Hey there wellness junkie! Liz here, your resident essential oil obsessive and vape virgin. I know, I know – "vape" and "virgin" aren‘t two words you hear together very often. But that‘s exactly what I was before my love affair with MONQ began.
I‘ll admit, when I first heard about these so-called "personal essential oil diffusers," I was skeptical AF. I mean, how could a little pen that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie deliver the same aromatherapy benefits as my trusty old-school oil burner? But then I started seeing MONQ everywhere – in my Insta feed, in Gwyneth Paltrow‘s hands (probably), even in my local bougie health food store. When a brand has that kind of buzz, even a woo-woo wellness cynic like me can‘t help but take notice.
So, I decided to take one for the team and put MONQ to the test. And spoiler alert: I‘m now a total MONQer (yes, that‘s what they call us superfans). But I‘m getting ahead of myself. Let‘s start at the beginning, shall we?
What the Heck is MONQ?
Before we dive into my personal MONQ journey, let‘s break down the basics. MONQ is a line of portable vaporizers that are specially designed to deliver a hit of pure, organic essential oils (aka nature‘s medicine cabinet). Rather than the artificial flavorings and nicotine found in most e-cigs and vapes, MONQ pens contain nothing but good old-fashioned plant power.
The mastermind behind MONQ is Eric Fishman, MD – a legit orthopedic surgeon who traded in his scalpel for a stethoscope (metaphorically speaking) and became a devoted yogi and natural wellness advocate. Dr. Fishman‘s lightbulb moment came when he realized that the ancient practice of aromatherapy was in desperate need of a 21st-century makeover. So, he set out to create a delivery system that was as sleek, stylish, and user-friendly as an iPhone. And thus, MONQ was born.
Launched in 2014, MONQ has since become a cult favorite among health-conscious millennials and their cooler Gen X aunts. The brand has racked up some seriously impressive stats, including:
- Over 1 million units sold
- 150k+ Instagram followers
- 350k+ Facebook likes
- Features in O: The Oprah Magazine, Allure, Refinery29, and more
Not too shabby for a little start-up out of Goodlettsville, Tennessee (aka the Silicon Valley of essential oils).
Okay, But What Can MONQ Actually Do?
According to MONQ‘s website, their blends are "scientifically crafted to help you feel the way you want." Each blend is formulated with a specific mood or effect in mind, from energizing to relaxing to getting your freak on (okay, maybe not that last one…yet).
The idea is that by inhaling these carefully curated cocktails of essential oils, you can tap into the power of aromatherapy anytime, anywhere. No need to lug around a diffuser or worry about spilling pricey oil bottles in your purse. With MONQ, you‘ve got a pocket-sized "spa" at your fingertips 24/7.
As someone who‘s been using essential oils for years (I even put them in my mascara, y‘all), I was honestly a bit dubious about these claims. I mean, could a few puffs of oregano really quell my anxiety better than a pill? Can a whiff of orange do more for my mood than a shot of espresso? Clearly, the only way to find out was to put MONQ to the test myself. So, I ordered a sampler pack and waited with bated breath for my precious pens to arrive.
My MONQ Experience
When I first unboxed my MONQ order, I was seriously impressed with the presentation. Each sleek little pen was beautifully packaged and labeled with its key ingredients and intended effects. I felt like I was unboxing an iPhone, but for my nose.
As an avid essential oil user, I immediately recognized and appreciated the high quality of MONQ‘s organic, wild-crafted oils. There was no artificial, chemical-y smell that you get with cheaper oils – just the pure, potent aroma of the plants themselves.
I started with the "Zen" blend, because lord knows I could use some of that in my life. The main notes are frankincense, orange, and ylang-ylang – a tried-and-true combo for promoting calm and relaxation. I took a few gentle puffs as directed, and within seconds I could feel a wave of tranquility wash over me. It was like a little aromatherapy magic trick.
Over the next few weeks, I experimented with all seven blends in my starter pack. Here‘s a quick rundown of my faves:
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Happy (fennel, thyme, and vanilla): This sunny blend never fails to lift my spirits and put a smile on my face. It‘s like the essential oil equivalent of a hug.
