Essential Oils Beginners Guide + (20 Recipes To Make At Home)

If you are just beginning your journey with essential oils and aromatherapy there are a few oils that will help you get started. These are some of the easiest to find yet versatile essential oils. Not only are they used for therapeutic purposes but can also be used in many other applications.

Some of these include making natural cleaning products and gardening. In addition to the oils, you will need some way to get them into your lungs. An aroma diffuser is a good way to do this.

An aroma diffuser puts the essential oils into the air quickly and spreads them about the room which allows you to get your therapy by just relaxing and breathing deeply. They come in all different shapes and styles so you can purchase one that matches the décor in each room of your home.

Some run with the use of an open flame while others are powered by electricity. You can even get aromatherapy diffusers that work in your car.

Lavender

Lavender is a nontoxic and nonirritant essential oil.  It is extracted through steam distillation from flowering tops of the lavender plant. This essential oil has long been a folk remedy used to calm an upset stomach. Lavender has both soothing and reviving properties.

Lavender oil should be clear to pale yellow in will smell sweet with floral and woody undertones. It blends well with other floral and citrus essential oils.

As aromatherapy, it has a variety of health benefits. It’s pleasant and calming scent makes it helpful in treating nerves and headaches, anxiety, depression, and emotional stress. It also increases mental stamina and calms exhaustion.

Lavender essential oil is often recommended to treat insomnia as its scent can induce sleep. Massage with lavender oil can remedy all types of soreness and pain even when it is deep in the joints.

The vapor form of lavender oil is used to treat all sorts of respiratory problems including, colds, flu, chest congestions, whooping cough, sinus congestion, and asthma.  Lavender has been used to promote good blood circulation and stimulate the production for gastric fluids to treat stomach ailments.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree essential oil is also a nontoxic and nonirritant but can cause sensitization in some people. This oil is extracted through steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the Tea Tree.

Tea Tree has long been used by the aboriginal people in Australia and is named for their use of it as an herbal tea. The oil should be a pale-yellow green or water white color. Tea Tree blends well with lavender, clary sage, rosemary, and many spice oils.

Tea Tree oil is known for being antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral. In short, it can almost be called a cure-all because it has so many properties to ward off disease and germs. In Australia, it is found in nearly every household because of these properties.

Tea tree oil can be used as an antibacterial to cure all sorts of bacterial infections including the treatment of wounds. As aromatherapy, it can be used to treat coughs, colds, congestion, and bronchitis. It can also keep fungal infections at bay and even cure dermatitis and athlete’s foot. Tea tree can be used as a stimulant to hormones and circulation and to boost one’s immune system. Tea tree oil can help remove toxins by opening pores and promoting sweating which removes uric acid and excess salt and water from your body.

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is non-toxic and when diluted is not irritant. It can cause some skin irritation because of the menthol properties it holds and should be used with temperance.

The use of Peppermint has been seen as far back as Egyptian tombs from 1000 BC. It also has a history of use in China and Japan since the earliest times to treat all sorts of health anomalies.

Peppermint essential oil should be pale yellow or greenish in color. It has a strong grassy mint scent. Peppermint works well with other mint scents like eucalyptus as well as rosemary and lavender.

Peppermint has been studied in the science community and its health benefits are proven. Because of this peppermint oil is available in pill form. It contains many minerals and nutrients like iron, magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamins A and C.

Peppermint is an excellent remedy for respiratory problems and is widely used as an expectorant to remove nasal and respiratory congestion. As aromatherapy, it can be used to treat nausea, headaches, depression, and stress. It has also been known to treat irritable bowel syndrome. As a skin care product, peppermint oil can improve oily skin and replenish dull skin.

Chamomile

This essential oil is non-toxic and nonirritant. It is extracted through steam distillation of the flowering chamomile plant. Chamomile has been used for over 2000 years in Europe for medicinal purposes. The oil should be a pale blue that will turn yellow as it ages. It will have a warm, fruity, sweet smell. Chamomile blends well with lavender and geranium as well as sage and jasmine.

