Magnolia essential oil is known for its emotional benefits and its heavenly aroma. This elusive oil can become a shining star in your oil collection, read more to find out Magnolia Essential Oil uses and benefits. You will also find several DIY Magnolia oil recipes and diffuser blends.
Magnolia flowers have been used in Chinese traditional health practices for hundreds of years, where it has been cherished for its therapeutic benefits and steeped into a fragrant tea.
The sweetly floral aroma of magnolia essential oil is sedative and relaxing, yet has uplifting actions.
Magnolia Essential Oil Facts
This desirable essential oil is steam distilled from the petals of the magnolia tree. Magnolia essential oil is costly due to the difficulty growing and harvesting the flower blossoms.
Like lavender and bergamot essential oil, magnolia primarily contains linalool. Linalool rich oils have powerful soothing and relaxing benefits to the emotions and skin.
Botanical Name |
Michelia Alba, Magnolia Alba |
Botanical Family | Magnoliaceae |
AKA |
White Champaca, White Jade Orchid |
Note | Middle |
Aroma | Sweet, floral, fresh, champagne-like |
Extraction Method | Steam distilled |
Plant Part Used | Flowers |
Shelf Life | 2-3 years |
Kid Safe? | No |
Safety Concerns | Avoid old or oxidized oils, they may cause skin sensitization. Store oil in dark, airtight container. Not phototoxic. Do not ingest. |
Main Constituents: Linalool. See Essential Oil Safety for a complete list of constituents.
Magnolia Essential Oil Blends Well With
Magnolia oil blends well with other floral aromas, as well as citrus oils. It can add a lovely, sweet scent to essential oil blends without being overpowering.
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Coriander seed
- Frankincense
- Lemon
- Tangerine
- Grapefruit
- Lavender
- Orange
- Ylang ylang
- Jasmine
- Geranium
- Mandarin
- Sweet marjoram
- Helichrysum
- Melissa
- Petitgrain
- Rose
- Neroli
Therapeutic Uses:
Scars, wounds, muscular aches, abdominal cramp, intestinal spasm, fear-induced anxiety, insomnia, inability to communicate, stress-related tension, depression (from The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Wormwood, page 601).
Magnolia Essential Oil Benefits
Magnolia has been described as “heaven in a bottle”. Besides its wonderful aroma, check out these benefits you can enjoy when using topically or aromatically:
- Relaxes the mind and body
- Soothes and moisturizes the skin
- Acts as a natural sedative (great for bedtime!)
- Creates a calm and serene atmosphere
- Stimulates the generation of new cells, beneficial for skin
- Soothes aches and pains – has analgesic properties
- Uplifts when feeling down and grounding when anxious
- Promotes circulation and relieves congestion
- Eases discomfort from abdominal or menstrual cramps (antispasmodic properties)
Magnolia essential oil is also known for its anti-aging properties and ability to improve skin health. If you are looking for an all-natural way to improve your health and well-being, Magnolia essential oil may be right for you.
Magnolia Essential Oil Uses
Magnolia essential oil has a wide range of potential uses, from combating stress and anxiety to promoting restful sleep. This versatile oil can be used in diffusers, as a massage oil, or even added to a bath.
Magnolia oil’s sweet, floral scent is also believed to boost self-esteem and confidence. In addition to its many benefits for mental and emotional wellbeing, magnolia essential oil is also said to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Though magnolia essential oil is relatively gentle, it should always be diluted before use. Now that you can see the benefits of magnolia oil, here are some ways you can enjoy this floral essential oil:
Use Magnolia Oil as Natural Perfume
Magnolia essential oil is a perfect natural perfume for those who are looking for something floral and elegant. It can be used on a diffuser necklace or bracelet.
Magnolia oil is also said to have stress-relieving properties, making it an ideal choice for an evening out or special event. If you choose to wear it as a perfume, it is advisable to reapply every few hours to ensure that the scent lasts all day.
- Make an all natural perfume roll on – see recipe below
- Add 2 drops to hair brush for amazingly scented hair
- Add a few drops of magnolia to unscented lotion, hand cream, or body oil and apply to body in place of perfume
Whether you are looking for a natural perfume, white jade orchid perfume, or simply wanting to try something new, Magnolia essential oil is definitely worth exploring.
Inhale the Floral Scent of Magnolia
Inhaling the oil of the magnolia flower can help to soothe anxiety, promote relaxation, reduce stress levels, and invite a sense of calm. In addition, magnolia oil can also help to improve sleep quality. Inhaling the oil before bedtime can help to promote restful sleep and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
- Place one drop in the palm of hand, rub hands together then deeply inhale the aroma
- Place 1-2 drops on the shower floor just before you get in
- Diffuse to brighten the atmosphere and uplift spirits – see Magnolia Diffuser Blends below
- Place one drop on a diffuser necklace for emotional support
Use Magnolia Essential Oil for Skin Care Benefits
Magnolia oil is gaining popularity for its skin care benefits. It’s known to be helpful in fighting acne, reducing inflammation, and evening out skin tone. Due to these properties, magnolia oil is an natural option for acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
For best results, Magnolia essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin. When used correctly, Magnolia essential oil can help to improve the overall appearance of your skin.
