The 7 MOST IMPORTANT Essential Oils You Need to Have at Home

Essential oils have grown immensely in popularity since the 1990s. Since the ability to extract these oils from plants through scientific advances, they’ve been used in everything from cosmetics to perfumes, to lotions, oils, and candles. Each plant is vastly different in its chemical composition, so there are varying methods for extracting the oils, with wildly different results and benefits for each. For instance, it takes roughly one hundred rose petals in order to extract ONE drop of rose essential oil. That’s why rose essential oil is so expensive! There are also many plants that are endangered or have been harvested with poor harvesting practices, which is why it’s also important to do your research and find reputable essential oil brands that believe in sustainable harvesting practices.

Although some people view aromatherapy as “woo-woo” and fake, there’s a reason why many people all around the world have used aromatherapy. They’re all-natural and organic, and more scientific research is being done every day about the benefits of using essential oils. Even the Mayo Clinic has recognized the healing and therapeutic benefits of consistent essential oil use. There are literally hundreds of essential oils out there, but here are our seven favorites!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is not only antimicrobial; it’s also antifungal. This is one of the essential oils we advise keeping in an all-natural at-home first aid kid. This can be used in an all-natural cleaning solution, and can also be put on cuts and scrapes to help sanitize them. NEVER use this oil – or any oil – without diluting it in water or carrier oil first. We recommend adding tea tree oil to a carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, and dropping the diluted oil onto the skin. The dilution recommendation can vary based on what you’re using it for, but generally speaking, the less you use the better until you know how much works for you. Start small – use just one drop in two to four tablespoons of oil and modify from there.

Lavender

Besides smelling great, a lavender essential oil also has antimicrobial effects. Lavender is relaxing and helps our body and mind enter into deep states of relaxation. It can be used to treat anxiety and depression, fungal infections, menstrual cramps, eczema, nausea, allergies, and insomnia. It can even be used in treating wounds and is one of the essential oils we recommend to have in your at-home all-natural first-aid kit.

Peppermint

Need a boost! Skip the coffee and go for a big whiff of your peppermint essential oil bottle. Seriously though. It’s been proven to boost concentration. It also has an intense cooling effect when applied to the skin. As with any essential oil, always dilute it in a carrier oil. We love peppermint essential oil in jojoba oil. You can also add peppermint essential oil into a spritzer bottle and spray it in the air when you’re needing a mental boost! Just be careful not to spray it around any pets or children as it is an eye irritant. If you’re making a long drive, and especially at night, this is also a good essential oil to help keep you awake and focused.

Clove

Clove essential oil is one of the most multipurpose oils. This essential oil can be used for anything from pest control to numbing a painful tooth. It also possesses antimicrobial effects and can be used in cleaning solutions! We recommend creating a clove and sweet orange cleaning solution. Although, beware as sweet orange oil can attract ants! It has a woody and balsamic scent profile and is deeply aromatic.

Eucalyptus

Needing a refresher for your lungs? Look no further than to eucalyptus. This strongly scented essential oil is both refreshing and therapeutic. It has antimicrobial properties, and when applied in a diluted carrier solution to your chest, it can help open up the sinuses and lungs. We love to blend it with lavender to create a relaxing and therapeutic blend. This is the perfect essential oil for the cold season!

Cedarwood

Cedarwood is woody and balsamic. It’s deeply contemplative and we recommend this oil for many different purposes! When blended with lavender, it creates a beautifully therapeutic and meditative essential oil blend that can be used during a massage or even steamed in the shower to ease anxiety and depression. Historically it’s been used as a pesticide and helps prevent moths from eating clothing. It can also be used topically for acne and pain relief. It possesses antibacterial properties, promotes more restorative sleep, decreases stress and anxiety, and improves hair growth.

Lemon

Lemon is another essential oil that is extremely multifaceted. It’s part of the citrus family, which means that it’s uplifting and will help ease anxiety and depression. Topically, it improves the brightness of the skin and can be used as a treatment for acne, relieving pain, and healing wounds. It can help you feel energized – especially when used in the morning – and may improve cold symptoms. Why do you think it’s always good to drink tea with lemon when you’re feeling under the weather?

There are literally hundreds of essential oils out there, but this is just a starter list of our favorites and the ones that we think everyone should have in their home. What do you think? Did we miss any? Leave a comment in the section below. Call us today to schedule your personalized aromatherapy session!