A Guide to Aroma: Understanding the Oils in doTERRA Blends
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When you open a bottle of essential oil, you’re not just smelling something pleasant — you’re experiencing the power of plant chemistry and tradition working together. Some oils calm the mind, others uplift the spirit, and some give courage and strength.
This guide walks you through the major aromatic categories found in doTERRA blends and explains why they affect the mind and emotions in such unique ways.
Frankincense – Biblical Resin
Frankincense was used in Jewish temple rituals (Exodus 30:34–36) and was one of the gifts brought to Christ (Matthew 2:11). Traditionally burned in worship, it symbolized prayer and communion with God. Modern research shows that sesquiterpenes like α-pinene and incensole acetate in frankincense interact with the brain’s limbic system, influencing mood, memory, and relaxation.
Effect: Frankincense restores and centers the mind, bringing calm, peace, and emotional grounding.
Featured in: InTune®, Console®, Northern Escape®, Balance®, Stronger®
Conifers – Evergreen Forest Steadiness
Examples: Black Spruce, Douglas Fir, Siberian Fir, Cypress, Hinoki
Conifer oils are cone-bearing trees that remain green year-round, which is why they are also called evergreens. They are rich in compounds like bornyl acetate and α-pinene, which research has shown to reduce stress hormones, improve breathing, and calm the nervous system. Studies on “forest bathing” (shinrin-yoku) highlight their ability to lower cortisol and promote resilience.
Effect: Conifer oils steady emotions, create a sense of rootedness, and refresh the mind like a walk through the forest.
Featured in: Steady®, Balance®, Northern Escape®, Shinrin Yoku®
Magnolia, Ho Wood (linalool Rich)– Grounding & Steadying Oils
Magnolia and Ho Wood are both rich in linalool, a compound studied for its calming effects on the nervous system and its ability to reduce anxious feelings. Linalool interacts with GABA receptors in the brain, helping the body and mind move into a state of rest and composure. Adaptiv® includes both Magnolia and Lavender, which makes it especially effective for balancing emotions and encouraging inner peace.
Effect: Linalool-rich oils are deeply grounding, steadying the emotions, and promoting inner balance and comfort.
Featured in: Balance®, Citrus Bloom®, Shinrin Yoku®, Steady®, Adaptiv®
Lavender – Calming, Soothing Oils
Lavender is well-researched for its calming properties, largely due to linalool and linalyl acetate. Clinical studies show lavender can reduce anxiousness, lower heart rate, and support balanced mood without sedation.
Effect: Lavender calms nerves, reduces anxious feelings, and helps restore peace of mind in daily life.
Featured in: Adaptiv®, Citrus Bloom®, Serenity®, Calmer®
Ylang Ylang – Exotic, Nurturing Oils
Ylang Ylang contains linalool and germacrene, compounds linked with reducing blood pressure and stress responses. Its aroma is often described as sensual and heart-opening, supporting emotional connection.
Effect: Ylang Ylang nurtures the heart, creating feelings of being loved, cherished, and emotionally supported.
Featured in: Console®, InTune®, Serenity®
Rose – Emotional Healing Oil
Rose is one of the most precious and emotionally restorative oils. Its aroma is gentle and nurturing, providing comfort in times of grief or emotional heaviness. Rose is high in citronellol and geraniol, both studied for their uplifting and stabilizing effects on mood.
Effect: Rose comforts the heart, gently healing grief and restoring hope and joy.
Featured in: Console®, Stronger®
Vanilla – Comfort & Reassurance
Though not a true essential oil, vanilla’s main compound, vanillin, has antioxidant and mood-supporting properties. Its sweet and familiar aroma helps balance more intense oils in blends.
Effect: Vanilla provides warmth and reassurance, softening sharper aromas and creating a comforting presence.
Featured in: Serenity®, Citrus Bliss®, Motivate®, Cheer®
Copaiba – Gentle Grounding Oil
Copaiba is rich in β-caryophyllene, which interacts with CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Research shows it may help regulate stress and support overall emotional balance.
Effect: Copaiba gently grounds emotions, promoting resilience and calm during stressful moments.
Featured in: Adaptiv®
Mint & Herbal Oils – Focus & Clarity
Examples: Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint, Basil
Mint and herb oils are rich in menthol, 1,8-cineole, and rosmarinic acid, compounds that improve alertness, memory, and mental performance. Inhalation studies show increased oxygen flow and activity in brain regions tied to attention.
Effect: Mint and herbal oils refresh the senses, sharpen memory, and promote sustained concentration.
Featured in: Adaptiv®, Motivate®, Thinker®
Citrus Oils – Bright & Uplifting
Examples: Wild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Tangerine, Clementine
Citrus oils are dominated by limonene, which has been shown to elevate mood, reduce stress, and support positive outlooks. Their fresh aroma works quickly on the limbic system to lighten emotions.
Effect: Citrus oils uplift the spirit, spark joy, and refresh the atmosphere like sunshine.
Featured in: Adaptiv®, Cheer®, Citrus Bloom®, Citrus Bliss®, Motivate®, Shinrin Yoku®, Thinker®, Brave®
Warming Oils – Spicy, Courageous
Examples: Clove, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger
These oils are high in eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and other phenols that increase circulation and create a warming effect. They are traditionally used to strengthen the body and encourage vitality.
Effect: Warming oils energize the emotions, fostering courage, passion, and resilience.
Featured in: Passion®, Northern Escape®, Cheer®, Brave®
Melissa & Litsea – Rare Uplifters
Melissa is high in citral and is known as one of the most precious uplifting oils, studied for reducing anxious feelings and promoting calm alertness. Litsea, with a similar lemony profile, also contains citral and helps refresh and inspire.
Effect: Melissa and Litsea brighten the emotions, release discouragement, and inspire confidence and clarity.
Featured in: Melissa → Motivate® | Litsea → Stronger®
🌟 Final Thoughts
Essential oils are more than just aromas — they connect body, mind, and spirit. Whether you need calm, courage, joy, or focus, there’s a blend designed to support your journey.