10 Warm and Cozy Essential Oils

By Mark Piatt

Updated on January 2, 2021

So, you want your home to have that warm and cozy feeling, you know the type I am talking about.  You know there are some homes you walk into and can instantly tell it is a warm and inviting home.  Much of that cozy feeling comes from the aromas filling the home.  What better way to create these warm and cozy aromas than with natural essential oils?  When using essential oils with an aromatherapy diffuser, you can create that feeling anywhere in your home.

What are some of the best essential oils that can provide that warm, cozy feeling? 

Here is what we think are the top 10 best essential oils in alphabetical order: 

Essential Oil	Aroma	Properties
Black Pepper	warm, pungent, spicy, and crisp.	uplifting, stimulate the mind.
Cardamon	smooth, balsamic and slightly spicy.	uplifting, enhance romantic moments, relaxing.
Cinnamon	sweet, warm, lush, and spicy, subtle earthy undertones.	reduced depression, anxiety, better sleep, relaxing.
Clove	Strong, rich, spicy, woody, Sweet, mild floral aroma.	Uplifting, inspires courage, increase mental focus.
Ginger	Sweet, spicy, woody, warm.	Self-assuredness, empowerment, relieve stress and tension, anxiety, depression, exhaustion.
Juniper Berry	Warm & inviting, crisp, balsamic, woody, sweet with earthy undertones.	reduce anxiety, improve memory, mental clarity, calming, relaxing.
Marjoram	warm & sweet, herbaceous, woody & spicy.	happiness, uplifting, calming, relieve stress, sleep aid.
Myrrh	warm, earthy, and woody, sharp, & astringent.	calms, protects, strengthens, inspires, peaceful, promotes inner stillness.
Rosemary	powerful, warm, fresh & woody.	stay alert & focused, invigorating.
Thyme	herbaceous, warm, penetrating, strong, spicy.	promote better sleep, increase courage, mental awareness, reduce anxiety and stress.

DISCLAIMER

Information provided in this article is for educational purposes only.  For possible treatments of physical or mental diseases, please seek a trained and licensed health professional.  Enchanted Aromatics is not responsible for any adverse side effects resulting from the use of any suggestions, products, preparations, or procedures mentioned or from following historical uses of essential oils.

With all that out of the way, let us get started. 

Why use essential oils in your home to create a warm and cozy feeling? 

Sure, you can go to your local grocery store and purchase some of those aromatic plugins, sprays, or candles that are full of nasty ingredients including synthesized chemicals, aerosols made from butane, and other similar products and other yucky stuff. Or you can use essential oils that are extracted directly from the plant.  No added chemicals (if you purchase your essential oils from a reputable source).  When used in your diffuser, you will be using nothing more than essential oil and water.    

In addition to giving your home that warm and cozy feeling, essential oils can help lift your spirits and awaken your dulled senses.  Besides being used in a diffuser, if applied correctly, many of these essential oils have physical warming and stimulating abilities. 

General Essential Oil Guidelines

Keep in mind this article is mainly focused on using essential oils in a diffuser for their aromatic properties.  You can use many essential oils topically and some can be ingested.  But keep in mind that essential oils can have many side effects.  Because of this, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils unless you understand the risks.

Also, be aware that essential oils have many healing properties.  Many of these properties are backed by scientific studies and some are more anecdotal.  We will not be discussing any of these properties in this article.  You can easily find this information by doing a quick search on the internet.

Here are some basic safety precautions for using essential oils around your home.

• Do not take internally unless directed by a medical professional.
• avoid applying to eyes, sensitive areas, or mucous membranes, or applying undiluted to the skin.
• Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should not use essential oils without first consulting a medical professional.
• Keep essential oils from, and out of reach of children.
• If you are experiencing adverse side effects, stop using immediately.
• The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnoses, treatment, or mitigation of any physical or mental illness.
• The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Details on each of the 10 essential oils mentioned

Black Pepper

Black Pepper Essential Oil is from the Piper nigrum woody vine in the Piperaceae family.  Black pepper was one of the earliest commodities to be traded and was once referred to as “black gold”.  It was even used as a currency.  Although there are over 1000 species of the genus Piper, the essential oil is usually distilled from Piper nigrum.

The essential oil is derived from the berries of a tree-clinging vine.  The berries are red, and once they mature and turn black, these peppercorns as they are called are steam distilled to extract the essential oil.

Sure, we use black pepper regularly to add flavor to our food, but it can do a whole lot more than just stimulate our taste buds. Believe it or not, this is one of the best essential oils for creating a warm and cozy feeling in your home.

The warm, pungent, spicy, and crisp aroma of Piper nigrum will help stimulate the mind and can be used therapeutically to get the blood circulating and to keep you warm. 

Black pepper essential oil has thermogenic properties which means it can raise the body temperature and can promote blood circulation.  Because of the ability of black pepper essential oil being able to increase blood circulation, it is used by aromatherapists and massage therapists as part of their regular regimen.  You can find various massage blends that include Piper nigrum in their ingredients. 

Be aware that black pepper can be a strong irritant, so if you plan on using it topically, be sure and dilute it with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil. 