- Create a custom facial serum by adding magnolia oil to carrier oils like jojoba or rosehip oil
- Moisturize skin with a diluted blend of rose and magnolia oil
Magnolia Diffuser Blends
Magnolia diffuser blends can help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any home. Magnolia oil is known for its sweet, floral aroma, and its ability to boost mood. When combined with other essential oils, such as lemon or lavender, magnolia oil can help to freshen the air and provide a variety of benefits.
Whether you are looking to create a relaxing environment or simply want to enjoy the fresh, floral scent of magnolia oil, diffusing a Magnolia Diffuser Blend is a great way to do it.
Beauty Sleep Diffuser Blend |
Diffusing magnolia oil can help to reduce stress levels and promote restful sleep. Try this sweet blend of sedative and relaxing oils.
Directions: Add essential oils to a diffuser with the recommended water for your machine. Read more about diffusing essential oils. |
Field of Flowers Diffuser Blend |
Dispel negativity and inspire feelings of love and comfort.
Directions: Add essential oils to a diffuser with the recommended water for your machine. |
Magnolia Bloom Diffuser Blend |
Beautiful blend of sweet and fruity aromas to brighten your space.
Directions: Add essential oils to a diffuser with the recommended water for your machine. |
Renewal Diffuser Blend |
This lovely blend will help to ease tension in both mind and body.
Directions: Add essential oils to a diffuser with the recommended water for your machine. |
Magnolia Dreams Diffuser Blend |
Use this recipe to help promote peaceful sleep.
Directions: Add essential oils to a diffuser with the recommended water for your machine. |
Tropical Breeze Diffuser Blend |
Uplift the mood and create a sense of balance.
Directions: Add essential oils to a diffuser with the recommended water for your machine. |
Magnolia Essential Oil Recipes
Magnolia oil is a great option for all-natural skin care and aromatherapy. Check out these recipes with magnolia essential oil.
Heavenly Sugar Scrub Recipe |
Renew and refresh skin with this exfoliating scrub, the aroma is heavenly!
Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and place into jar. To use, scoop out a small amount and rub onto desired areas for exfoliating action. |
Magnolia Bliss Room Spray Recipe |
Emotionally supportive blend to create a relaxed environment.
Directions: Add essential oils to bottle and swirl to blend, fill rest of bottle with distilled water, shake well . To use, shake and spritz into air, enjoy the calming aroma. |
Heavenly Perfume Roller Blend |
Magnolia is a highly desirable scent for perfume blends.
Directions: Add oils into 10 ml Rollerball bottle and fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil (or favorite carrier oil). To use, roll on pulse points (wrists, neck, inner elbow). 3% dilution. |
Antispasmodic Roller Blend |
Abdominal or menstrual cramps got you bent over in agony? Try this blend of antispasmodic & analgesic oils.
Directions: Add oils into 10 ml Rollerball bottle and fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil (or favorite carrier oil). To use, roll on neck and shoulders to relieve muscle discomfort. 3% dilution. |
Aloe Skin Nourishing Gel |
Hydrate skin with this nourishing oil blend in a base of aloe vera gel.
Directions: Add ingredients to bottle and shake to blend. To use, apply gel to desired area. |
Sweet Slumber Bath Salt Blend |
Perfect recipe to use during night time for great relaxation before going to sleep. If making recipe ahead of time or giving as a gift, store in a 2 oz glass jar.
Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Fill tub with warm water. Before getting in, add bath salt to water and swirl with hand to blend in. Use full recipe for bath soak. To use recipe for a foot soak, use 1 tablespoon in a foot bath. |
Serene Inhaler Blend |
Creates feelings of calm and relaxation.
Directions: Add essential oils to cotton wick and insert into inhaler. Read more about using aromatherapy inhalers. |
Where to Buy Magnolia Essential Oil?
Buy only high quality, 100% pure essential oils when purchasing. If you are looking to buy magnolia essential oil, here are some brands we like:
Magnolia Essential Oil Substitutes
Magnolia essential oil is a popular choice for aromatherapy and natural beauty products. Its sweet, floral scent is known to promote relaxation and stress relief.
Magnolia oil is also said to be beneficial for the skin, providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, Magnolia oil can be expensive, and it can be difficult to find.
Fortunately, there are several Magnolia Essential Oil substitutes that can provide similar benefits. Check out these magnolia essential oil alternatives:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most popular Magnolia substitutes. Like Magnolia oil, Lavender oil is known for its calming properties. It can also help to soothe dry or irritated skin.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Another option is Bergamot oil, which has a citrusy scent that can help to uplift the mood and reduce stress levels.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Finally, Ylang Ylang oil has a sweet, floral scent that is reminiscent of Magnolia oil. In addition to its pleasant aroma, Ylang Ylang oil is said to promote relaxation and relieve tension headaches. With so many options available, there is sure to be a Magnolia Essential Oil substitute that meets your needs.
General Essential Oil Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids.
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 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? Get our guide below or read more here: Essential Oils for Beginners