Aroma stick: the portable inhaler for your essential oils
Abyss Glass
You love enjoying your essential oils during the day, but neither the bottle nor the diffuser is really practical to take with you. The aroma stick, also called an inhaler, is designed precisely for that: a small portable tube that fits in a pocket and that you breathe from in a few seconds. Here is what an aroma stick is, how to use it, its advantages and its limits, and what to turn to if you are looking for something even simpler and more elegant.
What is an aroma stick (or inhaler)?
An aroma stick is a small tube, often the size of a lip balm, that contains an absorbent wick. You place a few drops of essential oil on the wick, close it, and then all you have to do is unscrew the cap and breathe in to enjoy the scent. It is one of the simplest supports for olfaction, the way of enjoying essential oils through the sense of smell that we detail in our guide what is olfactotherapy.
Its main advantage: the wick holds the oil for several weeks, and the closed tube prevents the scent from evaporating or spreading around you.
How to use an aroma stick
It is easy to use right away:
- Place a few drops of essential oil on the absorbent wick of the stick.
- Close the tube and let the wick soak up the oil for a few moments.
- When you feel the need, unscrew the cap and breathe in slowly a few centimeters from your nose.
- Close it after use: the scent will keep for next time.
A few breaths are enough. Like all olfaction, the stick is used occasionally, whenever you feel like it.
Advantages and limits of the aroma stick
The stick ticks a lot of boxes, but not all of them:
- Advantages: portable, discreet, no diffusion around you, the wick holds the oil for several weeks, and it does not leak.
- Limits: it is a purely functional accessory that you have to take out and then put away every time, and it often ends up forgotten at the bottom of a bag. It does not really have any presence or charm.
Stick, handkerchief, pebble or jewelry: which one to choose?
To breathe in your essential oils without a diffuser, several portable supports exist, each with its own trade-off:
For a complete overview of all the methods, see our guide using essential oils without a diffuser, and the simplest of them in dry inhalation.
Precaution: some essential oils, including peppermint and eucalyptus, are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children and people with epilepsy. Always check the contraindications of the oil you use and ask a healthcare professional for advice if in doubt.
Olfactotherapy jewelry: the stick, only more elegant
Olfactotherapy jewelry follows exactly the same principle as the stick, breathing in your scent at close range, but without the accessory to take out and put away. You place a few drops of essential oil in the olfactotherapy® pendant using a dropper, and the scent stays with you for several days, worn on you. Nothing more to search for at the bottom of your bag: just bring the piece of jewelry to your nose.
Flameworked and handmade in the Hautes-Pyrénées, each pendant is a one-of-a-kind piece, both jewelry and a well-being object. To get started with everything you need, the olfactotherapy® gift box brings together the piece of jewelry, an essential oil of your choice, a dropper and a booklet. Discover the olfactotherapy pendants →
Frequently asked questions
How long does the oil last in an aroma stick?
Depending on the oil and how often you use it, the wick generally holds the scent for several weeks before it needs to be recharged with a few drops.
Can you put several essential oils in a stick?
Yes, you can create a blend of a few oils. It is better, however, to dedicate one stick to one scent so as not to mix uses, and to remain attentive to the precautions for each oil.
Is the aroma stick suitable for children?
Many essential oils are not recommended for young children. Before any use involving them, ask a healthcare professional for advice.
What is the difference between an aroma stick and diffuser jewelry?
The principle is the same, breathing in a scent at close range. The stick is an accessory that you take out and put away; the jewelry is worn on you, always within reach of your nose, and also has real aesthetic value.
This article is intended as well-being information and does not constitute medical advice. Essential oils must be used with care; if in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.
