Your Must-Have List of Essential Oils

Learn why every household needs this must-have list of essential oils.

The popularity of essentials oils has skyrocketed in the past few years as Americans are making a change toward a more natural approach to healthy living. It’s not a big surprise really, as civilizations throughout history have been using essential oils for just about anything that ails them. So if you’re just getting started, or you’d just like to try out some new products to add to your aromatherapy collection, we’ve come up with a list of essential oils to support your health.

List of Essential Oils: The Top 6 You Need Now

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is one of the most common and versatile in our list of essential oils. Many people love lavender for its delicious floral aroma, but its calming capabilities are what really makes it popular. Aromatherapists often recommend this oil if you are looking for something to help you relax (it’s often used as a sleep aid) and to help support a calm mood  in stressful situations.

Possible Uses: Add lavender oil to lotion, massage oil, shampoo, or other bath products. You can also use it as a natural cleanser or in a diffuser for aromatherapy.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is another common yet versatile choice in our list of essential oils. Peppermint has a distinct smell but is usually well tolerated by sensitive noses. Experts suggest it can increase energy levels and improve concentration and focus. Some even believe it can help relieve headaches when rubbed on the temples. Try using it to naturally freshen your breath, or to revive tired, achy feet when soaked in a foot bath. You can also add a few drops of food-grade peppermint oil to sparkling water to temporarily relieve an upset stomach.

Possible Uses: Peppermint oil works well in toothpaste, mints, candies, or other foods. Use it in lotion, shampoo, or other beauty products. Also add a few drops to a diffuser to fill the room with a refreshing wintry aroma.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil comes in handy when getting over seasonal health challenges. Experts believe it may help support open airways in the chest, thus temporarily relieving a persistent cough. For this purpose, it is often used in natural salves that can be rubbed on the chest, neck, and under the nose to help you breathe easier during seasonal changes.

Possible Uses: Eucalyptus oil works well in natural salves, or add a few drops to a diffuser or a fine mist spray.

Orange Oil

Orange oil is definitely a must-have in your list of essential oils. It is used by natural health enthusiasts in a variety of different ways. Some researchers claim it may act as a natural sedative, helping to promote a calm mood after a stressful day. It’s also believed to muscle and nervous system function during episodes of temporary respiratory irritation due to seasonal changes. It can also be used as a natural bug repellent and is useful in small quantities (just a few drops) on dogs and other household pets to help keep away fleas. Learn more about essential oils for use on pets in our blog post.

Possible Uses: Use orange oil in a fine mist spray or in a diffuser to energize a room. Try a few drops in lotions and body scrubs, or topically. You may also try it as a natural bug spray, or as a flea repellent for pets. Add a few drops to laundry cycles for added freshness.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil works well as a do-it-yourself chemical-free, household cleanser. Lemon is a natural disinfectant and can be combined with warm water to safely clean your home. Tea tree oil also works nicely either combined with lemon oil or on its own as a natural cleaner. Just check out this blog post with easy recipes for cleaning with essential oils. Some essential oil researchers also claim lemon oil can be used to aid in weight management, support your immune system, or help to calm an upset stomach.

Possible Uses: Use lemon oil as a non-toxic cleaning agent. Lemon oil may also be used in facial cleansers or body scrubs. Add a few drops to beverages or food. Also try it in a diffuser.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another natural cleansing option. Because it’s a natural defender against potentially harmful microbes, you can use it to wipe down your sweaty yoga mat after class, or your kitchen table after a messy meal. It’s also often found in natural beauty products because it may support healthy aging of the skin. Others use it in shampoos and conditioners to help calm an itchy scalp and promote healthy hair growth; however, more research is needed. Tea tree oil is highly concentrated, so this is one oil to absolutely make sure you dilute with water or a carrier oil, such as olive, grapeseed, jojoba, or avocado oil, especially when used topically. It’s important to note that tea tree oil is not safe for pets. Learn the other essential oils that are not safe for pets here.

Possible Uses: Tea tree oil is prevalent in beauty products such as face cream, shampoo, and lotion. It may be used as a natural, chemical-free household cleaner. It may also be used a natural bug repellent. In deodorants, tea tree oil is combined with other essential oils as a natural odor neutralizer.

For additional information, check out this guide we like about essential oils and your health.

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What is on your must-have list of essential oils? Let us know in the comments below!