4 drops geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• 2 drops ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)

19. Motivation Inhaler Recipe

Inhaler · Ages 5+ · 14 drops (kids 5 to 11: half)

Time to get things done! Zesty lime and orange with grounding frankincense help you feel ready to tackle your list. See more motivating oils.

• 6 drops lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
• 4 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 4 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

20. Fatigue Fighter Inhaler

Inhaler · Ages 5+ · 14 drops (kids 5 to 11: half)

Need a jump start? Bright lemon and grapefruit with fresh white fir make a crisp, wake-up blend.

• 6 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• 4 drops grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
• 4 drops white fir (Abies alba or A. concolor)

Free Printable: Inhaler Recipes and Labels

Like these recipes? Get my free printable inhaler guide with recipes and labels. No email required! Before you make a blend from the printable, check the ages in this post.

Get my Essential Oil Inhaler Guide with Recipes!

Video: How to Make an Aromatherapy Inhaler

Prefer to watch? Here is a quick video tutorial from Aromahead Institute (affiliate link) that shows how to put together your own personal inhaler.

More Aromatherapy Blog Posts

• 26 Essential Oil Roller Bottle Recipes
• Orange Essential Oil Inhaler Recipes
• Grapefruit Inhaler and Diffuser Recipes
• 7 Essential Oil Recipes for Energy
• Lavender and Peppermint Blends
• Spike Lavender Essential Oil
• Best Essential Oils for Steam Inhalation

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