Young Living essential oils have become a staple in my life over the last 10 years or so. I use them daily for personal care, natural remedies, home cleaning and diffusing. While I am far from an expert in aromatherapy, my house is filled with essential oils. Here’s a list of my top 7 essential oils that I use daily.
My 7 must have essential oils:
1. Grapefruit
I use grapefruit oil every morning in my beauty routine. It has a cheerful and awakening citrus aroma, which is why I love using it so much in the mornings. I mix 5-6 drops of grapefruit oil in my hands with a teaspoon of coconut oil, and use the mix topically as lotion after taking a shower. Grapefruit oil has long been known as a lymphatic stimulant when applied topically, which may help in reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Note: Citrus oils applied topically can increase sensitivity to sun and UV rays, so avoid direct sunlight after applying this to your skin.
2. Lemon
I use lemon oil primarily for diffusing. It has a fresh, uplifting and clean scent, which makes it great for diffusing in the home. I also often add 1-2 drops of lemon oil to a glass of drinking water for its consumption benefits. It even makes for a great flavor booster to dinner dishes.
Note: When adding essential oils to your drinking water, make sure you are using a glass cup and not plastic. Essential oils are powerful enough to break down plastic and leach the chemicals into your beverage.
3. Abundance (blend)
Abundance oil, by Young Living, has quickly become my favorite oil blend. I diffuse it daily when working in the office, and it just gives me a sense of… well, abundance and positivity. I get more accomplished when I surround myself with the aroma of abundance oil. It’s made with combination of orange, frankincense, clove, ginger, and other oils that were used in ancient cultures to attract prosperity, joy and peace.
4. Citronella
I use citronella oil primarily in the spring and summer months as a natural bug deterrent (think citronella candles) for my family and pets. I rub 5-6 drops together in my hands and spread over exposed skin, hair and clothes. I find that it works at repelling mosquitoes and other bugs for a couple of hours before needing reapplication.
5. Lavender
Lavender is one of the world’s most popular essential oils, and usually top-of-mind for both its physiological and psychological benefits. It’s my go-to oil for applying on bug bites, burns and skin irritations. I add it to bath water for relaxation, put a drop on my pillow for a good night’s sleep, and rub a drop or two on my dog before a car ride to calm his anxiety.
6. Thieves (blend)
Thieves essential oils is definitely a must in my household – especially during cold and flu season. Thieves is a powerful combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary essential that gives off a warm, spicy aroma. It has amazing cleansing capabilities and supports a healthy immune system. At the first sign of an oncoming cold or illness, I diffuse Thieves in my home, rub a couple drops onto the soles of my feet (you may want to use a carrier oil), and disinfect everything with Thieves Household Cleaner. Also, when traveling I am always sure to carry along bottle of Thieves for added immune system support.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the most versatile essential oils. Just inhaling it straight from the bottle gives me a boost of energy when I need it. It can be very effective at soothing both stomach aches and headaches, and can improve digestion. It’s cooling effect also makes it a nice addition to shampoos, and even a spritz bottle of cool water on hot summer days. Love baking? Add a drop or two to your favorite baking recipe for a minty flavor.
So, there’s the list of my top 7 must have essential oils. These are the ones that I love and tend to use most often, and you may have your own favorites. What are your must have essential oils?
Note: Always read the labels and do your own research prior to using essential oils. Some may be dangerous to pets, children, pregnant or nursing mothers, or those taking certain medications. Many oils must be diluted prior to applying topically to avoid burning and skin irritating, and some are dangerous for consuming. Always use with caution.
Interested in learning more about essential oils? Read 10 Reasons to Use Essential Oils.