Cardamom

Cardamom essential oil may not be one of those typical essential oils you see at the stores or on your shelf, but this magical essential oil is worth getting to know.  It is known as one of the traditional “warming” essential oils.  It is also the third most expensive spice in the world after saffron and pure vanilla.  Its scientific name is Elettaria cardamomumIt and belongs to the same family as ginger and shares the same warming properties as ginger.

Cardamom is an herb that can grow up to 13 feet tall with shoots that can go up to 20 feet.  The herb produces a fruit that can hold between 15-20 seeds.  Just before these seeds are matured, they are picked and allowed to dry. Cardamom essential oil is steam distilled from the dried cardamom seeds. 

Cardamom is a warming essential oil that has a smooth, balsamic and slightly spicy aroma that can help stimulate and clear the mind.  Some say there is a hint of lemon and woody undertones in the aroma.  The fragrance is very popular in the beauty industry.  You can find cardamom in perfumes, soaps, and lotions. 

This essential oil also has stimulating properties that can be uplifting for many people.  Use in a blend to help enhance that special romantic moment. 

When blending cardamom with other essential oils, it blends well with other citrus essential oils such as bergamot and orange.  It is also a good complement to floral essential oils such as ylang ylang and rose oil.  It will also blend well with other spiced essential oils such as clove or black pepper.

Cinnamon

The warm and spicy aroma of cinnamon essential oil is often associated with the holiday season. The essential oil is extracted through steam distillation and can come from the bark or the leaves. Cinnamon is usually extracted from two species, Cinnamomum verum and the Cinnamomum cassia tree. When it comes from the bark, the aroma tends to be more powerful compared to when it is extracted from the leaves.  Cinnamon leaf essential oil usually has a lighter, less intense fragrance.

Cinnamon is one of the most ancient aromatics used.  Cinnamon oil has been known to be more valuable than gold at times.  Wars have been fought over this spice.  

Please keep in mind that the scent of cinnamon can be quite strong and overpowering, so use it in small amounts and usually combined with other essential oils. The exotic scent of cinnamon essential oil is spicy and sweet with subtle earthy undertones. For many of us, cinnamon brings back memories of delicious cookies and other sweets along with warm and cozy days sitting in front of a fireplace during those cold winter months.

As an added benefit, cinnamon is said to be a mild aphrodisiac.  Ancient Egyptians would include cinnamon in their love potions.

Clove

The Chinese have used this herb for centuries because of its warming properties.  They claim Clove warms the middle jiao, warms the kidneys, and warms the digestive system.  This essential oil is steam distilled from the buds and stems of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. 

There are 3 different versions of clove oil:

• Bud Oil – extracted from the buds.  This has between 60% – 90% eugenol.
• Leaf Oil – extracted from the leaves.  This has between 82% – 88% eugenol.
• Stem Oil – extracted from the stems.  This has between 90% – 95% eugenol.

Eugenol oil has a pleasant spicy aroma.  Eugenol has anesthetic properties but can cause severe liver damage if ingested along with other serious health issues. 

The strong, spicy, and woodsy aroma with a hint of bitterness of clove essential oil is an excellent warming essential oil.  This is a powerful aroma, so a little can go a long way.  It is said this aroma has an uplifting effect on the mood and can be helpful to inspire feelings of courage and increase mental focus. 

If you plan to use clove essential oil, do not apply it directly to your skin since it can burn you.  Be sure and dilute it first with a carrier oil.  Because this is such a powerful essential oil, it can be overwhelming at times.  If you are blending clove with other essential oils, use small amounts of clove since it can overpower the other essential oils.

Ginger

Ginger is widely known as a flavoring agent in many dishes and desserts.  But its wonderful “holiday-like smell” can make any home smell warm and cozy.  Ginger is a flowering plant that grows about 3 feet tall and is in the family Zingiberaceae. This family also includes turmeric and cardamom.  The essential oil is steam distilled from the underground stem of the ginger plant. 

Ginger essential oil is mainly considered a warming essential oil when applied topically.  But the aroma of ginger has a sweet, spicy, woody, and warm scent.  When used as aromatherapy, it is believed that the aroma can bring on feelings of self-assuredness and empowerment. You can also use this wonderful essential oil to help relieve stress and tension.  Studies have shown that the aroma of ginger can relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, and exhaustion.  This aroma has a natural cozy, warming feeling.  Just think of fresh gingerbread cookies.   

Also, keep in mind, like clove oil, ginger essential oil has many medical-related properties when used properly. 

Juniper Berry

Most of the time when you purchase juniper berry essential oil, it will be steam distilled from the fresh or dried berries and needles of the tree known as Juniperus communis.  When purchasing juniper berry essential oil, always look to see where it came from.  Do not purchase juniper berry essential oil if it came from Morocco, Albania, or Belgium, as it is listed as critically endangered in those locations.    

The aroma of juniper is warm and cozy, while at the same time, inviting.   It has a crisp, balsamic woody, and sweet aroma with earthy undertones. Some say it has a fresh, smoky aroma.  Either way, the aroma is reminiscent of walking through an evergreen forest.   

