I have been using essential oils for a little over ten years now, and I am continually amazed at their diverse healing properties and the various ways in which they can be used. Over the years, I've done my own research and have been experimenting with these natural extracts, discovering not only their therapeutic benefits but also their versatile uses.
Essential oils are an invaluable part to my wellness routine.
I have built up a vast repertoire of essential oils at home, each with its unique characteristics and benefits that I look forward to sharing with you what I've learnt and the many ways you can harness their power for your own well-being.
I won't go through all the ones I have and won't list all their healing benefits as there are too many to go through, but I will share with you the top 10 essential oils I use most frequently and how their healing powers have been an immense gift in my life.
Before delving into my list, there are a few things to consider when deciding which brand to purchase as there are countless choices on the market.
First thing to look for is the quality. There are plenty of fake ones that aren't 100% pure extracts but rather synthetic and/or diluted with cheaper oils which make the efficacy far less effective, if at all. The way to discern if these oils are of high quality is to look for these points:
If the label states that it's certified organic.
If The oil is stored in a dark glass bottle. ( This is an important factor so that it doesn't deteriorate due to UV radiation).
Look to see if the essential oil label also uses the Latin botanical name.
The label should give you instructions on how to use and/or caution.
It's also important to know that it is absolutely necessary to use a carrier oil along with your essential oils when using it directly on the skin as you will burn yourself due to the fact that they are extremely concentrated therefore are of high potency. Using 1-3 drops is literally all you need when mixing it with your carrier oil. Some examples of carrier oils that I like to use are; almond oil, unrefined coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and rosehip oil.
Furthermore, I use essential oils for aromatherapy in my diffuser, in my skincare routine, in my homemade DIY products, as a natural perfume, and in my evening baths I take regularly.
The brand that I love and have been using for the past decade is "Divine Essence Essential oils". Divine Essence. They use 100% natural and organic extracts free from chemicals and toxic substances.
Now to my list of top 10 Essential Oils that I use most regularly:
Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii) Organic Essential Oil
This oil is known for it's calming properties which help relax and soothe your nervous system. When I am anxious, using Frankincense does wonders for helping me feel relaxed. I use it most often in my diffuser and in my bedroom at night while I sleep, and also in my bath in the evenings.
Frankincense is known to relieve cold and cough symptoms as well. I make my own VapoRub with it by adding a few drops in my unrefined coconut oil and rub it on my chest, behind my ears, neck and back for my family and I when our immune system is down.
Orange - Sweet Organic Citrus Sinensis
Orange sweet essential oil has sedative effects when used in aromatherapy which is ideal for those with mild anxiety and insomnia.
I love the light and citrus scent of this oil so much so that if it didn't have any healing properties, I would use it just to be able to smell it's heavenly fragrance! I most often used it in my diffusers that I have placed in my kitchen and in my bedroom which helps me to be calm, but I also use it in my bath tub as a way to unwind at the end of my busy day.
Another great way I have used orange sweet oil is in my homemade cleaners. Smelling my freshly wiped counter tops and mopped floors with the sweet orange scent instantly lifts my mood! (Stay tuned for my future article on how to make your homemade skincare and cleaning products with essential oils).
Helichrysum Italicum- Everlasting Immortelle Organic.
Helichrysum Italicum, also known as Everlasting Immortelle, get's it's name because it thrives in hot areas around the Mediterranean without water.
This essential oil is known to heal various skin issues such as; minor skin irritations, bruises mild burns, mild acne and eczema. It's also great for acne scars, redness and to smooth out wrinkles. I have also read that helichrysum essential oil is used to relieve various digestive and stomach issues.
The way I've used helichrysum is mostly in my skincare when I battled acne for four years. I put 2-3 drops in organic castor oil and organic jojoba oil as these carrier oils didn't cause me to breakout. Using helichrysum calmed my skin and helped heal my acne scars.
I now use it mostly in my diffuser as I rarely have breakouts, thanks be to God!
Myrrh Wild- Commiphora Myrrha (C. molmol)
Similar to Helichrysum essential oil, Myrrh is also known for it's healing properties of skin disorders, so I have used this mainly during those tough years that I had acne putting it in my homemade moisturizers. Today, I put it in my diffuser as I love the aroma it leaves around my house!
