16 Essential Oils For Protection

By Mark Piatt

Updated on January 23, 2023

When you make a purchase through our links, we may earn commissions from Amazon and other retailers. You can learn more about our affiliate and privacy policy here.

In magickal circles, many essential oils have powerful protective properties that can keep negative energies at bay.  These 16 essential oils I will look at can be used to protect and cleanse yourself or a space of negative energy either on their own, or used as part of a ritual.

As a result of their versatility, there are countless ways to use essential oils for protection.

As a general rule, the following 16 essential oils have the best magickal protective properties (although there are others):

Using oils in folklore and magick can be traced back thousands of years and is a core part of many magick traditions.

Over time, the plants that these essential oils are derived from have developed a certain folklore surrounding them

These essential oils can help protect you from psychic attacks, evil entities, harmful spirits, hauntings, emotional vampires, aggressive bullies, negative feelings, and draining environments.

In a magical attack, you must be able to control your mind and cut off the effects of the attack long enough so you can mount a defense or seek help.

Using these essential oils will help you meditate and calm your mind and many of these oils have additional properties that will help protect you.

Magick comes from the ability to channel the hidden energies all around us.  Magick comes from your hands and heart, but tools, words, and deeds also play a part.

The more committed you are to your intent, the more successful the outcome will be.  Knowledge is power.

Negative energy can affect all of us.  But it is especially important to learn to protect yourself from all forms of negative energy if you are a practitioner of magick. 

Your use of magick will shine like a beacon in the spiritual world, acting like a magnet to all sorts of nasty negative energy. 

When you enter the magickal world, you have to be prepared to protect yourself from other people who use or abuse their magickal abilities to launch attacks.

Let these essential oils with protective powers be part of your arsenal against that negative energy.

While reading this article, keep in mind there is always more than one way to accomplish your magickal goal. 

In this summary, I will mainly focus on the attributes of each essential oil that make it a good candidate for protective magic.

And remember Magick Works!

Protection magick is a basic skill that we all should learn.  If you are interested in how you can protect yourself from negative energies, I suggest you check out the following book ” Practical Protection Magick: Guarding & Reclaiming Your Power“

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only.  Occult properties of herbs and essential oils are provided for historical interest 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 the following historical uses of herbs and essential oils.

How To Use Essential Oils For Protection

The thing that gives herbs their powers are the essential oils trapped within the herb.  When you use essential oils, you are going right to the source. 

There are 6 primary ways you can tap into the power of these essential oils to protect yourself. 

The most common way to use these essential oils will be in an ultrasonic diffuser.  

You will notice I did not mention ingestion.  Despite what some companies tell you, essential oils are not designed or safe to be taken internally.

There is no standardized grading of essential oils.  Companies are not required to disclose the chemical makeup of their essential oils.  Some companies even add synthetic compounds to their oils to cut down on their costs.  Plus, many essential oils are toxic, even in small quantities.  

For more detailed information on the subject of ingesting essential oils, check out our article “Ingesting Essential Oils: Myths & Truths“.

Another word of warning.  Applying pure essential oils directly to your skin can cause adverse skin effects depending on the essential oil and the person.

Therefore, I do not recommend applying pure essential oil directly to the skin.  Instead, mix the essential oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and fractionated coconut oil to name a few.

Combine your essential oils with your carrier oil in the following quantities:

For adults:

For children:

16 Essential Oils For Protection

Bergamot

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is the fruit of a citrus tree, similar to lemons and oranges with some minty/fruity undertones.  If you have ever had Earl Grey Tea, then you know what bergamot tastes and smells like.

Do not confuse this bergamot with the plant (Mentha citrata), also called bergamot. 

Bergamot is an excellent oil to use to aid one’s spirit and for adding strength and protection for yourself or your environment. 

You can access the power of bergamot through either ritual or meditation. 

Diffusing bergamot essential oil while meditating is a great way of clearing your mind of negative thoughts.  You can also burn a bergamot essential oil candle.  

The fresh lemon/orange-like smell has an uplifting quality and can help brighten your emotional energies and whisk away depression.

If you would like to soak in some of the protective power of bergamot, add a few drops into your ritual bath and allow the protection of bergamot to absorb into your body.

Bergamot also has antiseptic properties.  Because of these protective qualities, bergamot is used in deodorants, drinks for boosting immunity, dietary supplements, soaps, and other similar products.

Gya Labs makes a good Bergamot.

Cedarwood

All thirteen types of cedarwood are rot and insect resistant.  On the banks of the Nile is the temple of Edfu.  In the temple, there is cedarwood which is over 2000 years old.  It is this amazing quality that gives cedarwood its magical protective qualities. 