In aromatherapy, juniper berry essential oil is used to help reduce anxiety and improve memory, mental clarity, and relaxation.  For many people, the aroma from juniper berry essential oil has a calming effect and is excellent to use when you are having a stressed-out day or just feeling burned out.  Being a purifying essential oil, juniper berry is an excellent choice to cleanse and freshen the aroma in your room.  Juniper berry essential oil is an excellent essential oil to use during meditation.

Juniper berry essential oil can be found in many household cleaning products, aromatherapy blends, and fragrance sprays.

Marjoram

Warming and sweet, sweet marjoram packs a wonderfully refreshing punch.  This herb is known as the “happiness herb”.  The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the perennial marjoram plant, Origanum majorana, which mainly grows in the Mediterranean region.  It is a close cousin of oregano.  According to Greek mythology, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, used this herb for making love potions. 

Marjoram is another woody and spicy herb that has a warm and cozy aroma.  Scientific studies have shown this herb can help calm people down and improve blood pressure.  When you are in the right frame of mind, marjoram can help give you a tremendous sense of well-being.

Keep in mind there are two types of marjoram.  Spanish marjoram and sweet marjoram.  Spanish marjoram is high in a compound known as 1,8 cineole and is high in oxides.  Spanish marjoram has a different aroma, and carries more risks, especially when used around young children and some adults who are more sensitive.  Spanish marjoram can cause respiratory problems.  So be sure and use sweet marjoram.

Myrrh

Myrrh essential oil is steam distilled from the resin of the myrrh tree.  This tree or shrub grows about 10 feet tall and is native to Africa, eastern Mediterranean countries, and South Arabia.  The scientific name for this species is Commiphora molmol. Cuts are made to the bark which allows the resin to ooze out.  When hardened, it turns into a dark reddish/brown mass.  It is from this resin that the essential oil is extracted through steam distillation.

Probably most famously, this is one of the three gifts given to baby Jesus.  Myrrh has long been used in Chinese medicine and is being given a closer look by modern scientists for various health benefits. 

The nice scent from myrrh is warm, earthy, and woody.  Some may describe the aroma as being sharp and astringent. 

This fabulous oil grounds, warms, calms, protects, and strengthens.  Myrrh can inspire prayer and meditation.  For this reason, it is very common for myrrh to be used during religious ceremonies.  For many people, the aroma of myrrh is calming and peaceful and creates a cozy atmosphere.  When used in meditation, myrrh creates a tranquil environment that helps promote contemplation.  Spiritually, myrrh supports inner stillness and peace.  During religious ceremonies and rituals, myrrh is used for protection.   

Myrrh is also used as a fragrance in cosmetics and as a flavoring agent in various foods and beverages.

Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil comes from an evergreen shrub known as Rosmarinus officinalis and is a member of the mint family.   It is steam distilled from the needle-like leaves.  It is important to know that rosemary essential oil comes in different chemotypes.  What is a chemotype? 

A chemotype of a plant means the same species of a plant can produce essential oils with different types of chemical compounds.  This typically occurs when the plant is grown under different growing conditions.  Because each chemotype has a different chemical makeup, it means that each chemotype has different attributes.  For Rosemary, there are typically 6 different chemotypes: camphor, borneol, cineole, limonene, verbenone, and Pinene.

The chemotype that you are mainly interested in using in a diffuser is Rosemary cineole.  It has the lowest camphor content.  Camphor can cause seizures or death when swallowed. 

Rosemary essential oil is one of the most aromatic essential oils that you can buy. If you are looking for that warm and cozy aroma, this is the essential oil for you.

The aroma of rosemary essential oil is a warm, powerful, fresh, and woody fragrance that is invigorating.  This is an excellent essential oil to use when you are wanting to stay alert and focused.  Great to use during long study sessions. 

Thyme

Thyme essential oil comes from a small perennial evergreen bushy herb known as Thymus vulgaris.   Thyme is in the Lamiaceae family, which includes other minty plants.  This herb has been used throughout history and is one of the earliest recorded herbs.  The essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the herb.  This essential oil also comes in different chemotypes.  The chemotype you want to use in your diffuser is Thyme linalool.  It has a softer, sweeter scent.

The aroma of thyme essential oil is warm, herbaceous, spicy strong, penetrating, and therapeutic.  During the middle ages, thyme was given to troops to increase their courage during battle.  Also, people would place thyme under their pillows to promote better sleep and to help reduce the occurrence of nightmares.   Thyme can be used to help increase mental awareness, reduce anxiety, and reduce stress. 

Because thyme is a natural antiseptic, you will find it as an ingredient in some mouthwashes.

Conclusion

These 10 essential oils we have listed are just a few of the many essential oils that have warm and cozy properties.  Everyone is different, so you may come up with a completely different list of warm and cozy essential oils. 

Plus, these essential oils work well when blended with other essential oils to create the perfect warm and cozy blend.  We would love to hear from you as to what you consider your favorite warm and cozy essential oils. 

Most of all, have fun, and do not be afraid to experiment.  You may discover a new favorite essential.  I have over 100 favorite essential oils – and the list seems to keep growing as I discover new oils or new blends.

Take care, my friends,

Mark