Top 20 Spice Essential Oils List and How to Safely Use Them

Spice essential oils can really liven up a room with their invigorating aromas. They are especially beloved during the fall and winter months and frequently found in favorite seasonal diffuser blends and essential oil recipes.

While they smell wonderful, some of the spice essential oils have precautions that you should be aware of before using.

Some can irritate skin or mucous membranes, and several should be avoided if pregnant or breastfeeding. Read on to learn more about spice essential oils and how to use them safely.

What are Spice Essential Oils Good For?

Spice essential oils are popular for their warm, rich aromas and their long history of traditional use. In aromatherapy they are most often diffused or added, well diluted, to massage oils and DIY recipes.

Spice essential oils are loved for creating a warm, comforting mood, and many have been traditionally used to support digestion and ease everyday muscle tension. They can be used to add a pleasant aroma to a room too. Please remember that essential oils are never to be ingested, even the ones that come from cooking spices.

It's important to note that not all spice essential oils are created equal. Be sure to research any essential oil before using it, to ensure that it is safe for you.

Top 20 Spice Essential Oils List with Safety Precautions

Spicy essential oils like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom have warming and comforting properties in aromatherapy. They have rich aromas and are highly fragrant so you may need fewer drops of oil when using them in DIY recipes and aromatherapy blends.

These spice essential oils come from the root, stem, seed, fruit, or bark of the plant, depending on the oil being extracted. They are steam distilled from the plant part to obtain the oil. You may also find CO2 extractions of a few spice oils, ginger being the most common.

Here you will find the top 20 spice oils that are commonly used in aromatherapy, their traditional uses, as well as safety precautions that should be noted.

1. Cinnamon Essential Oil (Bark or Leaf) - Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Cinnamon is a classic warming oil. I use this oil in my morning diffuser routine for its warming, cozy aroma that is perfect for cold winter mornings.

• Safety Precautions: Cinnamon Leaf Oil is relatively nontoxic, can possibly cause skin irritation or sensitization. Best to use in moderation and in low dilution when applying topically. Cinnamon Bark oil is much stronger and is best not used on the skin. Avoid both types during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. May inhibit blood clotting.
• Check out my Cinnamon Diffuser Blends

2. Ginger Essential Oil - Zingiber officinale

Ginger essential oil has a long history of traditional use for digestion and for easing feelings of nausea when inhaled. Its warming aroma is also a favorite in massage blends for tired muscles.

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic and non-irritant except in high concentrations, best used in low dilutions.
• Get Recipe: Warming Ginger Massage Oil

3. Cardamom Essential Oil - Elettaria cardamomum

In addition to its sweet aroma, cardamom has been traditionally used as a digestive aid and in massage blends for tired muscles. Its main component, 1,8-cineole, gives it a fresh note that is lovely when diffused during the cooler months.

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant, nonsensitizing. Because it is high in 1,8-cineole, avoid using near the face of young children.
• Read More: Cardamom Spotlight

4. Star Anise Essential Oil - Illicium verum

In the world of essential oils, star anise is a lesser-known oil that has been used historically in perfumes. It has a spicy, sweet, licorice-like aroma.

Star anise has been traditionally used in warming massage blends for sore muscles and joints.

• Safety Precautions: Best used in moderation. Possible skin sensitivity, maximum dermal use 1.75%. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Estrogenic, should not be used in endometriosis, estrogen-sensitive cancers. May inhibit blood clotting.
• Related Post: 5 Star Anise Recipes

5. Pink Pepper Essential Oil - Schinus molle

Pink pepper essential oil has a bright, spicy scent that is lovely in diffuser blends and helps freshen the air in your home.

Topically, well diluted, it is a nice addition to massage blends for muscle aches, and many people find its aroma uplifting during stressful days.

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant, nonsensitizing. Pink Pepper is in the same family as cashews, avoid if allergic.
• Get Recipes: Pink Pepper Diffuser Blends

6. Black Pepper Essential Oil - Piper nigrum

I love using black pepper essential oil for its spicy scent and warming feel in massage blends for achy muscles. It has also been traditionally used to support digestion and as an energizing aroma.

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant, nonsensitizing.
• Learn More: Black Pepper Essential Oil Spotlight

7. Nutmeg Essential Oil - Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg essential oil has a warm, comforting aroma that many people find calming when they need a little something extra to settle their nerves.

Well diluted, it is also traditionally used in massage blends for achy muscles and joints.

