Essential Oils
photo by Kelly Sikkema
One of the things I love most about essential oils is that they are fairly easy to come by, most are relatively inexpensive, and they are also easy to use.
Below I share my favorite oils, the brands I prefer, carrier oils, and how I use essential oils. My suggestions are not paid affiliations, but are, instead, taken from experience. I’m not a doctor or a naturopath consultant, and my suggestions should not be used as medical or psychological advice. Please check with a certified specialist if you have any concerns about using essential oils.
My favorite essential oils
Peppermint
Lavender
Bergamot
Sweet Orange
Clove
Lemon
Lemongrass
Essential oil brands I prefer
NOW
dōTERRA
My collection of essential oils is ever growing. Because of that, I’ve tried quite a few essential oil brands looking for both quality and affordability. There are huge discrepancies when ordering online between price and quality. But, over the years, I’ve come to trust and consistently buy from a few, mostly due to a combination of quality and price.
Two of my favorite brands: dōTERRA and NOW. dōTERRA’s essential oils are very high quality, but come at a higher price point. NOW essential oils are not as high quality as dōTERRA, but they are still very good quality and affordable, and I really appreciate that. The majority of the oils I’ve repurchased have come from NOW.
Some essential oil company’s add castor oil or other non-essential oils to their cold-pressed essential oils. Most of these lesser-quality brands label their essential oils for aromatherapy, rather than therapeutic or food grade. I’m not a big fan of oils that have additional ingredients, and I tend to steer clear of most for topical use.
Apart from those previously mentioned, I’ve also been really happy with the Lagunamoon set that was gifted to me along with my diffuser. Their essential oils have been great for aromatherapy as the smell lasts as long as the water in the diffuser. Their oils also spread evenly in the water, which helps them to diffuse more evenly.
Less quality oils tend to clump up in water because the added castor or jojoba oils are thicker than the essential oils themselves. Some will also leave a bit of residue because of the added carrier oils, which is fine for aroma therapy but I wouldn’t use just any oils topically or internally.
I’m always on the lookout for quality essential oil brands that are affordable, not cheap, but reasonably priced for the quality. Two I’ve been trying recently are Eden’s Garden and Viva Doria. Although I like them, I haven’t used them long enough or tried more than a few of their oils, but for the price and the quality they seem, so far, to be on par with NOW.
Essential oils and their uses
Carrier oils I enjoy using
Carrier oils are lightweight, less potent, plant-based oils which help to evenly spread the more potent essential oils making them last longer and spread more evenly when using the oils topically. Although olive oil and other vegetable oils are appropriate to use, inexpensive and easily accessible, I find them to be a little thick. I have normal to dry skin and vegetable and olive oils tend to sit too long on the top of my skin. I prefer a carrier oil that absorbs more quickly, like Jojoba or Rose hip oil. Jojoba is my favorite and Leven Rose makes an affordable and very good quality oil.
How I use essential oils
Most of my essential oil use is aromatic or topical, but some of my essential oils are food grade quality, meaning that they are ingestible. I, personally, don’t ingest essential oils regularly. When I do, I’ll add a drop or two of food grade quality lemon oil to my water. Simple uses like that.
I love essential oils for aromatherapy. I tend to be a rather anxious individual and I love the soothing effects of delightful smells. I was gifted an essential oil diffuser for Christmas. The brand is Victsing, and one like it can be found here. I tried several diffusers prior to receiving this one and they were too small and rather ineffective. But, this brand, although not luxury quality, is very good and affordable. I use it in my office and it easily fills my 120 sqft space.
Because I’m a simple woman with simple tastes, the essential oils I use on a regular basis are also simple and easy to find. Below is a small breakdown on how I use the essential oils I mentioned above.
Peppermint
Honestly, peppermint is my most valued and most used essential oil. I use it for everything! It is amazing for muscle aches, upset stomach or indigestion (spread topically in the aching areas), I would carry a small vial in my school backpack and when I was feeling tired I would spread a drop or two on the back of my neck and chest to help wake me up. I’ve also found it is helpful for my onset of restless legs. I will apply it directly to my shins and lower spine at night and it helps my legs and body relax. To me, peppermint is an absolute gods-send.
Lavender
Lavender is another essential oil I’m never without. Not everyone can handle the aroma, as it is strong, but it really does help with sleep and relaxation. I also use it in on my hair and scalp. It has antibacterial properties and when I let my hair go curly, I will spray the lavender and water mixture on my hair and scalp to re-enliven the curls and keep my scalp healthy.
Bergamot
Bergamot is a new addition to my essential oil collection. It is a member of the citrus family. Although I purchased a food grade oil, I have only ever used it for aroma therapy. It is a slightly earthier and less sweet version of orange oil, and pairs really nicely with orange and other oils. It has a pick-me-up quality and when I sit down to a long day in my office at my computer, I will use it to help keep me awake.
Sweet Orange
For aromatherapy, sweet orange and orange are my absolute favorite. Orange is both sweet and earthy smelling and pairs nicely with other oils, or can be used alone. It is refreshing, and in my opinion, a glorious smell. It keeps me positive and awake, two things I desperately need when I’m in school full-time.
Clove
This one is an unusual oil to have on a favorites list. However, I suffer from cold sores when I’m stressed, and clove oil, although potent, helps to reduce my cold sores, and I’ve also used it on canker sores as well. Clove, like lavender, oregano, rosemary and others, is antibacterial. It burns, but after the burn subsides the pain of my cold sore reduces dramatically. I’ve used tea tree oil topically for this purpose as well, and it has similar effects. Although, clove oil seems to help eliminate the sores faster than normal.
Lemon
Lemon is great for aromatherapy, cleaning, as well as ingesting (if food grade quality). I’ve heard it helps with regularity in some people when ingested. I love the smell, and enjoy the flavor. It’s antimicrobial and has both vitamin c and antioxidants. So, a few drops in your water can be a really good thing. Although it can be used for cleaning, I have only ever used it on small areas and so I can’t say much about it’s cleaning benefits.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass oil is another of my favorite aromatherapy oils because of its ability to keep me focused. You can add a little Cedarwood oil if you want an earthier smell. I really enjoy light-weight and invigorating aromas when I’m working, and lemongrass is both.
I purchase many of my oils on Amazon. But I’ve also found them at Sprouts, TJ Maxx (aromatherapy grade only), and health food markets. When purchasing on Amazon, I try and buy direct from the brand. I’ve purchased a few on ebay, but it’s difficult to know if you’re getting a quality item there.
A few of my favorite combinations
Orange and Bergamot
Balance (from dōTERRA). When I can’t sleep, I will apply a tiny amount to each of my temples.
Lemongrass and cedarwood
I love almost all blends that are for stress, for sleep, and for invigoration.
Let me know what essential oils and brands are your favorites. I’d love to try them!
