In the past few years, the use and popularity of essential oils has grown exponentially. Essential oils have an almost endless list of uses including aromatherapy, homemade cleaners, candle scents, homemade perfumes, and natural health and beauty products. They may also aid in providing potential relief for an extensive list of ailments.
There are a lot of brands and essential oil blends on the market and many would be users report confusion knowing where to start with essential oils. Â Are there any side effects? Which oils are the most useful and should be purchased first? This list is a crash course in the best essential oils to start with and how they can support your home, beauty regimen and quality of life.
The Best Essential Oils for Beginners
Lavender Oil
Popularly known for its soothing and uplifting qualities, lavender is one of the best essential oils to keep on hand in your home. Research from the Netherlands shows that diffused lavender may have a positive influence on social and emotional responses in offices and schools. When kept at home, lavender may be helpful in relaxing after a long day, may calm frazzled nerves or help restless children fall asleep. The potential benefits of lavender can be experienced by direct skin application, inhalation or by diffusing it into the air.
Lemon Oil
One of the most useful essential oils on the market, lemon oil has a long list of potentially beneficial applications. With its colorful brightness, the smell of citrus has long been associated with freshness, positivity, and energy. Lemon oil can be added to natural cleaning products and diffused into the air to give your home a fresh clean smell.Â
Oregano Oil
Although often associated with your spice rack, naturally derived oregano oil has many uses outside of seasoning and sauce making. Some patients struggling with skin conditions report that oregano oil is one of the best essential oils for dealing with their symptoms. Others suggest that oregano oil can assist in cleaning the air when a family member is sick. Pregnant women should avoid the use of oregano oil.
Tea Tree Oil
Long used in natural shampoos and scalp treatments, tea tree oil is no stranger to the beauty product world. However, tea tree oil has uses far beyond shampoo and body wash and can be a helpful essential oil to keep on hand in your home. Studies show that a topical application of tea tree oil may be beneficial for supporting wound care but should not be used on open wounds (unless under physicians care) or burns. It may also support healthy looking skin when mixed with garlic and castor oil in a compress. Â
Peppermint Oil
You may not have much experience with peppermint beyond red striped candies or a stick of gum. However, diffused peppermint oil may support healthy energy levels in work environments and may support ideas and productivity. Â Some have even found that a small dab rubbed on the temples may ease headache symptoms. It can also be used in homemade beauty and health care products such toothpaste, lotions, and even bug spray.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is derived from flower buds grown on the Spice Islands and other tropical regions. Clove oil  has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support potential pain relief, especially in dental emergencies. Today it is still used in oral applications including some toothpastes and mouthwashes. It can also be diffused into the air and may provide some comfort with dealing with respiratory issues.
Potential Side Effects of Essential Oils
While they provide a wealth of potential benefits to many users, essential oils should be used with care. Look into any potential side effects and drug interactions to before choosing an essential oil.
Although most single note oils are suitable for use, if you are using them topically you should do a “patch test” on a small area of skin to see if it irritates your skin. Additionally, oils like tea tree and lavender may have negative effects on children, so make sure to do your research before diving in to use those oils.
What tops your list of best essential oils? Is there one that you swear by that didn’t make our list? Leave your stories, questions and comments below!
