I’ve been wanting to do a post on the most popular essential oils that I use daily. I think so often we can become so bombarded with information about essential oils that it’s almost impossible to truly know where to start. Especially since there are different schools of thought when it comes to essential oils.
I’ve decided to round up 8 common essential oils that I’ve done a lot of research in hopes that I can simplify what you need and how you use your essential oils!
Lemon Essential Oil
- Lemon essential oil is my most used oil. I use it daily in my water as well as for cleaning counter tops. I clean my countertops with equal parts of vinegar and water with 15-30 drops of lemon essential oil in a squirt bottle.
- I don’t typically diffuse lemon all though I would if I didn’t have cats-they are sensitive to citrus oils. Learn more about that HERE. If you don’t have cats, diffuse away because lemon is such a crisp, fresh scent that pairs beautifully with lavender. It works to cleanse the air as well as boost mood. Lemon oil is know for it’s antibacterial power so it’s great to add to homemade disinfectants.
- I add it to my homemade healing salve to protect the body against infection. You can also gargle with warm lemon water to relieve sore throats, throat infections or even just bad breath.
Frankincense Essential Oil
- Frankincense essential oil is a sacred oil that is also very gentle when applied straight to the skin. It plays an important roll in many of my skin care recipes because of it’s ability to regenerate skin cells. It also tightens the skin.
- It is an oil that can be layered on top of another oil due to it’s ability to push other oils deeper into the skin causing them to be more effective.
- Just this weekend my mother experienced extreme pain in her knee possibly caused by gout. I applied lemon essential oil first and then on top I applied frankincense and peppermint. She experienced immediate relief and has continued the protocol which has relieved her pain and inflammation.
Oregano Essential Oil
- Oregano Essential Oil was used by ancient Greek physicians to treat, trauma, wounds, headaches, lung disorders, asthma, bites, and as a remedy for colds and disease. Oregano is a hot oil that should be used with caution because it will burn the skin.
- I had an infected cat bite wound a few weeks ago. Within hours, my hand became incredibly swollen, hot and pulsating with pain. I made a roll on bottle with melaleuca, oregano and lavender and applied several times throughout the day. Within 2 hours the heat was gone, inflammation was less and pain was reduced.
- The cold and flu bomb roll-on contains 5 drops of oregano, 5 drops of melaleuca and 5 drops of shield essential oil blend. It can be applied to the soles of the feet and the big toe for accelerated immunity.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil is always close by. Tea tree has been used for centuries to help the immune system; it acts as a stimulant and helps the body fight off disease, bacteria, infection, virus and illness.
- I often diffuse to help the body fight colds, sinus infections, respiratory ailments and bronchitis.
- I use tea tree topically to help fight any fungal, bacterial or viral infections. Read THIS post for a more detailed account of how tea tree has saved me a number of times!
Rosemary Essential Oil
- Rosemary Essential Oil is my go to for revving up circulation. I often add it to my homemade foot/hand creams since blood flow is not as efficient there.
- It can also be used during menstral cycles to reduce water weight.
- Rosemary has been historically used to clear the mind and nervous system and stimulate memories!
- I like to also use Rosemary in hair product DIYs to accelerate hair growth! It smells very strong but fresh so I always use it in my multi purpose gym spray-it cuts through b.o. like none other!
Lavender Essential Oil
- Lavender essential oil is my favorite! I diffuse it constantly and it is probably in every single DIY I’ve ever come up with. It is probably THE most versatile essential oil there is.
- I wrote THIS post about never leaving home without it. You name it, lavender can probably fix it. It’s been called the Swiss Army Knife of essential oils!
- It is good for use on acne; sunburns, insect bites and can also act as a insect repellent.
- Apply to minor sunburn or acne to promote healing.
- Add to a bath to relax, calm, and promote restful sleep.
- Apply to insect bites to relieve itching, repel bugs, and help diminish minor swelling.
Shield Essential Oil Blend
- Shield Essential Oil Blend is the equivalent of “Thieves Blend”. This ancient blend is based upon legend. The legend has its roots in 15th century England during the time of the great plague. Grave robbers and thieves developed their own blend of Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary to protect them while robbing the plague victims. This potent blend contains only pure essential oils and no carrier oil. This might be my 3rd most used oil with lemon first and lavender second.
- During the school year, I diffuse Shield constantly. Since my daughters share a room, I diffuse almost every night on their night stand to prevent the ping pong effect of viruses and bacteria that seem to happen between siblings. Diffusing Shield can help cleanse the air and surfaces of bacteria, mold and viruses.
- When one is sick, both get foot rubs before bed with straight Shield in order to stimulate their immune systems.
- Sometimes we drink a couple drops in our water.
- I always carry my homemade hand sanitizer during the winter months as well.
- This blend is an absolute must have if you work outside the home or have kids.
- Make it yourself with my DIY Thieves recipe and check out my reicpe for Thieves balm.
Peppermint Essential Oil
- Peppermint essential oil is my go-to pain reliever. I use it for menstrual cramps as well as muscle aches and headaches. Go HERE for my headache relief roll on!
- Like frankincense, it acts as a vehicle to carry other oils deeper into the body. If you are layering oils on the skin, use peppermint last.
- Peppermint has come in handy when the girls get fevers that are too high for my liking. I never use Tylenol or any other synthetic drug to bring a fever down because the body is kicking in and heating up in order to kill something harmful, but by applying peppermint to the feet and even the forehead, you can quickly break a fever that is too high. Go HERE for more about fevers.
- Peppermint has been very effective as a digestive stimulant. I have been known to add a couple drops to my drinking water to aid digestion or cool down heart burn.
- My homemade vapor rub contains peppermint to help with congestion.
- Peppermint can be diffused to enhance mental clarity!
Mountain Rose Herbs is where I prefer to get all my DIY beauty ingredients and am very satisfied with their essential oils. They are organic and fair trade certified, which most essential oil companies can not claim. They also have a certified in-house aromatherapist to analyze their essential oils to ensure consistent quality. They have a huge selection and their prices are much lower then YL! Explore their essential oils HERE.
More Essential Oil Posts:
- 5 Essential Oils to Never be Without
- Essential Oils 101
- DIY Healing Salve (neosporin)
- Essential Oils for Allergies
- Skin Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil
- Essential Oil Conversions and Dilutions
- DIY Thieves Blend
- Essential Oils and Photosensitivity
- Essential Oils and Pregnancy
So there you have it-My top 8 most useful essential oils list. I hope this helped give some clarity on exactly how you too can incorporate essential oils into your routine!
xx, Jenni
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