Chamomile is well known for its calming properties. So much so that it can be used in aromatherapy to treat nervous disorders, headaches, and migraines. It is also used to calm allergies and asthma. Many women use it for the treatment of PMS or to relieve a teething or colicky baby.

Eucalyptus

This essential oil is relatively new to the aromatherapy family as it has only been used for the past few centuries. It is a nonirritant but can be extremely toxic if ingested.

It is colorless as an essential oil but has a distinct pine-like scent. The essential oil is from the leaves of the evergreen eucalyptus tree that is native to Australia.

As aromatherapy, it is used to treat respiratory problems like sinusitis, nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose, coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It is able to treat all of these ailments because it is antibacterial, antifungal, and a natural decongestant.

Eucalyptus also has a cool and refreshing scent which makes it great for treating exhaustion and mental disorders.

Eucalyptus can also be used around the house as a room freshener, in making natural soaps, in saunas for its antiseptic properties, and even as in mouth wash or toothpaste.

Geranium

This essential oil has many healing properties but can cause some sensitization and influence hormone secretions so it should not be used by expectant mothers. Geranium oil blends well with citronella, lavender, orange, lemon, and jasmine.

If used in aromatherapy Geranium oil is a great astringent. It promotes the tightening of muscles to keep skin from hanging loose.

It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to help stave off infections of many kinds.

The essential oil is also known to be a cytophylactic which means it encourages cell growth. It can also be used to treat many mental disorders like depression, anxiety, anger, and premenstrual syndrome.

Rosemary

Although Rosemary is considered nontoxic and nonirritant when diluted it should be avoided by epileptics, expectant mothers, and those who have high blood pressure.

The flowering tops of the Rosemary plant go through a steam distillation process to form the essential oil. It should be a clear or pale yellow liquid with a strong herb-mint scent. Rosemary is one of the first plants that was used for both food and medicine. In the middle ages, it was used to protect against the plague and to drive out evil spirits.

When used in aromatherapy Rosemary oil can help to boost mental stamina and increase brain activity. It can also treat depression, mental strain, and forgetfulness. When one inhales Rosemary they will immediately feel uplifted making it excellent for relief of fatigue. It can also clear your respiratory tract and relieve sore throats, colds, and coughs.

Around your home, Rosemary can be used as an air freshener and bath oil.

Thyme

This essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from fresh or partially dry leaves and flowering tops of the Thyme plant.  The oil should be red, brown or orange in color. It has a spicy and pungent odor. Thyme was one of the first plants used in Western herbal treatments mainly for respiratory and digestive health problems.

Thyme is antibacterial, when used in its aromatic form it can prevent bacterial growth in and outside of your body. It is able to cure lung, larynx, and pharynx infections without affecting the rest of your organs like prescription cough medicines. Thyme is also known to boost memory and to treat depression.

Thyme essential oil is used as an insecticide both around the home and on your body. It can also help in treating bad breath and body odor.

Lemon

This essential oil is non-toxic but, it may cause skin irritation so it should be used with restraint. Lemon oil is phototoxic so exposure to sunlight is strongly discouraged. In Spain Lemon is known as a cure-all being used for everything from fever to arthritis.

The oil will be a pale green-yellow color that turns brown as it ages. It has a light citrus smell and blends well with fennel, lavender, sandalwood, and chamomile.

Lemon is very popular for cooking and for its fresh scent. As aromatherapy, it can aid in the relief of stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

The scent of lemon helps to increase concentration and alertness and bring an overall positive sense to those who inhale it. Lemon has also been used in treating coughs and colds and it the treatment of asthma.

The high amount of vitamins in Lemon oil make it an immune system booster. It can also improve circulation and stimulate white blood cells further aiding one’s ability to fight disease. Lemon has also been used as an aid in weight loss.

As a household cleaner lemon can be used on metal surfaces like knives to disinfect them. It can also be used in soaps and facial cleansers as it has antiseptic properties.

Clove

Clove oil should be used with extreme care. It can cause mucous membrane irritation and severe skin irritation. As such it should only be used sparingly and well diluted.