Myrrh is also known for healing colds, digestive issues, strengthening your immune system, fighting fungal infections and more!
I also use it as one of the ingredients when I make my own natural toothpaste as myrrh is also known for it's antimicrobial properties which makes it great to prevent infections and treat minor oral pains.
Lemon- Citrus Limonium
Lemon essential oil is another scent I really am fond of. Due to it's antimicrobial properties it's known to help treat colds and flus, mild anxiety, and mild acne. I use it mainly in my homemade cleaners, my diffuser, as a natural perfume and in my skincare during my acne years.
Lemon essential oil is also known to aid in mental clarity. I am not a coffee drinker so, inhaling lemon essential oil has been great in helping me stay alert and focused during the tough mornings when I had a bad night's sleep.
Eucalyptus Radiata
Eucalyptus Radiata has been a versatile remedy in my household. It provides relief during illness by alleviating coughs, sinus infections, and throat irritation. Through diffusion and my homemade VapoRub, is what helped me to relieve congestion and pain.
Additionally, I have used eucalyptus to help manage my menstrual and labor pain. I gave birth to my five kids naturally, therefore this was one helpful way to alleviate some of the intense pain I went through.
Beyond medicinal uses, I have used as an effective natural bug repellent, which is a great alternative to chemical products.
Clove Bud- Eugenia Caryophyllus
I most often use Clove bud essential oil when I have a toothache, as it has been known for its remarkable analgesic and antiseptic properties making it effective in alleviating dental pain. When I experience discomfort due to a tooth cavity, I make my own mouthwash using this essential oil. To prepare the mouthwash, I typically combine a few drops of Clove bud essential oil with a unrefined coconut oil. The antibacterial properties of clove oil help combat any bacterial infection that may be contributing to the pain, making it a dual-purpose remedy. It has been incredibly beneficial for me, providing relief and comfort until I could schedule an appointment with my dentist.
Rose Otto- Rosa Damascena
Rose otto essential oil, derived from the delicate petals of the Rosa damascena, is wildly known to contribute significantly to overall skin health as well for its captivating fragrance!
One of its primary uses is to treat minor cuts, bruises, and burns, where its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities work together to promote healing and reduce the appearance of scars. Moreover, Rose Otto essential oil plays a crucial role in the fight against the signs of aging, as it has potent antioxidant properties.
I have incorporated Rose otto essential oil into my skincare routine that has helped me to maintain a natural radiant complexion, as it helps to improve my skin elasticity and hydration through my homemade moisturizers.
It has also been effective in providing relief from menstrual cramps by rubbing it on my lower belly .
I also enjoy using it in my bath at night to moisturize my entire body and it's delicate and feminine scent helps me to meditate and reconnect with myself.
Tumeric Curcuma- Curcuma Longa
Tumeric curcuma essential oil has many benefits that extend beyond its aromatic effects. It's known for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
In aromatherapy, the oil is often used to promote emotional well-being, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
I have used tumeric essential oil in my diffuser throughout my home when I am having a tough day as it has helped me to feel calm and invoke positive feelings which has helped improve my overall mood.
I also use it in a self-made skin rub on my tummy when I am experiencing discomfort from bloating, but the way I most often use tumeric curcuma essential oil is if for anti-aging benefits. I have used it in my homemade skin concoctions to even-out my skin tone and enhance the overall brightness of my skin complexion.
Lavender Fine- Lavandula Angustifolia
Lavender essential oil is used mainly to relieve nervosity, irritability, anxiety and help achieve better sleep. But is also great for healing skin issues such as acne scarring and reduce wrinkles.
The ways I use this oil is in my diffuser at night to help me when I am restless and have trouble sleeping, as a natural perfume, deodorant, skincare and household cleaners.
I also really love the smell of lavender, so that's always a plus!
Incorporating essential oils into my life has been highly beneficial in many aspects. These concentrated extracts have become a vital part of my daily routine, greatly improving my quality of life, and I strongly recommend you try them out for yourself!