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Focus (black pepper, caraway, and cinnamon): As a chronic scatterbrain, I need all the help I can get in the concentration department. This spicy-sweet blend helps me zero in on the task at hand without the jitters of coffee.
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Sexy (jasmine, lime, and patchouli): Okay, so maybe MONQ can‘t actually light your fire (that‘s what Tinder is for). But this musky, floral blend definitely gets me in the mood…to diffuse more MONQ, that is.
Of course, aromatherapy is highly personal and what works for me might not be your cup of essential oil tea. That‘s why I love that MONQ offers such a wide range of blends to choose from. With 10 unique options (and counting), there truly is something for every nose and every mood.
But Wait, Is MONQ Actually Legit?
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "This all sounds great, but is it too good to be true?" I hear you, friend. As a natural wellness junkie, I‘ve fallen for my fair share of snake oil in pretty packaging. So, I did some digging to see if MONQ‘s claims could stand up to scientific scrutiny.
First off, let‘s talk about the ancient practice of aromatherapy itself. While it might sound like a New Age fad, aromatherapy has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems around the world. The basic idea is that certain essential oils (i.e. concentrated plant extracts) can positively affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being when inhaled or applied topically.
And there‘s actually a fair amount of research to back this up. Studies have shown that essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and bergamot can help:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve sleep quality
- Boost mood and mental clarity
- Alleviate headaches and minor aches and pains
- Enhance athletic performance and recovery
Of course, aromatherapy isn‘t a cure-all and should never replace medical treatment for serious conditions. But for everyday wellness support, there‘s no denying that essential oils can be a powerful tool.
As for MONQ specifically, the brand seems to walk the walk when it comes to quality and safety. All of their essential oils are USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced from trusted farms and distillers around the world. The pens are also independently lab tested for purity and potency, so you know you‘re getting the real deal.
MONQ is also refreshingly transparent about their manufacturing process and ingredients. Unlike many vape companies that hide behind "proprietary blends" and vague claims, MONQ lists out every single oil in their formulas right on the package.
The only other ingredient is vegetable glycerin, a plant-based carrier liquid that helps the oils vaporize smoothly. No PG, PEG, vitamin E acetate, or any of the other shady additives that have been linked to vaping-related illnesses.
MONQ vs. the Competition
Of course, MONQ isn‘t the only essential oil vape brand on the block. So how does it stack up to the competition? Here‘s a quick comparison:
| MONQ | VitaStik | Kinin | Moxe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Blends | 10 | 12 | 8 | 6 |
| Price Per Pen | $20 | $25 | $30 | $22 |
| Organic EOs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reusable/Refillable | ✓ (MONQ R) | ✓ | – | – |
| Subscription Available | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reward Program | ✓ | – | – | – |
As you can see, MONQ offers a wider variety of blends than most of its competitors, at a slightly lower price point. They‘re also one of the few brands to offer a reusable, refillable version (the MONQ R) for eco-conscious users.
But perhaps the biggest difference is in the overall vibe and aesthetic of the brand. While other companies lean heavily into the "medicinal" or "spiritual" side of aromatherapy, MONQ keeps things light, fun, and accessible. It‘s wellness with a side of whimsy – and that‘s refreshing in an industry that often takes itself way too seriously.
The Bottom Line
So, is MONQ really worth all the hype? In this humble MONQer‘s opinion – absolutely. I‘m honestly shocked at how quickly these little pens have become an essential (pun intended) part of my daily wellness routine.
Whether I‘m using Zen to unwind after a long day, Happy to beat the Monday blues, or Sexy to channel my inner goddess, MONQ always seems to deliver the right dose of plant power at the right time. It‘s like having a little aromatherapy genie in my pocket (except it doesn‘t come with a binding contract or three dubious wishes).
Of course, everyone‘s experience with essential oils is unique, and what works for me might not float your boat. But if you‘re curious about aromatherapy and looking for a fun, easy way to dip your toes in the essential oil pool, I can‘t recommend MONQ enough.
Between the high-quality ingredients, the stylish design, the amazing variety of blends, and the super-supportive community of fellow MONQers, this brand just doesn‘t miss. Trust me – once you go MONQ, you‘ll never go back (to boring old diffusers, that is).
So go ahead and treat yourself to a little pocket-sized spa day. Your nose (and your soul) will thank you.
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