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Welcome back to the Aromatic Wisdom Institute Blog! Today you’ll learn about ten essential oils to get you started because essential oils are the cornerstone of true aromatherapy!
Two Important Notes to Start with on Blending and Safety:
I feel compelled to begin with this information because it’s too important to save for the end (and yes, I have repeated it at the end to be sure you see it đ)
1. Once you have a few essential oils to work with, you’ll be excited to get started, but before then, I strongly recommend you learn how to Safely and Effectively Blend Essential Oils.
2. Always practice the safe use of essential oils as they are very concentrated and mishaps do occur! I share some of my “oopsies” in this transparent blog post + podcast episode: Essential Oil Safety Guidelines (Dumb things I’ve done with essential oils)
Okay, let’s dive into Ten Essential Oils to get you started!
What Are Essential Oils?
We’re starting at the very beginning with a definition (if you listen to my podcast long enough, you’ll know that I adore definitions to ensure we’ll all on the same page)
Essential oils are liquid compounds found within plants that give them their distinctive fragrances. Take peppermint, for example. The fresh, minty aroma you associate with peppermint comes from its essential oil. Under a microscope, youâd see tiny sacs within the peppermint leaf filled with this aromatic liquid. Imagine crushing a peppermint leaf between your fingers and the delightful scent that lingersâthatâs the essential oil!
For a deeper look, check out the article “A Closer Look: Secretory Structures of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants” by the American Botanical Council. The article features amazing microscopic images of essential oil glands in various plants, including peppermint. Itâs a fascinating read and will deepen your appreciation for these incredible plant extracts.
Why Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils are not just fragrantâtheyâre also powerful plant medicines with numerous therapeutic benefits. Hereâs a brief overview of their remarkable properties: Learn what some of the weird words for therapeutic properties mean in this blog post Glossary of Aromatherapy TermsÂ
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Essential oils can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Emotional Balance: Theyâre great for alleviating stress and improving mood.
- Skin and Respiratory Health: Essential oils can support skin care and respiratory health, making them ideal for homemade wellness products.
- Antibacterial: Theyâre useful in DIY cleaning products for their natural antibacterial properties.
Essential oils are highly versatile and can often replace conventional medicines for many common issues. Plus, they make excellent additions to your green cleaning arsenal.
Top 10 Essential Oils to Start Your Collection
If youâre just starting using essential oils, hereâs a list of the top ten essential oils I recommend to kickstart your journey. Note: Each essential oil below has a link to a deeper dive into that oil.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)Â Known for its calming effects and versatility. Itâs excellent for burns, headaches, insomnia, and general relaxation. Safe for use with children.
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Tea Tree essential oil is an antiseptic powerhouse! Great for topical wounds, sinus issues, and general skin health.
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) Ideal for nausea, mental clarity, and refreshing energy. Itâs also a great addition to homemade cleaning products and natural insect repellents.
- Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Uplifting and cheerful. Perfect for diffusing to boost your mood, especially in the winter months. Plus, itâs safe for skin exposure to sunlight.
- Cedarwood(Cedrus virginiana)Â Grounding and calming. Effective for skin issues like acne, respiratory health, and insect repellent. It also helps with emotional overwhelm.
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): Classic cold and flu remedy. Excellent for steam inhalations and preventing airborne bacteria. This is because of one rockstare molecule called 1,8 cineole!
- Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) Sacred and aromatic. Supports meditation, deepens breathing, and aids respiratory issues like asthma.
- Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) known for its antispasmodic properties, itâs excellent for muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, and insomnia. Itâs a personal favorite with a special place in my heart âŁď¸ Read why in this blog postÂ
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus/Rosmarinus officinalis): A stimulating oil for mental and physical energy. Great in the shower to start your day, and it helps with tension headaches and respiratory issues.
- Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) Earthy and grounding, this essential oil is known to help soothe anxiety and support emotional stability due to its calming effects on the central nervous system.
Each of these essential oils offers a unique set of benefits, making them a valuable addition to your aromatherapy toolkit. Remember to use them safely and appropriately…. see below đ
Remember Safety and Proper Dilution!
(why yes, yes I am repeating this info – because it’s super important!)
 đEssential Oil Safety GuidelinesÂ
 đSafe and Effective Blending Guidelines