Getting started with essential oils can be intimidating, there are so many to choose from! It can also get expensive quickly. If you are just getting started with essential oils then I recommend starting off with 3-5 essential oils. I don’t recommend purchasing a large collection of them (as I did) because there is so much you can do with just a few oils.
I know what you’re thinking. You think you need an oil for this and an oil for that. You don’t, trust me. You’ll be amazed at the various benefits one essential oil can offer.
Start with a handful of oils and then grow your collection from there. I have included 5 essential oils you should have on hand. My list is likely different from that of another aromatherapist, but these are the oils I always have on hand. You’ll find the latin name so you know which species I refer to, why I chose it, and how you can use it.
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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
Lavender essential oil is made from the flowers of the plant and has a fresh, slightly sweet, floral aroma. It’s often suggested as the most important oil to have because it’s versatile and has a variety of benefits. It’s a personal go-to and is often included in blends I make for clients.
Why lavender:
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can reduce stress, tension, anxiety
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helps soothe the mind, body, and spirit
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can reduce inflammation and pain
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supports skin healing
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repels insects
How you can use it:
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place a drop on a cotton ball to smell
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add a couple drops to an unscented lotion and massage into your skin
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add to a diffuser
2. Lemon (Citrus limon)
Oh, the fresh, uplifting aroma of lemon! This essential oil is produced from the rind of the fruit and the fresh, citrus aroma reflects that. Lemon is another oil that can be used in many ways, including cleaning products.
Why lemon:
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can reduce tension and have an uplifting effect
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can reduce pain and inflammation
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has anti-microbial properties
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the aroma has a way of bringing a freshness to the air
How you can use it:
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add to a diffuser
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add to a homemade vinegar-based cleaning product
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add a few drops to wool dryer balls to leave a fresh aroma
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add a couple of drops to lotion
** Some citrus oils are phototoxic, meaning they can cause a bad reaction when applied to the skin and then that skin is exposed to sunlight. Lemon essential oil is phototoxic and you should use no more than 12 drops to 1oz of lotion/oil. Don’t let this scare you away from lemon, but it is important to follow this rule.
3. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree is well known for its distinctive aroma. It’s unmistakable. The aroma is sharp, herbaceous, and often labeled as “medicinal.” This amazing essential oil is produced from the leaves of the plant and is a must-have for sending germs on their way.
Why tea tree:
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well-studied for its anti-microbial benefits
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helps reduce inflammation
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can help reduce seasonal allergies
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supports the immune system
How you can use it:
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add it to a diffuser (I like to “tuck” the distinctive aroma in with other essential oils. Trying combining tea tree with other oils listed here)
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add to a homemade vinegar-based cleaning product
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add to a healing salve
4. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
The aroma of Frankincense is resinous, woody, and slightly piney. This oil is produced from the resin of the tree and is one I use regularly. It’s a wonderful healing essential oil.
Why frankincense:
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helps reduce pain and inflammation
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helps to calm stress and focus the mind
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excellent for tension in head and neck muscles
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supports skin healing
How you can use it:
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add a few drops to a lotion and massage into the skin. Then inhale deeply.
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add it to a diffuser or a cotton ball to let this aroma fill your nose
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add 1 drop to your face lotion or oil
*** It’s important to choose Frankincense essential oil that’s produced from responsibly harvested resin.
5. Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
Cedarwood essential oil has a more mild aroma that is earthy, woodsy. It reminds me of pencil shavings. This oil is produced from the wood of the tree and can be used in a variety of ways.
Why cedarwood:
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helps reduce pain and inflammation
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can support the respiratory system
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help calm stress and help a person feel more centered
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support skin healing
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can repel insects
How you can use it:
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add a few drops to a lotion and massage into the chest, neck, and abdomen.
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add to a diffuser alone or with other oils (it blends well with lavender or frankincense)
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add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it in closets to help repel insects
You’ll notice that the benefits of the 5 essential oils listed overlap. This is one reason essential oils are so incredible! If you don’t like one aroma then you can swap it for another oil that can support you. Try out some of the oils listed here, see what you think.
Do you have questions about essential oils or topics you’d like me to write about? Contact me here!
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