Did you know there are nearly 100 essential oils? Some are pretty common like lavender and lemon. Others are more obscure like cardamom and helichrysum. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s also important to consider the quality of the oils you choose, as they are not all created equal. I use and recommend doTERRA oils. They are therapeutic-grade and pure; that makes them far more effective.
Now I know what you’re thinking…nearly 100?! Where do I even start? I’m going to tell you about my eight favorites and their uses to give you a starting point (in alphabetic order):
Cedarwood
- Relaxes the mind and body, easing aches & pains, anxiety, restlessness, and more
- Supports healthy respiratory function
- Promotes clear, healthy skin
- Repels insects
- Used in my recipes: flea/tick repellent collar, bug spray
Frankincense
- Clears the mind and allows for better focus
- Is anti-inflammatory, making it great for headaches, arthritis, sore muscles, sore joints, and more
- Used in my recipes: pain relief roller, soothing muscle cream
Geranium
- Hydrates dry skin
- Repels bugs, making it great for homemade bug spray and flea/tick collars for the dogs (recipes coming soon!)
- Used in my recipes: flea/tick repellent collar
Lavender
- Often thought of as the “all-purpose essential oil”
- Relaxes the mind and body, easing aches & pains, anxiety, restlessness, and more
- Soothes minor skin irritations from things like scrapes, rashes, burns (including sun burn), and skin allergies
- Soothes bug bites and itching
- Used in my recipes: happy tot roller, calming spray for dogs, deodorizing spray for dogs, pain relief roller, flea/tick repellent collar, baby wash, shave soap, lotion, butt balm, face wash
Lemon
- Provides a cleaning boost to laundry and dish soaps (I use it in my homemade laundry soap and dishwasher tabs)
- Eases cough, congestion, and sore throat
- Cuts grease (on dishes, in your hair, on clothes, you name it!)
- Used in my recipes: pain relief roller, dishwasher detergent tabs, laundry soap, all-purpose cleaner
Melaleuca (tea tree)
- Clears blemishes like acne and blackheads
- Is anti-bacterial
- Soothes minor skin irritations from things like scrapes, rashes, burns (including sun burn), and skin allergies
- Used in my recipes: butt balm, face wash, lotion
Peppermint
- Eases cough, congestion, and sore throat
- Soothes upset stomach, including diarrhea, morning sickness, and indigestion
- Reduces aches & pains like headaches and muscle & joint soreness
- Used in my recipes: deodorizing spray for dogs, pain relief roller, flea/tick repellent collar, bug spray
Wild Orange
- Raises spirits, providing an uplifting feeling
- Eases upset stomach
- Used in my recipes: happy tot roller, calming spray for dogs, deodorizing spray for dogs, shave soap, lotion
