Did you know the idea of carrying something fragrant to sniff goes back hundreds — even thousands — of years? Long before we had tidy little inhaler tubes, women in past centuries kept scented handkerchiefs or little tussie-mussies (small bundles of herbs and flowers tucked into the pocket) to guard against unpleasant smells, fainting spells, or simply to soothe frazzled nerves.
In Victorian times, it was practically expected that a lady might swoon. Whether from tight corsets or the emotional shock of the day, a quick sniff of lavender, rose, mint, rosemary, clove, thyme or sage often did the trick. These herbs were believed to strengthen the nerves and chase away “bad airs,” helping restore balance in a world that didn’t have the stress-relief options we do now.
The real cost of smoking and vaping
Today, people still instinctively reach for something to inhale when they’re stressed, tired or anxious. Unfortunately, that’s often a cigarette or vape. The true cost of smoking stretches far beyond the price of a pack. A typical smoker can easily spend $2,000 to $4,000 a year just on cigarettes, not to mention future medical bills from heart disease, cancer and lung damage.
Vaping is often marketed as safer, but the truth is it simply hasn’t been around long enough for us to understand the long-term damage. What we do know is that our lungs were never meant to inhale fatty carrier oils or artificial flavorings found in vape juice. “Popcorn lung” — a scarring of tiny airways that makes breathing hard — is already a serious and irreversible condition, triggered by chemicals that are found in some vape products. The FDA does not thoroughly regulate or approve individual vape juice ingredients for safety before they hit the market. That is a HUGE concern on so many levels.
Essential oils: a natural, proven choice
This is where essential oils shine. These precious plant compounds have been used for centuries to support the mind, bod, and spirit. Unlike vape oils, pure essential oils work in harmony with your body, are metabolized efficiently and simply flash off without leaving behind any buildup.
I’ve personally relied on premium essential oils for nearly 20 years. I only use Young Living Essential Oils because they are true pioneers in the field, with their own farms around the world and purity standards that are unmatched. When I’m feeling down, they lift me up. When I’m under the weather, I turn to them. They calm my racing thoughts, clear my head and bring balance back into my life. Essential oils are a gentle, everyday way to harness nature’s gifts.
Why pocket inhalers?
These little tubes are like modern-day posies for your pocket, and they come in two main styles:
- Nasal inhalers, which fit comfortably under your nostril so you can take a deep breath in through your nose, sending essential oils straight to your olfactory system where they quickly influence mood, memory, and emotion.
- Inhaler sticks, which you can bring to your nose or mouth. Some people like to lightly inhale through the mouth, allowing the aromatic molecules to reach the lungs before slowly exhaling, adding another layer of calm.
There’s something inherently soothing about pausing for a deep breath. These inhalers add to that natural calm by giving you peace of mind that what you’re breathing is pure, unadulterated nature — not synthetic chemicals. They’re discreet, easy to carry and totally customizable. Maybe you want a little eucalyptus and ravintsara for seasonal sniffles, a soft lavender and vetiver blend for bedtime bliss, a cheerful bergamot mix for those butterfly belly moments when emotions are high, bright rosemary and lemon for a brainy boost to concentration and memory. Each time you reach for your inhaler, it’s a tiny, gentle ritual that centers you right where you are.
10 simple pocket inhaler recipes
Want to try it out? Here are some of my favorite blends to get you started.
Energize & Wake Up
5 drops peppermint, 5 drops lemon, 3 drops rosemary
5 drops peppermint, 5 drops lemon, 3 drops rosemary
Bedtime Bliss
6 drops lavender, 3 drops cedarwood, 3 drops vetiver
6 drops lavender, 3 drops cedarwood, 3 drops vetiver
Butterfly Belly
5 drops bergamot, 4 drops frankincense, 3 drops orange
5 drops bergamot, 4 drops frankincense, 3 drops orange
Brainy Boost
5 drops rosemary, 4 drops peppermint, 3 drops lemon
5 drops rosemary, 4 drops peppermint, 3 drops lemon
Seasonal Sniffles
5 drops eucalyptus, 4 drops ravintsara, 3 drops peppermint
5 drops eucalyptus, 4 drops ravintsara, 3 drops peppermint
Spirit Spark
6 drops frankincense, 4 drops sandalwood, 2 drops myrrh
6 drops frankincense, 4 drops sandalwood, 2 drops myrrh
Hormone Harmony
5 drops clary sage, 4 drops lavender, 3 drops bergamot
5 drops clary sage, 4 drops lavender, 3 drops bergamot
Emotional Balance
4 drops geranium, 4 drops clary sage, 4 drops orange
4 drops geranium, 4 drops clary sage, 4 drops orange
Travel Buddy (immune support on the go)
6 drops lemon, 4 drops tea tree, 2 drops thyme
6 drops lemon, 4 drops tea tree, 2 drops thyme
Smoke Break Swap (for nicotine cravings)
5 drops black pepper, 4 drops peppermint, 3 drops orange
5 drops black pepper, 4 drops peppermint, 3 drops orange
Ready to breathe better?
I've put together a simple shopping list with my favorite inhalers and pure essential oils so you can get started right away.
A final breath
Whether you’re intrigued by this rich history, looking to kick cigarettes or vaping or simply want a natural way to support your mind and body, these tiny inhalers offer mighty benefits. They’re a lovely modern twist on ancient wisdom — helping you slow down, breathe deeply and invite calm, joy, and natural wellness into your everyday life.
Have questions or want help mixing up a custom blend just for you? I’d love to chat. Let’s keep breathing in the goodness together. 🌷
