An essential oil collection that includes Arborvitae to Zingiber and all the oils in-between is a beautiful sight. But such an arsenal can also be daunting, expensive, and for many people, especially those new in their holistic journey, unnecessary. Essential oils only work their earthy magic if you use them. Just one oil, when chosen with intention, is enough to make essential oils a part of your daily life. After years of using essential oils at home, school, and with the family, we recommend the following oils as a wonderful start to your collection.

If You Just Pick 1
Essential oils can be used for a variety of needs. But when it comes to versatility, lavender is tough to beat and definitely our go-to oil.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Highly effective and incredibly versatile, lavender essential oil is a wonderful healer and one of the few that can be applied undiluted directly on the skin in acute cases. With antiseptic, antibiotic, and antifungal properties, lavender soothes minor burns and scalds, insect bites, cuts and grazes, and helps prevent scarring. Lavender essential oil can also ease headaches, nervous tension, difficulty falling asleep, and stress. For inspiration to jump-start your use of lavender, check out our library post, “Easy, DIY Lavender Recipes.”

The Next 3
Set these three next to Lavender and you have a solid set for everything from first aid to cleaning house.

Eucalyptus Radiata (Eucalyptus radiata)

The minty aroma of this oil is similar to Eucalyptus Globulus but softer and fruitier, promoting a refreshing environment and enhancing easy, clear breathing. With an incredibly wide-range of applications, Eucalyptus Radiata is useful for first aid, cleaning, and body care.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is a wonderful all-purpose essential oil with analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and cooling properties. Just some of the issues it can help with include  digestion, the respiratory and circulatory systems, headaches, and tooth pain.

Lemon (Citrus limon)
Beyond its fresh, brightening aroma, Lemon’s antispetic properties make it a valued ally when cleaning surfaces. This essential oil is also useful for gently stimulating concentration and the metabolism, and blends well with other oils to extend it already wide range of applications. 

Worth the Splurge
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
Frankincense has been revered since ancient times. Often called “The King of Oils,” this powerhouse promotes healthy cells, rejuvenates the skin, and helps clear congestion while boosting optimism and feelings of contentment. Frankincense is also known to support the immune, digestive, and nervous systems.

Learn More
There are so many wonderful resources to enrich your essential oil journey. But one of our all-time favorites, what we call “the essential oil Bible,” is Valerie Ann Worwood’s  The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, 25th Anniversary Edition. With 800+ recipes for every possible situation and application, if you pick just one book about essential oils, make it this one.