Essential Oils – A-Z Quick Start Guide

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for which essential oils offer what health benefits, you’ve come to the right place!

When I got started with essential oils I found it hard to keep track of which oils are best for which health & beauty concerns. Because of that, I began creating a guide for my own reference. I wanted to have it easily accessible at a glance. Then it occurred to me this might be useful for you as well.

I should mention that all essential oil brands are not created equal. It’s important to do your research. I prefer doTerra for a few reasons. One, because I know they are safe to ingest (not all brands are!) and because they created a standard in the essential oil industry that wasn’t there before. You can read more on that here if you’re interested.

All the information gathered here I found directly through literature and information from doTerra. I am not an expert in essential oils, but they are.

I’ve highlighted the health benefits under each one in bold to make this easily skimmable if you’re looking for certain remedies. You can also click on the link for each oil to get a much more in-depth description of each of their benefits!

Essential Oils A-Z

• Eucalyptus Oil
  • Used to cleanse surfaces as well as the air.
  • It can help promote feelings of relaxation and clear breathing.
• Uses:
  • Combine with lemon and peppermint oils in a spray bottle for cleaning kitchens and baths
  • Use in a diffuser to promote relaxation.

• Frankincense Oil
  • Promotes feelings of peace and overall wellness.
  • When consumed, supports healthy cellular function as well as supporting healthy immune and nervous system functions.
• Uses:
  • Add 3-4 drops in a diffuser, can be applied topically to reduce skin imperfections, rub on hands or bottom of feet for a warming, soothing effect, dilute in liquid to ingest.

• Geranium Oil
  • Promotes healthy, glowing skin and hair.
• Uses:
  • Add a few drops to your regular shampoo or conditioner.
  • Use in an aromatherapy steam facial to beautify skin.

• Helichrysum Oil
  • Used to prevent signs of aging and is referred to as “the everlasting flower” because of it’s rejuvenating benefits for the skin and its ability to improve the complexion.
• Uses:
  • Apply topically to reduce blemishes
  • Apply to face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to promote a youthful, glowing complexion

• Juniper Berry
  • Ability to cleanse and purify the air.
  • It can produce a calming, grounding effect.
  • Supports healthy kidney and urinary tract function when consumed.
  • Natural skin toner.
• Uses:
  • Add 1-2 drops to water to consume as part of a natural cleansing regimen.
  • Apply 1-2 drops topically.
  • Diffuse with citrus oils to purify the air and lessen stress.

• Lavender
  • Used for centuries for it’s calming properties and to reduce stress.
  • Soothes skin irritations.
• Use:
  • Add a few drops to pillows, bedding or bottom of feet at bedtime.
  • Combine with water in a spray bottle to freshen up your home or car.
  • Take internally to reduce anxious feelings.

• Lemon
  • One of the most versatile oils for its cleansing, purifying, & invigorating properties.
  • Cleanses and purifies the air.
  • When taken internally, cleanses the body, aids in digestion and supports healthy respiratory function.
• Uses:
  • Take internally with water or add a few drops to recipes.
  • Add to a spray bottle with water to clean surface areas.
  • Add a few drops to olive oil for an all-natural wood polish.
  • Soak a cloth in lemon oil to preserve and protect the leather.
  • It can be used to clean tarnish off of silver.
  • Use in a diffuser for an uplifting environment.

• Myrrh
  • Ancient records show that Myrrh was deemed so valuable that it was sometimes valued at its weight in gold! It’s been used for centuries for its external and external health benefits.
  • Powerful cleansing properties, especially for the mouth and throat.
  • Soothing to the skin promotes a smooth, youthful appearance.
• Uses:
  • Add a drop or two to toothpaste.
  • Diffuse to create an inspired & balances atmosphere.
  • Add to lotion or moisturizer to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

• Peppermint
  • When taken internally, it promotes digestive health and respiratory function as well as helping with an upset stomach.
  • Natural bug repellant.
• Uses:
  • Add a drop to water along with lemon oil for a healthy mouth rinse.
  • Add to your favorite recipes.
  • Take two drops in a veggie capsule to alleviate an upset stomach.

• Petitgrain
  • The variety of historical uses are supported by emerging scientific evidence.
  • Powerful antioxidant.
  • Supports cardiovascular and immune function.
  • Internal use may help promote restful sleep.
• Uses:
  • Diffuse for relaxation.
  • Take internally, 1 drop oil in four ounces of water.

• Sandalwood
  • Known for its woodsy aroma.
  • Reduces the appearance of skin imperfections.
  • Hair moisturizer.
• Uses:
  • Fill a large bowl with steaming water, then apply one to two drops of Sandalwood to your face and cover head with a towel. Place your face above the steaming water.
  • Apply one to two drops to wet hair to add shine and moisturize.
  • Use in a diffuser.

• Tea Tree Oil
  • Cleansing and rejuvenating to the skin.
  • It helps to purify the air.
  • Soothes irritated skin.
• Uses:
  • Diffuse to purify & freshen the air.
  • Add 1-2 drops to facial cleanser.
  • Apply 1-2 drops onto skin irritations.
  • Apply to fingernails to keep them looking healthy.
  • Add a few drops to a spray bottle of water for a natural surface cleanser.

• Turmeric
  • Turmeric has so many known health benefits, it’s often recommended to be taken as a daily health supplement.
  • Supports metabolism.
  • Powerful antioxidant.
  • Supports nervous and cellular function.
  • Supports a healthy immune system.
  • Supports healthy-looking skin while reducing blemishes.
• Uses:
  • Take internally for daily antioxidant support and to improve immune response and as metabolic support.
  • It can be used as a spot treatment on the skin or for an all-over facial mask for a healthy glow and to reduce blemishes.
  • Diffuse to promote feelings of positivity.

• Wild Orange
  • It creates an uplifting environment.
  • Powerful cleanser and purifying agent.
  • When taken internally, it supports a healthy immune system.
• Uses:
  • Add a few drops to water for an all-purpose cleaner.
  • Add a drop to water every day to support overall health.
  • Diffuse to uplift mood.

• Yarrow/Pom
  • Made from pomegranate seed, it’s good for internal and external aging.
  • Inhibits the enzymes that breakdown elasticity and collagen
  • Powerful antioxidant.
  • When consumed, helps to support cellular and immune systems and metabolic functions.
• Uses:
  • Consume 1-2 drops morning and night.
  • Apply to skin for a healthy glow and to reduce blemishes.

Of course, if you have very sensitive skin, allergies or other health concerns you should always check with your doctor. You can read more about essential oil safety here.

Quick Guidelines for Basic Use

Internal – Add one of drop oil in 4 ounces of liquid to drink.

Diffuser- Use 3-4 drops of essential oils with distilled water.

Topical – Dilute 1-2 drops with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) before applying to the skin.

DIY Home Remedies With Oils

Here are a few home remedy ideas using essential oils. I’m just getting started with oils myself and will update this page as I work on more all-natural ideas.

Make your own lavender and bee pollen soap.

Make an air-purifying candle with this candle making for beginners tutorial.

Add to this smoothie recipe.

You can pin this for future reference:

This post may contain affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure here. Linking up with bnotp.