Burning cedarwood or diffusing cedarwood essential oil is often used in a sacred space to protect that space.

Cedarwood can be used in different types of solar magick including protection rituals and healing rituals.

Cedarwood essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy sessions, Shirodhara treatments, and Abhyanga.

Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment using essential oils that helps improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. 

Shirodhara is a well-established procedure of slowly dripping various oils on the forehead to induce a relaxed state of awareness.

Abhyanga is a full body massage using warm oils which amongst other things, helps bring about deep relaxation and gives you a piece of mind.

For more information about the magickal properties of cedarwood, check out our article “What Are The 6 Magical Properties Of Cedarwood?“.

This Organic Cedarwood from Plant Therapy has a lovely smell and is not expensive.

Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the oldest herbs used in magick.  One of the magickal uses of chamomile is to banish negativity.  Of the two types of chamomile, Roman/English and German, the roman chamomile is considered the “true” chamomile and is the one we are referring to.

To help remove any lingering negativity, brew some roman chamomile tea and sprinkle it around your home or where ever else you wish to remove negative energy.

If you do not wish to brew tea, you can crush dried chamomile leaves and sprinkle them around your area.

This will help attract positivity into your life and when used with other rituals, can help remove curses.

While performing protection rituals, you can drink chamomile tea to help focus your energy.

During the Medieval Age, people revered the herb because of its healing and protective powers.  Even today, chamomile is used to treat a variety of medical problems.

For more information about the magickal properties of chamomile, check out our article “What Are The Magical Properties Of Chamomile?“.

This Roman Chamomile gets the Amazon Choice award.

Cypress

In many parts of the world, certain species of trees are considered the home spirit of beings and are believed to have protective powers.  Cypress is used around the world for its magickal protection, longevity, curse removal, and psychic connection to the dead.

The Maya considered a gigantic ancient cypress known as “Arbol de El Tule” as their home of spirit beings. Today, this 2,000-year-old tree is visited annually by thousands of visitors from all over the world. 

Catholic missionaries built a church nearby this majestic tree because of the tree’s protective powers for the dead.

Cypress is one of the trees that magick wands are made from.  The reason is because of two magickal properties of cypress: longevity and protection.

It is said that if you carry a piece of cypress on you, the magickal properties of the cypress will give you long life and protection.

Cypress carries feminine energy and is also considered an essential tool in necromancy.

Cypress essential oil has a clean and refreshing smell.  Use cypress oil as an anointing oil, and for cleansing and protection rituals.

You can perform a quick protection ritual using cypress by doing the following:

The Gya Labs Cypress is a best seller.  

Eucalyptus

The protective powers of eucalyptus are considered powerful, but short-lived.  Eucalyptus essential oil is an excellent oil to use when someone is bothering you because of its protective powers.  Eucalyptus essential oils can also be used to cleanse magickal ritual tools.  

Sometimes you just need a little protection.  Using eucalyptus for protection will gently create a barrier without attacking or constraining.

Compared to some other protective herbs such as rosemary and garlic, eucalyptus will not create an overpowering barrier that drives away all the energy, just some of the negative energy.

Eucalyptus is a good alternative when the negative energy is less forceful.       

To quickly protect your space with eucalyptus:

For more information about the magickal properties of Eucalyptus, check out our article “What Are The Magical Properties Of Eucalyptus?“.

From my personal collection, I have found this Eucalyptus from Plant Therapy to be bright with a fresh aroma.

Frankincense

Frankincense is one of the oldest documented magickal resins.  Frankincense is considered so good at protection, that it is known as “the king of oils” and is often used during exorcisms. 

Burning frankincense or diffusing frankincense essential oil in a diffuser releases powerful positive vibrations that drive away all negativity and evil intentions or entities.

Use frankincense to cleanse a sacred space or to anoint magickal tools.  

The protective powers of frankincense also extend into the physical world.  Frankincense has been used to protect the skin against boils, wounds, and other skin ailments.

Frankincense can also help regenerate healthy cells and keep existing cells healthy.

If you would like to learn more details about the magickal powers of frankincense, check out our article “What Are The Magical Properties Of Frankincense?“.

The Gya Labs Frankincense is the best seller on Amazon.

Lavender

Lavender can banish negative energy and keep negative thoughts at bay.  People have hung lavender above their doors for ages to protect their homes against evil spirits.  You can also add lavender to your bath to drive out evil spirits and demons.

Although today most people associate lavender with relaxation and sleep, lavender has traditionally been used to protect one from evil spirits.

People who celebrate St. John’s Day on June 24th will sometimes add lavender to their bonfires to help ward off evil spirits.

Lavender is an herb of transformation, so use it in spells and charms for protection magick, and psychic self-defense.  