The buds, leaves, stems, and stalks of the clove plant are distilled with water to extract the essential oil. It should a pale yellow color with a spicy scent.

Clove mixes well with sage, allspice, lavender, and rose. Clove has been used all over the world for centuries. It can be used to season food as well as for medicinal benefit. Clove contains many minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Clove has many health benefits, namely in the form of dental care. It has germicidal properties that aid in relieving toothaches, gum sores, and ulcers in the mouth. It can also help relieve a sore throat.

Clove is an aphrodisiac which makes it a great stress reliever when used as aromatherapy. It can also have a stimulating effect and help to ease fatigue. Clove can also be used to treat headaches, bronchitis, asthma, coughs, and colds. Expectant mothers can use clove to relieve nausea and vomiting often experienced during pregnancy.

Clove cigarettes have long been a popular alternative to traditional tobacco kind. At one time it was thought that adding clove could counteract the negative effects of smoking, this has since proved false. The American Cancer Society notes that there is no scientific proof that clove cures cancer in any way.

Essential Oil Properties

The properties of essential oils are what make them so beneficial. While most of them smell pleasant, that is just a by-product of their real benefit. The term essential oil may sound simple, but they are actually complicated chemical compounds.

The ingredients in essential oils are organic because they consist of a molecule structure. This structure is made of carbon atoms and bound by hydrogen atoms.

In some essential oils, there may also be oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms. By familiarizing yourself with the chemical make-up of essential oils you can understand how they might benefit your health. In turn, you will also be able to understand why some oils are hazardous.

Main Chemicals in Essential Oils

• Monoterpenes which have antiseptic and healing properties.
• Sesquiterpenes are anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious, they also have calming qualities.
• Phenols are a stimulant and best used in small quantities.
• Alcohols are antiseptic, antibacterial, antibiotic, and anti-fungal. They also stimulate one’s immune system.
• Ethers are anti bacterial, anti spasmodic, and anti inflammatory.
• Ketones have relaxing and sedative properties. They are also an anticoagulant and can stimulate the immune system.
• Aldehydes can also be used as an anti-inflammatory and to calm nerves.
• Coumarins are anticonvulsant and anticoagulative. They can also be used as a sedative.

Recipes for Home

Remember that essential oils are very strong so follow each recipe with great care. Less is more when making essential oil treatments.

Diffuser Mixtures

For Attentiveness – 1 drop Cypress, 2 drops Cedarwood, 2 drops Lemon, 1 drop Pine.

Recharging – 2 drops Fennel, 3 drops Juniper, 3 drops Lemongrass.

Alertness – 2 drops Eucalyptus, 3 drops Rosemary, 3 drops Tangerine.

Motivation – 2 drops Basil, 4 drops Bergamot, 1 drop Clove, 2 drops Ginger.

Lucidity – 2 drops Bay, 3 drops Ginger, 2 drops Rosemary.

Calmness – 2 drops Chamomile, 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Marjoram.

Harmony – 2 drops Benzoin, 2 drops, Rose, 3 drops Verbena.

Peacefulness – 4 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Clary Sage, 3 drops Cypress.

Soothing – 2 drops Frankincense, 3 drops Melissa, 2 drops Patchouli.

Increase Socialization – 3 drops Litsea Cubeba, 3 drops Rosemary.

Relax – 3 drops Lavender, 1 drop Sandalwood.

Kitchen – 1 drop basil, 3 drops Lemon, 2 drops Rosemary.

Bathroom – 1 drop Basil, 3 drops Lemon, 2 drops Rosemary.

Bedroom – 2 drops Bergamot, 3 drops Jasmine, 2 drops Ylang Ylang.

Office – 2 drops Caraway, 3 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Ginger.

Home Cleaner Recipes

Bathroom Air Freshener Spray

Fill a pump-spray bottle with 500ml of distilled water then add the following essential oils:

• Add 5 drops Cinnamon essential oil
• 5 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
• Add 5 drops Lemon essential oil
• 5 drops Sage essential oil
• Add 5 drops Thyme essential oil
• 10 drops Bergamot essential oil
• Add 10 drops Citronella essential oil
• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
• Add 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil

Shake this mixture well before each use. Spray every day to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.

