July 07, 2021

Missing an Oil? Essential Oil Substitutes & Substitution Chart

We’ve all been there—you reach for your favorite essential oil only to realize the bottle is empty. Whether you use essential oils for relaxation, pain relief, immune support, or to freshen up your home, running out of a key oil can feel like hitting a roadblock. But don’t worry—you don’t have to put your wellness routine on pause! Many essential oils have similar properties, making it easy to find a substitute that works just as well (or maybe even better!).

At Herbal Mana, we’re all about helping you Hurt Less and Live More, which means making natural solutions simple and stress-free. So, let’s dive into the best essential oil substitutes to keep your routine running smoothly. And if you’re looking for an even easier way to get powerful, blended relief, we’ve got you covered.

Essential Oils for Pain Relief

For many, peppermint oil is a go-to for pain relief. But what if you're all out?  Don't worry! There are a bunch of other oils that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties you can use when you're experiencing pain. They include:

Relaxation Essential Oils

missing an oil essential oil substitutes substitution chart close up of lavender flowers in a lavender field essential oil for relaxation

Many essential oils have relaxing effects. You can use any of these calming essential oils to create a relaxing blend or just to de-stress after a long day.

Essential Oils for Anxiety and Mood Support

Millions of people suffer from anxiety and symptoms of depression, but aromatherapy may help. Many essential oils have active compounds that can help uplift your mood and keep worries at bay. Some of our favorites are: 

Essential Oils for Cold Symptoms

Fighting cold & flu season? Supporting your system's ability to fight bacteria and infections is important at any age.  And moms know all too well that those cuts and scratches must be cleaned to avoid infection. Essential oils offer potent antibacterial and antiviral properties if you don't have that triple antibiotic on hand or prefer a natural option. The four main essential oils that fall into this category and can be swapped out for one another are: 

  • Cinnamon Oil—One study focused on cinnamon oil to determine its efficacy in stopping bacterial growth. The study, done on patients with root canals, found that one to two weeks after the procedure was performed, cinnamon oil eliminated bacterial growth.
  • Oregano Oil—Studies have been ongoing on the ability of oregano oil to fight bacterial infections. Oregano has been mixed with colloidal silver to help fight drug-resistant bacteria strains.
  • Tea Tree Oil—One of the best-known oils for fighting bacteria, tea tree oil is effective when applied topically. Research shows the oil’s ability to fight against E. coli and staph infections. It can be combined with eucalyptus to help eliminate chest colds. When applied topically, the benefits of tea tree oil work very well when mixed with either honey or coconut oil. Note: Tea Tree (aka Melaleuca) should NEVER be ingested. 
  • Thyme Oil—Drops of thyme oil placed on bacteria, in this case, salmonella and bacteria found in milk, stopped the bacteria from growing. Researchers concluded that thyme oil acts as an antimicrobial preservative and can also help protect against bacteria growth.

Scent-Based Essential Oil Substitutions

Sometimes, you just want a particular aroma in the air. Whether diffusing for ambiance or crafting a personal fragrance, here’s how to swap out missing scents! 

Floral

missing an oil essential oil substitutes substitution chart close up of white flower in bloom blurred background

Derived from flowering plants, if you’re looking for a floral scent, any one of these oils will work:

Earthy/Woody

These are more masculine scents that are fresh and natural. Feel free to mix and match these woody, earthy essential oils:

Citrus

Citrusy essential oils are uplifting, refreshing, sweet, and purifying. If your recipe calls for a citrus-based oil, here are some substitutes:

  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Grapefruit
  • Sweet orange
  • Bergamot
  • Citronella
  • Lemongrass 
  • Mandarin
  • Tangerine

Camphoraceous

Essential oils that fall into this category have a camphoraceous smell that is a strong, aromatic odor similar to camphor. It can also be described as medicinal, cool, and sharp. Camphoraceous substitutions include: 

Take the Guesswork Out of Essential Oils

Instead of scrambling for substitutions every time you run out of an oil, why not use a blend that already has multiple powerful essential oils working together? That’s why we created Herbal Mana’s expertly crafted relief solutions, designed to give you the benefits of multiple oils in one convenient formula.

For example:
✔️ Need pain relief? Our Alpha Warrior Cream blends Frankincense, Peppermint, Camphor, and more to fight inflammation and soothe sore muscles.
✔️ Looking for calming support? Our Inner Warrior+ Cream combines Lavender, Chamomile, and 7 other soothing essential oils known to ease stress and promote relaxation.
✔️ Want a versatile essential oil solution? Our Frankincense Bundle delivers deep relief, immune support, and emotional balance—all in one set.

When your goal is to Hurt Less and Live More, Herbal Mana is here to help. Ready to make your essential oil routine effortless? Explore our essential oil-infused solutions today!

Essential Oil Substitution Chart

To make things even easier, we’ve put together a quick-reference chart so you can always find the perfect essential oil substitute when you need it. Bookmark this page or save the image for easy access!  With the right substitutes—and a little help from Herbal Mana—you never have to let a missing oil slow you down. Keep this guide handy, explore our blends, and keep living your best life, naturally!

missing an oil essential oil substitutes substitution chart

Essential Oil Substitution chart by scent

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