A common practice for clearing a space of negative energy is to burn lavender and sage together.  As an alternative, mix lavender and sage essential oils into your diffuser.  

Lavender is also considered a natural antiseptic.

To learn more about the magickal properties of lavender, check out my article “What Are The Magical Properties Of Lavender?“.

Keep in mind that the aroma of lavender can vary widely, even between batches.

I currently have this Lavender from Plant Therapy and am happy with the aroma.  

Lemon

The fresh, bright aroma of lemon emits positive energy and is excellent for banishing away the darkness and any hidden negative energies lurking within.

Add 5 drops of lemon essential oil to your cleansing bath to help wash away those lingering negative energies.  To enhance the effects, you can also add 4 drops of rosemary and 4 drops of peppermint essential oil.

Traditionally, pomanders are made with oranges and cloves, but you can make a protective lemon pomander by studding cloves to lemons, typically in a spiral pattern.

After performing an exorcism, it is good practice to leave lemons behind to help chase away any lingering negative energies.

The Gya labs Lemon is a best seller.  Keep in mind that lemon has a short shelf life – 6-12 months, so purchase the smallest quantity you think you will need.

To learn more about the magickal properties of lemons, check out my article “What Are The Magical Properties Of Lemons?“.

Palo Santo

Palo Santo is considered a “Holy” wood (essential oil) that can clear away negative energy and recharges positive energy.

The interesting part about palo santo essential oil is the concentration of oils does not develop until after the tree has naturally died and fallen, and has had about 3 years for the essential oils to mature.

It is believed that this remarkable wood can purify everything it comes in contact with.  

According to shamans, palo santo can remove energy but also, attract positive energy.

On a personal note, I really like the smell of this wood.  Although I have never purchased the essential oil, I do have the wood.  The aroma kind of reminds me of sweet cedar.

This 10 ml bottle of Palo Santo from Plant Therapy is at a decent price (this essential oil can be expensive.  You can find adulterated versions of this oil priced much cheaper, but these should be avoided).

Patchouli

Although patchouli has some magickal protection properties, the oil is mainly known for fertility and sex magick.  But patchouli is considered protective against negative magick.

Patchouli will work well in all protection magickal rituals.  For rituals that require graveyard dust, patchouli is often used as a substitute.

Patchouli will sometimes be used to consecrate tools to be used during an exorcism.

Patchouli is an ingredient used to make a multipurpose banishing oil.

Do be careful when purchasing this oil because it can be expensive to produce.  Synthetics have been created that smell similar, but do not have the magickal properties of patchouli.

For more information about the magickal properties of patchouli, check out our article “What Are The Magical Properties Of Patchouli?“.

The Gya Labs Patchouli is the best seller on Amazon.

Peppermint

Peppermint has many uses, but one of its main magickal uses is to protect a sacred space or circle.  Peppermint will help to keep out unwanted negative energies.

you can add peppermint to your dream pillow to help keep out unwanted nightmares.  

Peppermint is a common ingredient in witch jars to help keep out all the bad vibes floating around.

Keep some peppermint by your doors to protect the home from negative energies and evil entities.

Peppermint is known as an enhancing herb.  Add peppermint in other spells and rituals of protection to enhance their effects.

Keeping peppermint on your altar can attract positive spirits while keeping evil spirits at bay.

You will often find peppermint around religious temples to help dispel negative vibrations and energies.  

For additional information about the magical properties of peppermint, check out our article “What Are The Magical Properties Of Peppermint?“.

Not all peppermints smell the same.  This organic Peppermint from Plant Therapy has a powerful minty aroma.  Think of peppermint candies.

Sage

If you need one essential oil that can ward off evil, it is difficult to go wrong with sage.  Cleansing ceremonies are often conducted using sage.  If you need to clear out a space, such as when you purchase a home, smudging the space with sage is an excellent option.

There are 2 types of sage used in magick, common garden sage and white sage.

When smudging, you typically use white sage, and for most other magickal uses, you use common sage, but they both share many of the same characteristics.

Sage is often used for cleansing and energy purification.

A good way to use sage to protect a space is to use a cleansing floor wash, or as an alternative, create a protective spray.

In this floor wash, we will use a combination of herbs and essential oils.

For the herbs, use pesto and mortar to grind them down before adding them.  Here is the mixture:

In a bowl, add the herbs to 2 cups of hot water and let stand for about 10-15 minutes. 

In your mop bucket add the white vinegar, your mixture, and your essential oils, and top off with hot water.

If you are interested in learning more about the magickal properties of white sage, check out our article “What Are The Magical Properties Of White Sage?”.

This Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) from NOW essential oils has a soothing camphoraceous (earthy) scent.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is often associated with protective magick, probably because early in history, people noticed that sandalwood would not be attacked by termites.  Sandalwood is considered to be one of the most sacred trees in the world and the scent of sandalwood is said to be one of the most pleasing aromas to the gods.

Sandalwood is one of the most expensive woods in the world.

“True” sandalwood that comes from India is now considered endangered.  Most sandalwood sold commercially is a species grown in Australia.  Its essential oil has a lighter concentration compared to Indian sandalwood but is still fragrant.

The vibration of sandalwood is said to be very high and offers powerful protection against negative energy.

Use sandalwood essential oil to help remove unwanted spirits and personal demons from your life.

Many witches will use sandalwood essential oil for personal protection, astral projection, and healing rituals.

Bead necklaces made of sandalwood can provide you with powerful protection from negative energies.  You can also wear a bracelet made from sandalwood.

To enhance protection spells, you can take a pinch of ground-down sandalwood and add it to hot charcoal.

If you are interested in learning more about the magickal properties of sandalwood, check out our article “What Are The Magical Properties Of Sandalwood?“

This Sandalwood from Gya labs is the best seller on Amazon.

Sweet Orange

The aroma of sweet orange is very uplifting and can push out negative energy from your environment.  Oranges are considered a fruit of happiness and cleansing.

Who does not like the smell of freshly peeled oranges?  For most of us, the smell of freshly peeled oranges brings about thoughts of happiness and calm.

Of course, people discovered that when taking long journeys over the seas, eating oranges would protect them from scurvy caused by a lack of vitamin C.

Sweet orange is said to communicate the joy of angels to human beings.  What better way to protect yourself?

To increase the power of spells or to create an essential oil blend of protection, mix the following essential oils in your diffuser.

Sweet orange has a short shelf life, about 1 year.  The Gya Labs Sweet Orange on Amazon is listed as a best seller.

Tea Tree

Tea tree essential oil is a good oil to use to help dispel dark energies from your environment.  Use tea tree to help construct a psychic shield from other people, such as psychic vampires.

For more detailed information about the magical powers of Tea Tree, check out our article “What Are The Magical Properties Of Tea Tree?“.

Tea tree is one of the newer essential oils on the scene, even though Australian aborigines have used tea tree for thousands of years in their ceremonies and for its healing powers.

With the refreshing smell of tea tree, you can diffuse tea tree oil to help purify your space and drive any negative energy away.

Diffuse tea tree essential oil in a sick room to fight off the demons of disease and purify the space.

Rub tea tree oil (mixed with a carrier oil) on your body to help dispel negative lingering negative energies.

You could also apply tea tree essential oil directly to your talismans or amulets that you wear to enhance their protective power.

Tea tree essential oil is one of the best anti-septic essential oils.  Research has shown that it can fight a variety of bacterial strains, viruses, and fungi.

Inhaling tea tree can also mitigate the effects of a cough and soothe sore throats.

I have tried a few tea trees from various brands, and I was not happy with their smell.  Even though it’s more expensive compared to other brands, this Tea Tree from doTERRA has a refreshing aroma.

Ylang Ylang

The fragrance of Ylang ylang gives off an aura of peace and relaxation.  Use ylang ylang to protect you from fear and anger and to repel negative energies. 

Because of its alluring aroma, use ylang ylang to help protect and foster your relationships with loved ones.  In fact, ylang ylang is a common ingredient in perfumes.

Use ylang ylang essential oil during your tantric rituals to help build a psychic shield that will act like a barrier to those who wish you psychic harm.

The uplifting qualities of ylang ylang essential oil can protect you from depression and gloominess that can sometimes seep into all of us.

Add a few drops of ylang ylang into your bath to help soak in the relaxing qualities and help give you better piece of mind.

Ylang Ylang comes in different grades.  I suggest you purchase Ylang Ylang Extra.  Although more expensive, this grade has the best smell.  NOW sells a good smelling Ylang Ylang Extra.

Conclusion

Whether you are just starting or you call yourself a witch, the magickal properties of essential oils can be of great benefit to you, not just for magickal protection.

There is far more to protection magick than using essential oils.  I would highly recommend you take the time and learn as much as you can on the subject. 

If you are using these essential oils to protect yourself and hoping for the best, then you are probably going to be disappointed when it does not work. 

Protective magick requires that you understand a variety of concepts.  Essential oils are just one tool to be used to defend yourself.  Remember, knowledge is power.

The way you use essential oils in your magickal and spiritual practices is only limited by your imagination.

If you are interested in learning about some general magical properties of essential oils, check out my article “15 Magical Properties of Essential Oils“.