• Safety Precautions: Generally nontoxic, nonirritant, and nonsensitizing. Best in low dilution (adult max dilution is 0.8%, 4-5 drops per 1 oz of carrier oil). Use in moderation otherwise can be toxic. Do not use during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
• Learn More: Nutmeg Essential Oil Spotlight

8. Cassia Essential Oil - Cinnamomum cassia

Cassia essential oil is extracted from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree. Its aroma has been used historically to boost focus and concentration, and its warm scent is comforting on gloomy days.

• Safety Precautions: Don't use undiluted on skin, it is a "hot oil" and will cause skin irritation. There is high risk of skin sensitization. Avoid during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
• Read More: Cassia Essential Oil Spotlight

9. Clove Bud Essential Oil - Eugenia caryophyllata

Clove essential oil is a powerful oil with a long history of traditional use for easing aches. Its warm, spicy scent is a great way to add some natural fragrance to your home, and it is a favorite in natural cleaning blends.

Be careful when using this oil because it's very potent and can irritate your skin if not well diluted. Never put clove oil in your mouth.

• Safety Precautions: Use in moderation. Don't use undiluted on skin, it is a "hot oil" and will cause skin irritation. Avoid during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Only use clove bud oil, not the leaf or stem oil.
• Read More: Clove Essential Oil Spotlight

10. Allspice Essential Oil - Pimenta dioica

Allspice is a spice often used in cooking and baking, and its essential oil is rich in eugenol. It has been traditionally used in warming massage blends for sore muscles, and its cozy aroma is lovely in a relaxing evening diffuser blend.

• Safety Precautions: Nonirritant when heavily diluted (adult max dilution: 0.15%), sensitization possible. Use in moderation, potentially toxic with prolonged use. Avoid during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.

11. Anise Essential Oil (aka Aniseed) - Pimpinella anisum

Anise essential oil is distilled from the seeds of the anise plant, which are grown in Egypt, India and China. The scent of this oil is sweet and licorice-like, and it has been traditionally used for easing digestive discomfort and nausea.

It can be used in aromatherapy or well-diluted massage blends to encourage relaxation.

• Safety Precautions: Can cause dermatitis in some individuals, avoid with allergic and inflammatory skin conditions. In large doses it is narcotic, use in moderation. Avoid during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Estrogenic, should not be used in endometriosis, estrogen-sensitive cancers.

12. Sweet Fennel Essential Oil - Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel essential oil has been traditionally used as a digestive aid and in massage blends for menstrual discomfort. It is also diffused during the cold months for its fresh, sweet aroma.

• Safety Precautions: Use in moderation. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with endometriosis or estrogen-dependent cancers, or for children under 5. People who have epilepsy should not use.

13. Cumin Essential Oil - Cuminum cyminum

One of the most commonly used spices in cooking, cumin is also an aromatherapy oil. It has been traditionally used to support digestion and soothe sore muscles in massage blends.

You can also use this oil aromatically by diffusing it or inhaling it from a tissue or handkerchief.

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant, and nonsensitizing. Phototoxic oil, so avoid sun exposure on skin where it was applied. Avoid during pregnancy.

14. Celery Seed Essential Oil - Apium graveolens

Celery seed essential oil is made from the seeds of celery plants. It has a light, sweet, earthy scent with woodsy undertones. The aroma can help you feel calmer and more focused, and it has been traditionally used to support digestion.

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant, nonsensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy.

15. Galangal Root Essential Oil - Alpinia galanga

Galangal root essential oil is a nice choice in warming massage blends for tired, achy muscles. You can also use galangal essential oil in a diffuser to help with your mood.

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant when diluted.

16. Caraway Essential Oil - Carum carvi

Caraway essential oil has been traditionally used for digestive comfort, and its calming aroma makes it a nice addition to a relaxing evening blend.

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic, nonsensitizing, may cause dermal irritation, use in low dilution.

17. Plai Essential Oil - Zingiber cassumunar

Plai essential oil has a soothing scent that can help you relax and unwind before bed. Many people find its aroma helps ease tension and lift their mood, and it is a favorite in massage blends for sore muscles.

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant, and nonsensitizing.

18. Turmeric Essential Oil - Curcuma longa

Turmeric oil has been traditionally used in massage blends for achy muscles and joints. It's best to use turmeric as part of a blend because it has a very strong smell.

• Safety Precautions: Use in moderation, the component turmerone can be moderately toxic and irritant in high concentration. Possible sensitization. Best avoided during pregnancy.

19. Ho Wood Essential Oil - Cinnamomum camphora ct linalol

Looking for a calming oil to help you unwind at the end of the day? Ho wood essential oil has a soft, relaxing aroma that can be easily integrated into your everyday life. The easiest way to enjoy ho wood oil is by diffusing it at home or work.

