Which Essential Oils to Start With If You’ve Never Used Them Before
You want to take part in the wide wonderful world of essential oils, but you’re a little bit overwhelmed. Don’t worry; this is perfectly natural and we’re going to get through it together.
You at least know some basic benefits of these oils, and how to use them. Our favorite way, as you might have imagined, is with an essential oil diffuser. Feel free to check out our top diffuser recommendations.
Next, you know there are lots of different blends of oils and different companies to choose from. We’ve got a helpful little guide reviewing the top essential oil brands as well, so you can find the one that you, and your budget prefer.
Alright, that just leaves us with the burning question, what oils do you actually need and want to start with?
Great question.
Consider your needs and uses
Wonder how your friend overcame depression using essential oils instead of anti-depressants? Or maybe how they got over the cold in no time, are sleeping better, or being more productive at work? Did you know that essential oils can help boost your energy levels, clear congestion, reduce stress and do lots more for improved health?
Most people now accept the fact that essential oils are useful and beneficial. However, if you’re new to them, or have never used them before, it can be a little overwhelming knowing where to start and which oils you’ll want to have in your starter set.
Just like with anything else, you should start simple and then build on your knowledge and collection. If you think about it, it’s the same concept as learning how to read or playing an instrument.
Don’t worry; we’re here to help you out.

Essential oils starter kit
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Lavender
Find lavender benefits and recommendations

One oil you need to have in your collection is lavender. It is one of the most calming oils, and has healing properties that apply on both a physical and psychological level.
Most commonly used to help you relax, destress, or get a good night’s sleep, it can also be used for treating wounds and burns by directly applying it to your skin.
Application: Use lavender to create a soothing and invigorating atmosphere at your home, office, or communal space when used in a diffuser. This oil is out top pick and an overall winner.
Perfect for getting a good night’s sleep, soothing an anxious mind, and even helps to relieve menstrual cramps.
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Peppermint
Discover peppermint benefits and recommendations
Peppermint is another great essential oil you can start experimenting with. It has been used for treating problems like indigestion, bad breath, and flatulence for thousands of year because of its digestive health properties.
Additionally, it is commonly used for stimulating the mind and for improved clarity and alertness. If you need help getting rid of mice, ants or mosquitoes, this is the right oil to turn to for assistance.
While it’s fresh, distinctive menthol smell helps clear your mind and stomach; it also proves helpful at defending your house against pests!
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Chamomile
Read our chamomile benefits and recommendations
Third in line is chamomile which treats nervous conditions and insomnia. This oil has anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties and is also used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Children like its warm and fruity aroma, which is why it is useful for soothing during teething times.
Plant Therapy specializes in their very own line of kidSafe essential oils. Properly balanced and diluted for children to help fight germs, boost mental alertness, and get a good night’s sleep.
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Model | Edens Garden Pure Undiluted Geranium | Radha Beauty Peppermint Essential Oil | Aura Cacia Roman Chamomile Essential Oil |
Rating | |||
Non-GMO | |||
Price | $ 12.95 | $ 14.95 | $ 9.29 |
DetailsNot available | DetailsRead More | DetailsRead More |
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Geranium
Explore geranium benefits and recommendations
Geranium is the oil to use if you experience any down days or depression. It is a balanced essential oil which works wonders on the mind, body, and spirit.
It is not only used as an anti-depressant but is also used in skincare for its antiseptic and astringent properties. It is the oil’s lovely, floral fragrance which helps lift and improve your mood.
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Eucalyptus
Uncover eucalyptus benefits and recommendations
Eucalyptus oil is famous for treating coughs, colds, and rheumatism, as well as for providing relief to aching muscles and for boosting body immunity.
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Rosemary
Top rosemary benefits and recommendations
Rosemary has a woody and camphoraceous fragrance which creates stimulating and uplifting effects. When combined with a carrier oil, rosemary is a top choice for aromatherapy massages because it helps relax the muscles without making you feel groggy.
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Lemon
Find lemon benefits and recommendations
Lemon is another essential oil with anti-bacterial properties, useful for treating infections and wounds. It is also particularly useful for cleaning and deodorizing a house with pets.
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Tea tree oil
Read our tea tree benefits and recommendations
Every home should have a bottle of tea tree oil handy. It has anti-fungal, antiviral, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties making it useful to have around the house to treat common ailments like fungal infections, acne, and candida infections.
You can also use it in lotions, moisturizers, and shampoo for a smooth, fresh, vibrant look.
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Rose
See our rose benefits and recommendations
Rose is another essential oil popular with women not only for its rich, sweet and floral fragrance but also for its usefulness in treating feminine pains. It can be used to help relieve menstrual cramps, for relieving tension, depression, and bad moods.
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Frankincense
Read our frankincense benefits and recommendations
Frankincense calms you by slowing down your breathing and letting you relax. It is popularly used in aromatherapy massages for treating respiratory infections but is also equally effective when used in diffusers.
A little pro tip– you can also use frankincense to smooth out wrinkles. I’d buy it just for that alone!
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Black pepper
Last, but not least, if you are a sports enthusiast, then you should consider adding some black pepper oil to your arsenal. It’s useful for an aromatherapy massage or in a bath to help soothe aching muscles and overcoming fatigue. It also easily blends with other oils and has a pleasant, warm aroma.
Model | Non-GMO | Price | |||
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MajesticPure Aromatherapy Essential Oils Set | $ 17.99 | DetailsRead More | |
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Frankincense Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil | $ 6.99 | DetailsRead More | |
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3-Pack NOW Essential Oils: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender | $ 21.95 | DetailsRead More | |
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doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil | $ 20.00 | DetailsRead More |
Best essential oils starter kit
The best way to test the waters if by purchasing a essential oil starter kit. Get your toes wet, but reap tons of benefits before you plunge into the deep end.
- Save money compared to buying full sized bottles
- Squash any doubts you have about if essential oils are for you
- Get the most popular scents all at one time
- Test which ones you like and what you don’t for future reference without a big commitment
- Get quality oils that are known to work
If you’re ready to dive into the wide wonderful world of aromatherapy, but still aren’t quite sure what blends to get, how to mix them, or if they’re really your thing. Worry not, this is super common. Our reccomendation is to start out, just like so many others do with a trust name and the most well known brand of oils in the market.
Our recommendation – Young Living Essential Oils Starter Kit
You’ve undoubtedly heard of Young Living, and its for a good reason. Considered by many one of the best brands of essential oils around, this start kit, or any of its kind, includes 10 oils in 5 ml amber colored bottles for longer shelf life.
Combined with a diffuser of your choice, these oils will help you do everything from unwind, improve your mood, melt away stress, relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and so much more.
No more excuses
Start off with mastering one, a few, or experimenting with all of them and see where it takes you. It is perfectly reasonable to be hesitant when trying anything new, but once you get started, you’ll wonder what took you so long in the first place!
If you still can’t decide, consider a starter pack, so you get a little sample variety to test the waters until you learn which your favorites are and which you find yourself using all the time. Use them with diffusers, in massages, or in foods, and you’ll definitely notice a difference.