Essential Oils For Men:
Indeed, essential oils can be used by both men and women. Oftentimes, mistaken simply for use in spa treatments or for feminine relaxation. Contrarily, men may benefit from the use of essential oils, just the same. Certain essential oils, usually based on aroma, are marketed and geared with the man in mind. Anecdotal (and some research) on certain pure essential oil extracts suggest the use of these oils for therapeutic and even medicinal usage. Today we’ll discuss “essential oils for men”, but first…
What Are Essential Oils?
Let’s briefly cover the basics behind essential oils. In short, essential oils are all natural liquid concentrates. They come from various plants and other organic materials found in nature. These plants and materials are crushed down and made into a liquid. Multiple methods are used to do just that. For example, steam distillation, CO2 extraction, solvent extraction.
Furthermore, the liquid can then be diffused into vapor. This can be accomplished via aromatherapy diffusers, or car diffuser products. Thus, allowing the user to inhale the essential oils safely. Alternatively, you can apply many of these oils to your skin, when combined with carrier oils. Oftentimes, this method is used in aromatherapy massages, lotions, even body scrubs.
Surely, with any usage, it’s important to follow a guide when it comes to using specific essential oils. Some essential oils, though natural, are not suggestive for direct application to the skin. Furthermore, they’re often not recommended in children or use when pregnant. Specifically, some essential oils are more irritating to the skin. Thus, understanding whether they’re safe for skin applications or how to dilute them in carrier oils, is important.
Using oils in any of the various forms may come with positive health gains, according to anecdotal evidence and suggestive literature. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, in fact. Common usages include:
- aiding in relieving symptoms of stress
- anxiety
- sleeping difficulties
- boosting mood
- decreasing nausea
- and pain relief
Proper usage or application of essential oils, for some, can be an alternative or adjunct to other therapies or pharmacological aides to improve quality of life!
With that said, never stop any current therapies or regimes for health conditions. Always consult with a licensed medical expect, first.
How Can Men Benefit From Essential Oils?
Like with women, the proper usage of pure therapeutic grade essential oils may have positive effects on men as well.
As beforementioned, stress relief is one of the major potential benefits. Physical and/or cognitive benefits may vary from individual. However, certain essential oils have been suggested to have effects for stress relief. Some research suggests, whether inhaled via diffusion methods or with applications such as massage, they can further aid in the reduction of stress symptoms, anxiety and tension. Ultimately, leading to better health outcomes.
Many individuals deal with stress daily. Oftentimes, men can struggle to deal with their stress in healthy ways. Thus, potentially resorting to other not-so-healthy “methods of stress relief”. These efforts may in fact, add to long term stress and negative effects on the body.
Here are some stress facts according to the American Psychological Association:
- Women and men “stress levels” are often reported as being similar.
- However, similar in stress levels, women are more likely to report stress levels being on the rise.
- Also, more likely to report physical and emotional symptoms of stress.
With that being said, are men at risk for coping issues when it comes to stress, more so then women? Maybe a conversation for another day, but an interesting topic of conversation nonetheless.
In addition to potential stress relief, many essential oils are said to have a host of other potential health benefits. For example, decreasing muscle tension, inflammation, soreness, improving complexion, insomnia, and reducing chronic pain.
It’s important to keep in mind where you’re buying said oils. Not all “essential oils” are created equal. This has to do with purities of the oils. Make sure to buy from reputable companies. Do your research first!
Top Essential Oils For Men:
What do we mean by “for men”. Can’t all essential oils be potentially helpful for men and women?
Of course!
What we simply discuss is that, like it or not, men are drawn more toward certain oils then others for themselves. Again, not always, but the following essential oils seem to be marketed more toward “the man”.
Perfume.com even discussed some “manly scents”. For example, spicy scents, citrusy, clean, musky and earthy.
Of course, this may differ when discussing aromas men are attracted to when applied to another person.
Sacred Sandalwood Essential Oil:
Sandalwood is used in a lot of men’s care products. This includes body washes, shampoos, conditioners, beard products, and cologne. The woodsy aroma of this manly essential oil is perfect for men.
Some evidence suggests Sandalwood essential oil is also helpful in clearing the skin. Getting rid of bacteria and blemishes in various areas of the body. It has a host of other researched benefits you can find more about by clicking on the above link!
Peppermint Essential Oil:
If you’re feeling low energy or tired, peppermint essential oil may be another great scent to try. Essential oils are especially useful in an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser. Specifically, peppermint essential oil is known to many to be a very uplifting aromatic.
