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What essential oils should I start with? I wondered that same thing when I was a beginner. There are a lot of essential oils to choose from but it is best to start with the most versatile oils. They can be used in a diffuser or you can make your own homemade chemical-free cleaning and beauty products! Each one of these 10 essential oils have their own therapeutic benefits and you can easily incorporate them in your daily routine.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is well known for promoting relaxation but you can also use it in skin products too. You can add it to your favorite lotions, shampoos and skin care products. After a long day at work pamper yourself by combining a few drops to one cup of Epsom salt and add it to a hot bath. Create a relaxing evening routine by using a rollerball and apply it to the bottom of your feet and/or neck and rub it in. You could also spritz your pillow with a DIY pillow spray. All you need is a 2-ounce glass spray bottle, add 7 to 10 drops of lavender oil, then fill the rest with distilled water. There are so many ways you can use this wonderful oil!
Lemon (Citrus limon)
Lemon has a bright and refreshing aroma and perfect to use in cleaning products. It makes your house smell wonderful too. Instead of buying stainless steel sink cleaner I make my own. It’s cheaper and cleans as well as the store-bought stuff. All you have to do is sprinkle about a 1/3 cup of baking soda in the sink and add 2-3 drops of oil to the baking soda. Next step add a little bit of water on top of the baking soda to create a paste. Wet a sponge and rub the paste over the whole sink then rinse. You sink will look like new! You can also use lemon essential oil in your skin and hair care products. Add it to your conditioner to give it more of a citrus scent.
Any time you add lemon essential oil to your skin care products you need to be cautious. It is a citrus oil and can cause photosensitivity. Thus, avoid applying lemon oil to exposed skin if you are planning on spending time outside.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing aroma. It will also stimulate your senses and will promote alertness and positivity. You feel that much-needed boost of energy and will help you get through the day. Whether you are at work, home with the kids, or at the gym this oil is a lifesaver.
Use it with a carrier oil in a roller bottle and apply it to your neck. It is also very cooling on the skin. Add a few drops to a carrier oil and rub it on your sore muscles after a hard workout.
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Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) also known as Melaleuca
This oil is a wonderful disinfectant to use for cleaning but it is also used to help with acne breakouts as well. You can make your own cleaning spray or add a few drops in your laundry detergent. Adding some to your laundry will help get rid of any musty smells that might be in your towels.
For acne, you will need to be careful when using this oil. You should only “spot treat” with this oil and never put it in your moisturizers. It could dry out your skin or cause redness and irritation. Also, never use it with any other acne treatments. Use one or the other.
How do you use it on acne? Only use it at night (once a day is enough and you might want to start out by using it every other night). You don’t want to use it during the day and risk sun photosensitivity. Put a few drops in the palm of your hand and use your finger to dab it on your pimples. Never rub it in.
Will it work for you? Maybe. Not everyone has the same skin type so it might work for your friend but it might not work for you. I find that is the case with almost everything in life!
Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantiumdulcis) or Orange Sweet (Citrus sinensis)**
It’s the “happy” oil:) When I smell this oil it reminds me of Florida and our trips there during the winter months. Living in the midwest the winters are pretty long and cold. For a quick mood lift, we use this oil a lot in the diffuser during the winter. Add some lemon and lime essential oils into the diffuser too for a more fruity scent. You can add it to a light moisturizer at night to help with blemishes. You can make up a linen spray too. Pour distilled water into a 2-ounce glass spray bottle and add 6 to 8 drops of the orange essential oil. Spray it on your pillow or anywhere in the house that needs it!
It really is uplifting and its calming scent can help with anxiety and sadness too. There is little difference between the two oils. The bitter orange aroma is a little “dryer” than the sweet orange.
**Most bottles will be labeled “Orange” and will not have Bitter or Sweet on the label.
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
You can use this oil in your diffuser to help you sleep at night. Cedarwood has a warm, woodsy scent that creates a comforting atmosphere. This makes it perfect to use in your nighttime routine. It is also known for its skin cleansing and moisturizing properties as well. Add a few drops of this oil to your favorite lotion.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) or Frankincense (Boswellia serrata)
I love this oil! When I started using this oil I wasn’t sure about the scent. The aroma is unique and hard to explain. After using it a few times in my favorite nighttime roll-on recipe. It has an uplifting aroma and I now love the smell of it and I use it in my face cream every night too. It helps brighten up my skin and helps smooth out those lovely wrinkles too!
There are a few differences between the two oils. Visit Plant Therapy’s blog post titled Frankincense. They have a more in-depth article on this subject.
Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum) or Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
This oil has a sweet floral scent and is used in high-end perfumes and skin care products today. Use it in your body and face lotion to help promote radiant looking skin. Diffuse it to create spiritual and peaceful feelings to any space in your home.
Thieves
This blend has a spicy aroma. It usually includes clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils. Thieves oil is known for its purification properties. It is mostly used for cleaning and deodorizing. Use it in your diffuser to freshen up the house. It reminds me of fall time and you can really smell the clove and cinnamon. It gives your home that “I just baked something yummy” smell without having to mess up the kitchen and bake.
I have also made a carpet deodorizer with this oil too. Take one cup of baking soda and put it in a glass container then add 5 drops of Thieves oil and mix well. Cover and let it sit overnight. Sprinkle over your carpets and let it sit for about 20 minutes and then vacuum. Your house smells great after this!
Eucalyptus (Radiata) or Eucalyptus (Globulus)
If you want that spa experience without the spa price then grab some eucalyptus oil! This oil is known for its cleansing properties and stimulating scent. This is great to diffuse when you need to study or exercise. It gives you that focus and energy you need. I found it also great for clearing my sinuses when I have a stuffy nose due to a cold or allergies. I used this in a diffuser and also make a portable inhaler to throw in my purse to take to work with me.
Conclusion
All of the oils listed here are an excellent choice for you or anyone you know that would like to start using essential oils. There are many ways to use these oils which makes them a perfect choice for beginners. Once you get started you will find what oils and aromas you enjoy the most and from there you can add on to your essential oil collection.
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