These essential oils have saved me from near “insanity” during the most stressful times in my life (and on our planet)!
“Insanity” may be a strong word to use, but if you’re like me, you know what I’m talking about, particularly while still in the throws of our still lingering “pandemic.”
Whether a pandemic of viral proportions or one of mental and emotional fatigue, one thing is clear – self care is needed now more than ever!
With a growing consensus of skepticism over our public health system, more people are opting to embrace natural methods of healing, particularly when it comes to mental health. I for one have sought to go back to my roots (my parents were big time alternative health buffs) and so now I regularly turn to my holistic medicine cabinet filled with a growing collection of good quality essential oils that I rely on as part of my daily self care routine.
In the course of my recent journey into the world of essential oils, I’ve become more conscious of the metaphysical and energetic properties of these powerful potions – how and why they affect us the way they do, which has made this adventure all the more satisfying (and effective!)
Though I know there are some great essential oils out there, and believe me, I’ve used many different varieties over the years, I have used the Aura Cacia brand of oils for years, quite simply, because they’re one of the best I’ve ever used (they’ve been a part of my self-care arsenal for nearly 20 years!)
I’m still discovering ways to use my oils, and since the pandemic I’ve come up with more creative ways to put them to use, particularly on days where stress levels tend to be higher (e.g. Show Day!)
But for now, here are some of my favorite applications…
– I add a few drops of lavender oil (the more drops, the longer lasting the scent) to distilled water in a small spray bottle and mist my pillow just prior to going to bed. This helps get me into the sleep state much quicker (this plus NO television makes the journey into sleep even better).
– I mix about 5 drops with about 2 Tbl. of fractionated coconut carrier oil to use alone or in combination with other essential oils for a fantastic after shower mini-massage. (Note, all of the oils listed below I use alone or in combination for a DIY mini massage!)
I also LOVE using the sandalwood essential oil (see below) along with a little water (that’s it!) that I use in a stone aroma burner oil diffuser under lit with a tea light candle. That and some spa music while lying on the couch after a stressful day always does the trick!
Most recently, I’ve started taking my oils, blended with just a bit of carrier oil (5 or so drops in a small amount of carrier oil), rubbing my hands together with just a little bit of the combination and placing my hands cupped over my nose and breathing deeply (in through the nose and out through the mouth) about 3 times. This gives me a powerful hit of the oil’s essence and assimilates into my body (and energy field) for a quick pick me up (or calm down!)
Now, onto my top 10 (most used) essential oils…
1. Lavender (Attribute: Relaxing)
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Aroma Note: Middle note
The most popular essential oil in the world, lavender is considered one of the safest oils to use for adults and children, and scientific studies over the years have verified its many benefits. It smells both floral and herbaceous, since the oil comes from the flower, leaves, and stems of new growth. (Source: Aura Cacia)
Get it from Amazon for $13.15
2. Peppermint (Attribute: Cooling)
Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Aroma Note: Top note
Peppermint is the second most popular essential oil in the United States. It is cooling to the skin and gives off a fresh, cool aroma. This U.S.-sourced essential oil comes from the prominent Yakima valley in Washington state. The most popular essential oil in the world, lavender is considered one of the safest oils to use for adults and children, and scientific studies over the years have verified its many benefits. It smells both floral and herbaceous, since the oil comes from the flower, leaves, and stems of new growth. (Source: Aura Cacia)
Get it from Amazon for $8.99
3. Rosemary (Attribute: Activating)
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Aroma Note: Middle note
Rosemary essential oil is known for its strong resinous, herbaceous aroma and usefulness for a wide variety of applications. Rosemary’s name is fitting given its wild growing conditions – the Latin word “ros” means “des.” and “marinus means “sea.” The most popular essential oil in the world, lavender is considered one of the safest oils to use for adults and children, and scientific studies over the years have verified its many benefits. It smells both floral and herbaceous, since the oil comes from the flower, leaves, and stems of new growth. (Source: Aura Cacia)
Get it from Amazon for $8.35
4. Sandalwood (Attribute: Centering)
Botanical Name: Santalum spicarum
Aroma note: Woody base note
Sandalwood essential oil has many traditional uses. For centuries, East Indian sandalwood oil has been a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, the folk medicine of India. It’s also been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). (Source: Healthline.com)
Get it from Amazon for $15.77
5. Geranium (Attribute: Balancing)
Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens
Aroma Note: Middle note
Geranium essential oil is versatile, practical and effective in a wide variety of applications – from cleaners and detergents, to lotions and body care products, to outdoor patio sprays. (Source: Aura Cacia)
Get it from Amazon for: $17.99
6. Eucalyptus (Attribute: Clarifying)
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus
Aroma Note: Top note
Known for its strong clearing abilities, eucalyptus is one of the most popular essential oils as it’s inexpensive, easy to use and very effective. Eucalyptus leaves have a naturally sweet aroma, but through proper distillations, the essential oil becomes brisk and camphoraceous. (Source: Aura Cacia)
Get it from Amazon for $16.52 (Prime)
7. Juniper Berry (Attribute: Releasing)
Botanical Name: Juniperus Communis
Aroma note: Leafy middle note
Extracted from the berries of a coniferous tree, Juniper Berry essential oil is recognized for its versatile uses and benefits. The scent of Juniper Berry oil is woody, spicy, and clean. When used for its aroma, Juniper Berry essential oil has a calming and grounding effect and can also be diffused to help cleanse and purify the air. Juniper Berry oil can be used internally as a powerful cleansing and detoxifying agent and to support urinary tract and healthy kidney function.* Applied topically, Juniper Berry essential oil acts as a natural skin toner and reduces the appearance of skin blemishes. (Source: Doterra.com)
Get it from Amazon for: $19.78
8. Pine (Attribute: Strengthening)
Botanical Name: Pinus sylvestris
Aroma note: Leafy top note
One of the oldest essential oils used in ancient Greek civilization, pine essential oil is derived from steam distilling the needles of a pine tree. It blends well with many other essential oils like rosemary, cedarwood, and lavender. (Source: OrganicAromas)
Get it from Amazon for: $10.91
9. Jasmine (Attribute: Absolute)
Botanical Name: Jasminum officinale
Aroma Note: Base note
Jasmine oil, a type of essential oil derived from the jasmine flower, is a popular natural remedy for improving mood, overcoming stress and balancing hormones. Jasmine oil has been used for hundreds of years in parts of Asia as a natural remedy for depression, anxiety, emotional stress, low libido and insomnia. (Source: DrAxe)
Get it from Amazon for: $16.99
10. Frankincense
Botanical Name: Boswellia sacra
Aroma Note: Base note
Deeply balsamic and complex, Frankincense essential oil is regarded as a peaceful and connecting essential oil that is beneficial to the whole person – body, mind and spirit. It has long been associated with skin care and potent topical applications, spiritual rites and rituals, and seasonal usage. (Source: Aura Cacia)
Get it from Amazon for:
Get it from Amazon for: $19.63
Note: Prices are as listed at time of this post. Some prices may be discounted or vary depending on when you are viewing the item.
My “journey” using essential oils during these times have been a mental, emotional and physical life stabilizer for me!
As I continue to journey down the road of natural health including my use of essential oils I’ll continue to share that journey with you.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments about this post and/or my use of essential oils in my self care routine, please feel free to comment or reach out directly to me. I would love to hear from you!
Here’s to our ESSENTIAL well-being and self-care! Let’s take back our power to heal ourselves, mind, body and soul!