Lavender and Tea Tree Cleaner

• 1 t. borax
• 2 T. white vinegar
• 2 c. hot water
• 1/4 t. Lavender essential oil
• 3 drops Tea Tree essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and stir until dry ingredients dissolve. Pour into a spray bottle for long-term storage and use. Spray as needed on any surface except glass. Scrub and rinse with a clean damp, cloth.

Disinfectant Spray

• 3 drops Cinnamon Leaf
• 5 drops Pine Needle
• 2 drops Frankincense
• 10 drops Bergamot
• 1/8 t. Sunshine Concentrate
• 30 ounces of water

Combine essential oils with Sunshine Concentrate and water in a 32 oz. trigger spray bottle. Spray on and wipe the surface dry. Disinfects countertops, stovetops, and tile.

Microwave Cleaner

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 6 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions: Mix ingredients to make a paste. Apply to the interior of the microwave with a sponge. Rinse and leave the door open to dry for 15 minutes.

Wash the glass turntable by hand. This recipe will get rid of food odors.

Floor Cleaner

• 1/4 cup white vinegar to a bucket of water
• 10 drops lemon oil
• 4 drops oregano oil

Basic Wood Cleaning Formula

• 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid castile soap
• 5 drops jojoba or olive oil

Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Saturate a sponge and squeeze out the excess. Wash surfaces of tired and dirty wood. The vinegar smell will dissipate soon. Dry with a soft cloth.

Creamy Soft Scrub

• 2 cups baking soda
• ½ cup liquid castile soap
• 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (acts as a preservative)
• 5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, or rosemary.

For exceptionally tough jobs spray with vinegar first—full strength or diluted, scented—let sit and follow with scrub.

Conclusion

The use of essential oils can be beneficial to your health. These products in their natural form promote overall well being for those who use them. Instead of using complicated manmade chemicals, you use products what nature intended.

Not only can you maintain health but you can ward off illnesses like colds and flu just by inhaling lovely scents in your home, car, or office. The use of essential oils will improve your health and raise your energy level.

Aromatherapy can even relieve tension and calm nerves. By using these complex organic compounds you can feel better and look better.

In addition to boosting your head to toe health, the use of aromatherapy allows you to avoid using other dangerous products. When you use natures recipes to combat everything from diabetes to heart ailments you free yourself from the side effects of synthetic medications.

If you still require prescription treatment you can use aromatherapy in conjunction with them. Be sure to check with your physician before you mix any chemicals or if you are pregnant or have an ongoing health condition.

If you are just beginning your journey into the world of aromatherapy the kit listed here is a great way to get started. It provides you with commonly used oils that can be used in many recipes.

You should take time to familiarize yourself with the oils that can be hazardous especially as they pertain to your health issues or concerns. Remember that no two people are the same so what is a nonirritant to another person may not be so for you. Simple tests can help you determine whether you will be allergic to the oil.

As a novice to the field of aromatherapy, you should also take note of safety precautions and hazardous oils. Some less scrupulous sellers, especially online, will still sell things that you should not use in aromatherapy. If you see something that looks suspect trust your research and avoid it.

Once you experience the benefits of essential oils you will wonder how you ever lived without them. Soon your home will be free of manmade chemicals for cleaning and treating illnesses.

Do not underestimate the power of ridding your home of the scent of bleach and strong household cleaners. Imagine what taking those smells into your lungs does to your respiratory system. Now think of how it feels to breathe in fresh healthy air. This is what happens when you use essential oils to maintain a clean home. You and your whole family will be able to breathe easier and feel better. All of this by using natures essential oils through aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is for you. It is meant to benefit your health and well being. All the tools you need are some high quality, natural oils, and a few recipes. More important is the knowledge that you do not have to do harm to yourself to keep your body and home free of germs, bacteria, and negative energy.

So, find a health food store and start stocking up on oils that you like. Smell them all and see which invigorates you. Build a beginner kit and start healing yourself with essential oils. Once you do that your only job is to breathe.