Peppermint is suggested to boost mood and energy levels. Merely smelling this sharp scent can help wake you up and alert your senses. This oil in a car diffuser is amazing, especially for a long ride home from a stressful day at work!
An easy way to keep this aroma with you all day could be an aromatherapy bracelet, necklace or an essential oil roller aroma stick.
Tea Tree Essential Oil:
Tea tree essential oils have several uses. It can be used to cleanse and clear your skin. It can also help with hair and scalp health. Oftentimes, tea tree oil is added to shampoo’s, because of it’s hair and scalp benefits. You can also put tea tree oil on your scalp, when diluted in combination with carriers oils.
Tea tree oil is unisex, but is truly the perfect scent for a man. It’s powerful, potent, and gives a man that woodsy, fresh and earthy-type scent profile. Men may also see this used heavily in homemade soaps, and beard oils, as it’s grown in popularity.
This particular essential oil can also be a great additive to all-purpose cleaners when you combine it with water, and vinegar.
Bergamot Essential Oil:
Bergamot comes from the citrus family. It’s native to the Italian peninsula and other Mediterranean countries. It comes from cold pressing the rinds. The powerful orange flavored scent of bergamot is used in many men’s colognes and care products. This is due to its citrusy scent, coupled with a spicy edge. This oil also has antibacterial properties, and can be soothing on the skin and the body, when diluted correctly.
When inhaling this scent, make sure you don’t due this heavily right our of the bottle as it can be irritating to the nose and throat.
Several studies, including one 2017 study involving a mental health waiting room, showed to improve positive feelings or mood.
Aches and pains may be decreased as well when this oil is rubbed into the skin or diffused, as it is said to have analgesic effects.
Vetiver Essential Oil:
Vetiver essential oil is similar to lavender. However, has more of an earthly, woodsy, smoky and outdoorsy scent. What better way to smell as a man. This essential oil is great for relaxation. Many believe it is an aromatic scent, perfect for bedtime usage.
Are you someone not into floral scents. Vetiver can be your alternative. Diffusing this essential oil in the bedroom can be a delight for both you and your partner to get that peaceful night sleep you’ve been yearning for.
In addition, vetiver oil can be used as a cleanser due to it’s touted anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. However, it’s important to properly dilute this oil (and others) prior to application.
Ginger Essential Oil:
Ginger essential oil might not sound appealing at first, but hear us out. When this oil is diffused or put on the skin with a carrier oil, ginger essential oil may help for muscle aches and painful inflamed joints. This potentially due to it’s believed anti-inflammatory effects.
In fact, ginger has long been used for medicinal purposes. This includes:
- nausea
- colds
- migraines
Many of us believe ginger as an ingredient used in the kitchen only. On the contrary, ginger as an essential oil, brings a tangy and spicy scent that is perfect for relaxation and healing.
Frankincense Essential Oil:
The final essential oil for men we discuss is frankincense. Frankincense gives off a very manly and strong aroma. It is known for it’s musty pine, with notes of citrus, spice and earthiness aromatics.
For men and women, it can be a great oil for helping to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety from the body. It’s stress-reducing properties may lend itself in the form of reduction in blood pressure and potentially heart rate as well, as it works to calm you down.
In fact, compounds such as incensole and incensole acetate have shown “anti-depressive activities, due to their ability to activate ion channels in the brain”.
In addition, frankincense has been suggestive to have a good range of medicinal uses for men. For example, reducing pain due to it’s anti-inflammatory compounds.
Final Thoughts!
Their are simply a ton of essential oils and blends that can be enjoyed by men. Many of these oils have been geared more toward men because of their strong woodsy, spicy and earthy aromatics. However, also due to their anecdotal and research driven benefits.
The research on the effects of many essential oils are still early. More controlled trials need to be recorded and documented to really give these natural oils the steam they may deserve.
Be sure to share your favorite masculine smelling essential oils on our blog!
Like any medication, therapy or diet change, you should always consent with your physician or an expert in holistic medication. Never rely solely on these oils for treatment of any medical condition. Please never ingest any of these essential oils, they are to be used externally and in a diluted form!
Resources:
- https://www.youngliving.com/blog/essential-oils-for-men/
- https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2010/gender-stress
- https://www.perfume.com/customer-center/masculinescents
- https://www.fragrancex.com/blog/best-essential-oils-for-men/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/ginger-oil#uses
- https://hysses.com/blogs/tips/top-5-essential-oil-scents-for-men-s-health
- https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/most-commonly-used-essential-oils
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5434918/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30802641/
