Essential oils are the big new thing being used to treat all kinds of ailments and anxieties, and there are seemingly endless ways to use them, including pens. Although people diffuse these oils in the air quite frequently, inhaling them directly through a pen or vaporizer is a bit of a different experience. Essential oil pens are new to the wellness world, and they pose a lot of questions for people who are curious about the vaping craze. 

While there is some conflicting information about what these pens do — they’re still new, after all — there are ways to clear the fog and get down to the available facts. Just like any essential oil-related product, these pens are not going to cure cancer, make your allergies go away or help you drop 10 pounds overnight, but they can still be a productive act of self-care in your routine. 

No matter the stressor you’re trying to release with this newfound wellness tool, there are guidelines, information and tips you can follow to make the most of your experience and learn all you can before taking the plunge.

Are Essential Oil Pens Safe?

While the jury is still out on certain heated vapes, essential oil pens are widely considered to be a safe option, especially when pitted against other products such as traditional vape pens, juuling and nicotine. Since you don’t inhale the same way you do with conventional vape pens, they’re much safer on the body overall. Although it varies from brand to brand, most essential oil pens don’t heat to the same temperature that traditional vapes do, making it safer on the lungs and the body in general.

This is in addition to the fact that the ingredients in essential oil pens are more natural than other vaporizing tools. While you are ingesting the ingredients more directly, they are still natural concentrates of plants and herbs.

Is It the Same as Vaping?

It is different from vaping, but it can trigger some of the same results depending upon the type of pen you choose to go with. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s automatically great for you — remember, poison ivy is natural, too. Pens that are heated too high can damage the mouth, lungs and teeth. Watch for ones that heat past 150 to 180° F, as they can cause those side effects.

Essential oil pens also do not contain nicotine, which means they don’t pose the same threat that other vapes do when it comes to tobacco addiction. That’s not a risk that even comes into play here. In fact, using these pens may be a good way to step down from cigarette smoking.

Different Oils

There are plenty of different oils to give various results from your vaporizing experience. While lavender is more calming, clove is known to boost the immune system and strengthen it over time. Many people experience benefits from targeting specific ailments or conditions. Many people use essential oils to energize, calm, relax and fall asleep. While ingesting essential oils can provide a more concentrated impact, you also need to be careful with the route you choose. 

Essential oils aren’t for everyone, of course. Make sure you’re not allergic to any of the plants, herbs and extracts that are in the pen you choose. You can do this by doing a spot test on your skin. If you’re particularly sensitive to scents or perfumes, essential oil pens may not be the best idea for you either, as they have a strong, concentrated smell.

What Are the Benefits?

One of the most common benefits people experience is anxiety relief. The calming scents and ingredients blended with breathing in and out slowly and intentionally is a great combination for getting rid of momentary anxiety or stress. This is also why many people use essential oil pens to relax or help them fall asleep. 

However, essential oil pens can bring about various emotions, depending on the blend involved. More uplifting scents like citrus can bring about energy and happiness, peppermint can help with concentration and florals can bring about relaxed, romantic feelings. You can target any emotion or mental state like you would with regular aromatherapy.

While there isn’t too much scientific evidence yet, there may also be some benefits to ingesting oils with antibacterial and immune-boosting properties like oregano, rosemary, tea tree and eucalyptus. Don’t count on them to cure every cold, but you can always see if they work for you.

How to Use It

There are many ways to use an essential oil pen, and many companies recommend specific methods to go with their products. When in doubt, always follow the directions on the packaging or website when you buy your pen. Some people prefer to inhale through the mouth and exhale through the nose. Many others prefer to suck it almost like a straw. Then, they exhale it back out through the mouth. You can try out different methods to see what works for you.

Quitting Smoking

Plenty of people become interested in essential oil vapes or pens because of their potential to help kick the nicotine habit. While none of these pens claim to alleviate the urge to light up, they can be a helpful tool to help with the oral fixation. While it mimics the motions of smoking or vaping, there’s no nicotine or chemicals involved. Much like chewing gum or biting on a pencil, it can give your hands and mouth something to do. Plus, you can even find scents like peppermint and menthol to mimic the experience.

Essential oils can be a great way to relax your spirit or boost your mood. As long as you use it as intended, trying out a pen could bring something fun and new into your wellness routine. If you’re trying to quit smoking, it can help you on your way to being nicotine-free, but anyone can enjoy the benefits of some calming and soothing aromatherapy.