8 Wonderful Benefits & Uses of Coffee Essential Oil

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

The benefits and uses of the coffee essential oil may include reducing free radical damage, improving mood, reducing fever, stimulating appetite, protecting the immune system, aiding respiratory health, preventing premature aging, reducing nausea, stimulating relaxation, and soothing allergic reactions, among others. There are some side effects to this powerful essential oil, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and certain complications with pregnancy and pre-existing medical conditions. Most of these side effects can be avoided through the appropriate use and responsible communication with your doctor.

The coffee essential oil is derived through a cold-pressed distillation process of coffee beans. This potent essential oil smells just like a fresh cup of coffee and is packed with a wide range of antioxidants and other active ingredients that provide the oil with potential health benefits. Coffee beans come from the coffee plant, taxonomically known as Coffea arabica, and are one of the most common and sought-after plants in the world. The global coffee market is valued at an estimated $100 billion, with $20 billion from exporting alone! With that much coffee available, it is no wonder that coffee essential oil has grown significantly in popularity. [1]

The benefits of coffee oil come from its composition of plant sterols, as well as linoleic and oleic acid, among other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.

Benefits and Uses of Coffee Essential Oil

Using coffee essential oil is particularly useful for people suffering from anxiety, tense muscles, respiratory conditions, depression, inflammatory conditions, stomach issues, cold, cough, flu, low metabolism, lack of appetite, and allergies.

May Increase Appetite

The fragrance of this oil alone may be enough to impact the limbic system of the body, stimulating feelings of hunger, which is important for people who are recovering from extended illness, surgery, or injury, as well as those suffering from eating disorders or malnutrition. [2]

May Protect Against Chronic Diseases

The antioxidants found in coffee essential oil can help to reduce oxidative stress in the skin, increasing blood flow to those cells and preventing infections and chronic disease. This oil will also help counter the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and blemishes, while also improving the elasticity of the skin. You can apply a small amount of diluted coffee oil, or oil mixed with a carrier oil, to the parts of your skin that you want to shine! [3]

Improves Respiratory Health

Inhaling coffee essential oil can help to soothe inflammation in the respiratory tracts and prevent infections in that part of the body.

Two small bottles of coffee essential oil surrounded by coffee beans and cinnamon sticks and placed atop a wooden platform

Coffee essential oil is made through a cold-pressed distillation process of coffee beans. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

May Reduce Inflammation

One of the best uses of coffee essential oil is for sore muscles and aching joints. Applying a small amount of the oil topically to the affected area can help loosen muscles and increase blood flow to speed healing and relief. This oil can also be good for other inflammatory conditions, such as headaches, gastrointestinal distress, arthritis, and gout. [4]

May Help Relieve Allergies

Research has shown that the active compounds in coffee essential oil can help to cut down on the body’s allergic response. By helping the body’s immune system react more efficiently, it can also help reduce the strain on your immune system. [5]

May Help Reduce Stress & Anxiety

For reducing stress, improving mood, and preventing depression, many people turn to the relaxing properties of coffee essential oil. Diffusing this rich and warm aroma throughout your home can provide a general feeling of peace and calm.

May Improve Digestion

If you are struggling with gastrointestinal distress, such as constipation, nausea, or irritable bowel syndrome, the antioxidants and acids found in coffee essential oil can optimize digestion, eliminate nausea and vomiting, and ensure proper nutrition uptake. [6]

How is Coffee Essential Oil Made?

While most people prefer to simply buy their own coffee essential oil, you can also prepare it at home with coffee beans, olive oil, a crockpot, a mason jar, a strainer, and some cheesecloth! You can use whole coffee beans for this preparation, or grind the coffee beans to a medium or coarse level, as this could speed the release of the active acids and chemicals in the beans.

Two small bottles of coffee essential oil surrounded by coffee beans and cinnamon sticks and placed atop a wooden platform

Make Your Own Coffee Essential Oil: Easy Recipe

An aromatic essential oil that can lift your spirits 
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Keyword: Coffee Essential OIl
Appliance: crockpot, Tea Strainer
Cook Time: 10 hours
Author: Raksha Hegde

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces coffee beans roasted or green
  • 6 cups extra virgin olive oil organic

Instructions

  • Add the coffee beans to a slow cooker or crockpot.
    Coffee beans and a wooden spoon filled with the coffee beans
  • Cover the coffee beans with olive oil.
  • Stir the mixture so that the coffee beans are coated with the oil. Turn on the crockpot (low heat for roasted beans, medium/high heat for un-roasted beans).
  • Stir the coffee beans every hour so that you don't burn them. The total time can be between 8 to 10 hours. 
  • If you are using green coffee beans, you may need to check them more often. Turn the crockpot setting to low when the green coffee beans turn brown. 
  • Meanwhile, take a clean mason jar to store the coffee essential oil. 

  • Now, keep a piece of cheesecloth on the mouth of the mason jar. Place a tea strainer on the cheesecloth to catch the coffee beans and any smaller impurities. 
  • Scoop out the coffee beans from the crockpot and put it in the tea strainer. Press the coffee beans with the back of a spoon to squeeze out the oil and then discard them. 
  • Pour the remaining oil from the crockpot into the cheesecloth.
  • Seal the mason jar and store in a cool, dark and dry place until you are ready to use it!
    Two small bottles of coffee essential oil surrounded by coffee beans and cinnamon sticks and placed atop a wooden platform

Side Effects

The side effects of coffee essential oil can include allergic reactions and skin irritation, as well as gastrointestinal distress if consumed, and complications depending on your medications or medical conditions. However, the coffee essential oil is generally considered safe by most experts.

  • Skin Irritation – Any essential oil can cause skin irritation when applied, so when using it for the first time, put it on a small area of the skin and wait 2-3 hours to determine if there is any negative reaction. If redness, puffiness, or itching occur, discontinue the use of the oil.
  • Allergic Reactions – Some people have allergies to coffee essential oil, particularly if the oil is consumed internally. Under no circumstances should this essential oil be consumed.
  • Pregnancy and Children – Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally not recommended to use coffee essential oil, and you should always speak to your doctor before using this oil. Children should also not use this oil, due to its potent constituents.
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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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