You can also apply it topically on sore muscles by mixing 1-2 drops of ho wood with 1 teaspoon of fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil. If you're struggling to wind down, try diffusing it before bedtime!

• Safety Precautions: Nontoxic and nonirritant, possible sensitization in some individuals.
• Learn More: Ho Wood Essential Oil Spotlight

20. Coriander Essential Oil - Coriandrum sativum

Coriander essential oil has a sweet, woody, spicy scent that is calming and grounding. In aromatherapy it is often blended with lavender for a relaxing bedtime blend.

Coriander has also been traditionally used in massage blends for digestive and menstrual discomfort.

• Safety Precautions: Generally nontoxic, nonirritant, nonsensitizing. Use in moderation, can be stupefying.
• Learn More: Coriander Spotlight

Which Spice Oils are the Safest?

After reviewing the above list, you may notice that there are a few essential oils that have little to no safety concerns. Here are the 6 Safest Spice Essential Oils that are most commonly used in aromatherapy:

• Ginger
• Cardamom
• Plai
• Coriander
• Pink Pepper
• Black Pepper

How to Use Spice Essential Oils on Your Skin

Have you ever wondered how to dilute essential oils? Diluting essential oils is extremely important when it comes to using your essential oils responsibly.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and we should use care when using them, especially on the skin. Not to mention they can be costly and use a lot of resources to make just one bottle, so it's best to use the least amount needed to get the results you want.

It can also help you avoid negative effects like skin irritation and discomfort that some oils can cause. Don't worry, it's easy.

The main way to dilute essential oils is to use a carrier oil, such as jojoba or fractionated coconut oil, and mix it with the essential oil before applying to your skin. Unscented lotions, creams and butters (like shea butter or mango butter) work too. Use 1% for the face and everyday use, and 2% for the body.

For bathing, first stir your essential oils into a tablespoon of carrier oil or castile soap, then add to your bath water. Essential oils don't mix with water on their own.

Spicy Essential Oil Diffuser Blends

Are you looking for a way to spice up your life? Well, I have what you need, spice essential oil diffuser blends!

These spicy oil blends can help give you an extra boost in your day-to-day routine and make your home feel warm and cozy.

Diffusing around pets: Spice oils are strong. Diffuse in a well-ventilated room for short periods, keep a door open so pets can leave, and take extra care with cats and birds.

Spice Essential Oil Combinations

There are many different spice essential oil combinations that can be used to create the mood you want. Some spice oils are very strong together, so start with just a drop or two and build from there.

1. Cinnamon and Orange: The combination of cinnamon and orange essential oils is a cheerful, energizing classic.

2. Ginger and Clove: This warming pair is a popular combination that has been traditionally used for digestive comfort.

3. Vanilla and Cinnamon: This essential oil blend is perfect for Fall! The combination of vanilla and cinnamon essential oils will make your home smell great.

With the right combination of spice essential oils, you can create cozy blends for every season.

General Essential Oil Precautions

Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Never ingest essential oils. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, and be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. See my kid-safe essential oils list.

If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test on the inside of your forearm, using 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more here.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.

Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners

Spice Essential Oil Recipes

I included several links in this blog post that include spice essential oils, diffuser blends, and DIY recipes. Here are a few more blog posts that highlight these spicy oils.

Fall Diffuser Blends

Fall is the perfect time to cozy up with some delicious fall diffuser blends! With autumn comes the changing of the leaves, cool weather, and pumpkin spice everything. Get my Fall Diffuser Blends that will make your home smell like fall and get you in the seasonal spirit!

Pumpkin Spice Essential Oil Blend

Pumpkin Spice essential oil blend is perfect for Fall! The combination of spice essential oils will satisfy your seasonal indulgence and put a smile on your face. Here is my guide on Pumpkin Spice Essential Oil Recipes.

Cardamom Essential Oil Soap

Cardamom essential oil has a pleasant, spicy aroma that can help boost your mood. This gentle melt and pour cardamom essential oil soap is a lovely fall project and makes a great homemade gift.

Aromatherapy Room Sprays

Looking for oil blends that smell deliciously good? Check out my dessert inspired aromatherapy room sprays with essential oils that can be enjoyed all seasons. Many of the essential oil blends include spice oils to give them their yummy aroma and spicy scents.

Final Thoughts on Spice Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

Spice essential oils bring warmth, comfort and coziness to your home and your DIY recipes. Many have a long history of traditional use for easing tired muscles and supporting digestion, and they are a joy to diffuse in the cooler months. Used safely and well diluted, they can be a wonderful part of your aromatherapy routine.

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