In addition to their incredible scents, essential oils are thought to be nature's medicine and promise to help heal and soothe your body, mind, and soul.
Aside from the aromatherapy benefits, users also claim the oils can help with common colds, headaches, menstrual cramps, and more. And all you need is a little bit of the oil on your skin or even just having the scent of it in the air to make it work.
To help you get started, we've rounded up 12 of the most essential essential oils every home and natural-minded healer should have.
Lavender Oil
Lavender isn't only a gorgeous color and a beautiful botanical, but the scent is incredibly calming. It's a natural de-stressor and helps lull you to sleep. A little spritz of lavender spray in a child's room is thought to help little ones ready for bed. Plus, a dab of lavender is said to keep the bugs away, and when used on an insect bite can help stop the itch.
Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage works wonders for women — it helps to alleviate menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause. According to HealthLine, this essential oil also helps to reduce blood pressure, aiding with anxiety and high stress levels.
Peppermint Oil
I've used peppermint oil as a natural deterrent to keep mice and ants out of my home. But there are many other uses as well. According to DIY Natural, peppermint essential oil can help ease stomach aches, nausea, and headaches. For stomach issues, you can put a little dab on feet or belly; for headache, put some behind your neck or temples (away from eyes).
Rosemary Oil
The smell of rosemary is incredible and this essential oil is helpful in boosting immunity. When you rub a small amount of oil on your chest, rosemary oil can help alleviate symptoms of a cold, according to Natural Living Ideas. Other benefits include helping with memory, mental clarity, reducing stress, flushing out toxins, repelling mosquitoes, and battling acne. Amazing!
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Lemongrass Oil
Great-smelling lemongrass can be used as a natural deodorant — Natural Living Ideas suggests blending with coconut and peppermint oil to create the perfect balance. It also works to repel fleas, ticks, and other insects — and is safe for dogs. To reduce fever, rub some lemongrass oil on the back of your neck, chest, and bottoms of your feet.
Sweet Orange Oil
Happiness in a bottle? That's sweet orange oil! It can help put you in a better mood (kids, too). This oil also works great as a household cleaner. A Delightful Home has some sweet recipes for that.
Lemon Oil
The zesty scent of lemon has incredible mood-boosting qualities as well, according to Mother Earth Living. As an essential oil, lemon is also a natural antiseptic, great for cleaning products and killing bacteria. That makes it a great hand sanitizer.
Rose Geranium Oil
Ticks are a huge problem in many places and the good news is that the little buggers dislike rose geranium oil. Often used in perfumes, rose geranium also works great on eczema thanks to its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, according to Healthy Focus. The oil also has anti-inflammatory benefits and can be massaged in to calm and soothe. Plus, you can use it as a natural deodorant.
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Frankincense Oil
The woodsy and warm scent of frankincense has a magical feel. Wellness Mama points out how it's also excellent to improve circulation and memory, and help with hormonal imbalance.
White Thyme Oil
Sore muscles? Massaging white thyme oil into the spot can help, according to Live Strong. It also helps fight infection and can clear your airways, acting as an expectorant.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile tea is a favorite in many homes and the essential oil is also a necessity because it works even better. Besides its calming effect, chamomile helps reduce allergy and PMS symptoms, according to Dr. Axe. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe chicken pox, poison ivy, and other skin irritations.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a must. It can help with acne, dandruff, insect bits, and ringworm, according to Natural Living Ideas. Plus, when mixed with peppermint oil, it acts as a repellent against lice.
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