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Essential oil use has been on the rise, but the truth is, they've been around and used for thousands of years. They've been used in different recipes and blends for coughs, colds, pain, perfumes, cleaning, relaxing and so much more!

I got my start in essential oils a few years after I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and started my holistic journey. And I have to say, it was a game changer. Not only for me, but for the rest of my family.

If you are just beginning your holistic journey, essential oils are a great and easy way to start. As with anything new, make sure to read about usage and risks. If you have certain health issues, you may not be able to use some oils.

Here's what you are going to learn in this post:

5 of the best essential oils for beginners
The benefits of those essential oils
Safety information
How to incorporate them into your daily life

So, if you are ready to take your life and health into your own hands, let’s get started!

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is probably the most popular and used essential oil of them all. This is for two reasons: the scent and the wide range of benefits. This oil can be blended with most other oils to create wonderful smelling and useful blends.

Here's a list of what lavender can help you with:

Skin: acne, eczema, rashes, sunburns, dermatitis, minor cuts, scrapes, psoriasis, burns
Mental: anxiety, depression, stress, mood swings, nervousness
Immunity: bronchial issues, flu and cold symptoms, hay fever, allergies, headaches, migraines, asthma
Other: bee stings, insect repellent, insomnia, nightmares, sleep, digestion

Safety Information: Lavender can make those with low blood pressure drowsy.

*Fun Fact: In the 12th century, German herbalist Hildegarde von Bingen declared that lavender was good for maintaining a pure character.

2. Lemom

Lemon is another favorite and so easy to pair with other essential oils. Like lavender, it has a very wide range of uses and is a must-have in every essential oil kit.

Here’s how lemon can benefit you:

Skin: corns, dandruff, complexion, fingernail toughener, greasy hair, warts, scars
Body: anemia, circulation, colds, and flu symptoms including coughs, allergies, constipation, digestion, fatigue, hypertension, immune booster, joint pain, low energy, mouth ulcers, nosebleeds, PMS, throat infections, voice loss
Mental: depression, emotional confusion, listlessness, stress
Other: air freshener, household cleaner, insect repellent

Safety Information: In some, may cause skin irritation (if you have sensitive skin). Avoid direct sunlight right after use because it may have a mild phototoxic effect.

*Fun Fact: In Japan, lemon essential oil is used in banks in order to reduce worker error.

3. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has been used for thousands of years. Although its list of benefits isn't as long as lavender and lemon, don't let it fool you, this oil is used by many. Everyone from doctors, dentist, veterinarians, and surgeons to normal, everyday folks.

Here is the list of uses of eucalyptus:

Skin: chicken pox, measles, shingles
Body: asthma, arthritis, coughs, decongestant, fever, insect repellent, migraines, muscle pain, rheumatism, sinusitis, sprains, throat infections
Other: antibacterial

Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use if diagnosed with epilepsy or high blood pressure. Always dilute. Do not use with children under the age of ten.

*Fun Fact: In the 19th century, eucalyptus trees were called "fever trees" because they destroyed the breeding ground of the malaria mosquito.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the most useful and loved of the essential oils. It's used in medicines, cosmetics, toiletries, and in the food industry. This is another must-have in anyone's essential oil kit!

Here's what peppermint can do for you:

Body: arthritis, asthma, bad breath, back pain, bowel disorders, digestive issues, nausea, bronchitis, colds, flu, coughs, cramps, faintness, fatigue, headaches, migraines, mouth and gum infections, muscular pain, poor circulation, sinus congestion, sunburn, tired feet, vertigo
Mental: apathy, mental exhaustion, shock

Safety information: Avoid if pregnant or breast feeding. Do not use on children under the age of ten. Do not use in baths.

*Fun Fact: It is believed that the genus Mentha was named for the mythological nymph Minthe, who was seduced by Pluto, then turned into a plant by his jealous wife. Pluto then turned Minthe into an herb, to be valued by generations to come.

5. Tea Tree

Tea Tree oil is relatively new to aromatherapy, although it has been used for centuries for its antiseptic and germicidal properties.

Here are the uses of tea tree:

Skin: acne, blemishes from chicken pox and shingles, blisters, burns, chilblains, cold sores, cracked and rough skin, dandruff, insect bites, sunburn, warts, athlete's foot
Body: varicose veins, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis, whooping cough, fever, colds, and flu

Safety Information: Limit usage to the problem area and avoid the surrounding skin. Do not massage directly on or below a varicose vein.

*Fun Fact: During WWII, Australian cutters and producers of tea tree oil were exempt from military service until enough of tea tree oil was accumulated for use in first-aid kits.

In our home, essential oils are a part of our daily lives. Every time someone is sick, has allergies, or anxiety the oils come out and the diffusers start.

When you begin using your oils, remember dilute it with either water, coconut oil, or another carrier oil like olive or jojoba oil. Essential oils are very potent and should never be used directly.

Diffusers are an easy and fantastic way to receive all the benefits of essential oils. You can also add them into cleaners, laundry, lotions, massage oils, and so much more! Begin with these five essential oils and notice all the benefits you receive. Then just keep adding as you learn more. Below are some links to some of the products we use in our home.

I truly wish you well, my friend.

Love,

Kelly

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