Aromatherapy Bracelets: Making With Intention (and How I Add the Oil)
Yay, let's chat about one of my favorite little life upgrades! Aromatherapy bracelets.
I love them because they’re pretty, and also because they are like Santa's little helpers, doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes. They turn your bracelet into a tiny ritual — a wearable reminder to pause, breathe, and come back to yourself. Not in a big dramatic way… in the simple, real-life way that actually helps.
When you make one with intention, it stops being “just jewelry.” It becomes a little anchor for the day you’re trying to have — calm, brave, joyful, focused, grounded… whatever you need most right now.
Step One: Choose the Feeling First
Before you pick colors or beads, I like to start here: What do I want to feel more of?
Keep it simple. Pick the feeling, then choose one word that sums it up. Mine are often things like: strength, trust, energy, positivity.
And then, choose beads that support that word — by color, texture, meaning, or honestly… just because they feel right to you. There’s no “wrong” way to do this. The intention is the point.
What Makes It an “Aromatherapy Bracelet”?
The secret sauce is using beads that can hold scent gently — materials that are naturally a little porous. When you add a tiny bit of essential oil, those beads absorb it and then release it slowly as you wear it.
It’s subtle. It’s not like walking around in a perfume cloud. It’s more like… a soft whiff when your hands move, (and mine MOVE A LOT!) and your nervous system goes, “Oh yeah. We’re okay.” Little reminders that I am safe in my body and can roll with the changes of the day.
The Materials We Love Most (Because They Actually Work)
One thing special that we do at The Bead Gallery: we custom order unfinished (non-finished) wood beads because they’re the ultimate for absorbing essential oils. Finished wood can be beautiful, but it doesn’t soak up scent the same way. Unfinished wood just… does what it’s supposed to do.
If you want to browse the exact materials that work beautifully for aromatherapy bracelets, here you go: Matte Wood + Lava Beads Collection
Some of our favorite woods for this are ebony, bayong, rosewood, and we do have more. They’re earthy, grounding, and they feel amazing on the wrist.
We also love pairing wood with lava beads because lava is super porous and diffuses beautifully — and just to be super clear: our lava beads are NOT from Hawaii. (We’re careful about that.)
Wood + lava together makes the sweetest combo: pretty, wearable, and actually functional for aromatherapy.
How I Add the Oil (The Way We Actually Do It)
Here’s the biggest thing: a little goes a long way. We’re talking tiny amounts — not soaking the bracelet.
And my favorite method is to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, rub it between my hands, and then massage it into the beads. It turns the whole thing into a little hand ritual, and it helps the scent absorb evenly and last longer.
Why we dilute first
- It’s gentler (especially if you’re sensitive).
- It absorbs more evenly into unfinished wood and lava.
- It diffuses more softly instead of hitting you all at once.
Carrier oils I like (light + bracelet-friendly)
- Fractionated coconut oil (classic for essential oils; light and stable)
- Jojoba oil (feels skin-like and absorbs well)
- Grapeseed oil (very light, low odor, quick absorbing)
- Sweet almond oil (a little richer — use just a tiny amount)
Quick “no-stress” dilution
- Gentle / everyday: 1 drop essential oil + 4–6 drops carrier oil
- Stronger scent: 1 drop essential oil + 2–3 drops carrier oil
How to apply it
- Put the essential oil + carrier oil in your palm (or a small dish).
- Rub hands together lightly to warm and spread it.
- Massage your bracelet, focusing on the unfinished wood or lava beads. (I avoid putting oil directly on gemstones.)
- Let it rest for 10–20 minutes before wearing so it’s not oily to the touch.
Pro tip: Start small. You can always add more. If it feels too oily, blot gently with a tissue and let it air out for a bit.
Friendly safety note: Essential oils are potent. Dilution helps reduce skin irritation. Use extra care around kids, pets, pregnancy, and medical conditions, and avoid eyes and sensitive areas. This is not medical advice — just practical, safe handling.
Want to see exactly how we do it? Watch the quick reel: How we apply the oil to the beads
Seasonal Scent Moods (Because Vibes Matter)
During the holidays, I’m drawn to scents that feel like either: cozy warmth (spice, orange, resin) or forest calm (fir, pine, grounding greens). Both are comforting — just different flavors of comfort. Our oil guardian, Kathy P. always has the best recommendations for us, so we go with her flow for a lot of the time!
When it’s not holiday season I have a combo I am absolutely obsessed with. YES, I used the word obsessed about 2 times this year, and this is one of those times.
My Summer “Treat” Blend: Peppermint + Vanilla + a Kiss of Orange
Peppermint is super cooling — like instant fresh-air-for-your-brain. But when you add vanilla, it turns that sharp coolness into something soft and yummy… like a summer treat instead of a winter mint. I run this through the summer to stay chill in the heat!
If I’m feeling extra? I add one tiny drop of orange and it becomes full-on creamsicle vibes. It’s SO good.
- Cool + cozy: 1 drop Peppermint + 1 drop Vanilla
- Creamsicle mood: 1 drop Peppermint + 1 drop Vanilla + 1 drop Orange
Note: Peppermint can feel strong (because it is), so I like to dilute this blend well, rub it into my hands, massage into the unfinished wood or lava beads, and let it rest before wearing. I also rub the leftovers onto my aching shoulders and neck for some tension relief!
The Real Point
This is what I love most: when you wear something you made with intention, you’re not just wearing beads. You’re wearing a message to yourself.
And the scent becomes the cue — the reminder — to return to that message whenever you need it.
Also, if you are an essential oil newbie with questions or uncertainties, reach out and we can hook you up with our long time friend, beader and oil expert, Kathy Perkins!
Live. Love. Create.
Jamie & Jason — The Bead Gallery Honolulu