At Edens Garden, our collection of therapeutic grade, pure essential oils is ever-growing. This can be daunting, especially if you’re new to aromatherapy and are looking for a few essential oils to start off with.

To help you navigate and choose the oils you’re sure to love, our experts have curated a list of the most popular and versatile essential oils in aromatherapy and how to use them. Read on to find out if any of your favorites made the cut.

Top 10 Essential Oils

From skincare to stress, these top essential oils assist with most everyday issues. 

1. Lavender

At Edens Garden, we love Lavender so much that we decided to offer several different varieties of it. Plus, it can be found in dozens of our expertly formulated synergy blends and aromatherapy products. 

Lavender is known as “the mother of all essential oils” for its many benefits, popularity and long history. In fact, the term “Aromatherapie,” or "Aromatherapy" in English, was created by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé in the early 1900s, after he successfully treated a burn with Lavender oil. 

What makes Lavender so great? Some might attribute this to the fact that it’s high in linalool and linalyl acetate—two naturally occurring components that are renowned for their plethora of therapeutic properties. Here’s what studies have shown about the benefits of these two components. 

• In an in vitro study, scientists confirmed Lavender’s anesthetic potential and determined via GC/MS test that linalool and linalyl acetate were its primary components.

• A lab study revealed that a 1-3% dilution of linalool had a sedative effect on subjects after being inhaled for one hour.

• A 2010 study on aromatherapy found linalool had the ability to reduce anxiety, increase social interaction and reduce aggression.

How To Use

While there are many ways to use Lavender, we suggest diffusing it in an essential oil diffuser before bed to encourage sleep or as needed to reduce anxiety. Alternatively, use a Lavender essential oil roll-on and apply it to areas of pain and inflammation to reduce discomfort. 

2. Clary Sage

The clean and sweet aroma of Clary Sage essential oil makes it ideal for elegant perfumes. For years, it was almost exclusively used as a lovely fragrance for classy ladies. 

Now, we know that Clary Sage has many other brilliant qualities beyond its herbaceous aroma, such as being used to aid digestion, PMS, skincare and stress.

How To Use

One of our favorite uses for Clary Sage is using it as a support for monthly PMS and menopausal symptoms. To use Clary Sage for hormonal balance, combine 12 drops of Clary Sage and 2 tbsp of Fractionated Coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your abdomen and lower back as needed. Alternatively, add Clary Sage to a personal pocket inhaler and inhale throughout the day. 

3. Peppermint 

The ultimate remedy for a hot, sweltering day, the cool and clearing aroma of Peppermint refreshes with minty layers of sweetness. 

It also happens to be one of the most popular essential oils for its versatility and renowned therapeutic benefits. But, while you may think you know this common garden herb, how familiar are you with these less common, yet highly effective, benefits? 

• Digestive Aid: A 2018 review article delineated Peppermint’s ability to aid irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), alleviate indigestion and soothe abdominal pain. Among other benefits, this review article also revealed Peppermint’s ability to positively affect the gastric, esophageal, small bowel, gallbladder and colonic physiology.

• Boost Exercise: A study performed on 30 male university students revealed that exercise was improved five minutes after administration of Peppermint oil. A similar study performed on 12 male students also revealed an improvement in exercise following Peppermint oil administration.

• Hair Growth: A 2014 study compared a 3% dilution of Peppermint oil with a 3% dilution of minoxidil (of which, Rogaine is a common brand) on hair growth over a 4 week period. The study revealed Peppermint to be more effective than minoxidil in its ability to improve hair growth.

How To Use

Convinced you need more Peppermint oil in your life? Try the Peppermint roll-on, Peppermint Around The World oil, Peppermint bar soap, or our absolute favorite–Indian Peppermint essential oil. 

4. Geranium

Geranium essential oil has a floral and sweet aroma, and has long been used as a remedy for a range of health issues. Its strong, floral and sweet notes create a pleasingly sophisticated aroma, perfect for springtime. With those bright aromatic properties wafting nearby, it’s likely that Geranium will soothe your mood.

Along with its bold aroma, Geranium essential oil offers a bevy of health benefits that go beyond pleasing your olfactory system. This essential oil has long been used as a sleep aid, skin-care remedy and general stress-reliever. Furthermore, Geranium is especially helpful to women, offering support to the reproductive system, menstrual cycle and during menopause.

How To Use

In a facial serum, Geranium can do wonders for one’s complexion. Make your own facial serum by blending 6 drops of Geranium with 2 tbsp of Rosehip carrier oil. Transfer to a bottle and apply to your face nightly as the last step in your skincare routine. 

5. Lemon 

Lemon essential oil can uplift sullen moods and inspire positive thinking. This multipurpose oil is used for circulation, uplifting, inflammation, skincare, nausea and purifying. Sourced from the romantic lands of Italy, EG’s Lemon essential oils are of the highest quality available.

Here’s what science has revealed about this beloved citrus oil.
 

Nausea

When your stomach sits sideways, Lemon can help to restore balance. This is especially true in relation to pregnancy and morning sickness. In a study conducted with pregnant women in 2014, it was shown that Lemon essential oil had a positive effect on those who inhaled it. 

Skincare

A 2017 review of essential oils and their properties notes that the antibacterial properties that combat household germs make Lemon oil well-suited to help support skin conditions. Traditional medicine and scientific studies alike suggest that Lemon essential oil benefits for the skin can be:

• Helping heal wounds

• Controlling blemishes

• Reducing redness and rashes.
  
  

Soothing

A 2002 study tested Lemon oil’s ability to reduce discomfort. Lemon aromatherapy had clear results—it reduced the test subject’s markers of discomfort, indicating Lemon oil had provided a significant amount of relief.

In other words, there are many reasons to love Lemon, but our simple favorite is its bright, zesty and classically uplifting aroma. 

How To Use

Inhale Lemon essential oil using an essential oil diffuser to reduce nausea. To ease discomfort and boost your skincare routine, combine 6 drops of Steam Distilled Lemon essential oil and 2 tbsp of carrier oil. Apply the oil to areas of discomfort or to the skin daily. 

6. Grapefruit

Grapefruit's unique properties uplift, revive and inspire healthy living. Its zesty, bitter-sweet-citrus essence instills a wonderful sense of cheeriness and balance. This oil is commonly used for immunity, pain, inflammation, stress and uplifting. 

One of our favorite citrus essential oils, Grapefruit bursts with aliveness and friendliness, making it a positive addition to any room.

How To Use

Deodorize and freshen your space by adding 10-15 drops of Grapefruit to an ultrasonic water diffuser. Don’t have a diffuser? Simmer water on the stove and remove from heat, then add 10-15 drops of Grapefruit. Allow the steam to naturally diffuse the oil throughout your home. 

7. Tea Tree

The earth is rich with natural healing power and there may be no better example of this than Tea Tree oil. It purifies as it heals and is a must for any home medicine cabinet or first-aid kit. 

In traditional aboriginal and Australian medicinal practices, Tea Tree has been used to heal coughs, colds, minor skin wounds and sore throats.

Modern research now suggests that Tea Tree has the following potential immune-boosting capabilities:

• Supports skin barrier: Our largest organ, skin is the first line of defense against fungi, bacteria and viruses in our environment. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, Tea Tree can support the skin’s defense system and help prevent or aid skin irritation.

• Aids respiratory health: During the cold and flu season, pathogens of every type attack our sensitive respiratory tissue. Tea Tree essential oil diffuser benefits may include helping combat coughs and colds caused by bacteria.

• Clears inflammation: Inflammation is the body’s normal response to perceived threats. But when we’re stressed, undernourished or tired, inflammation can become chronic. In turn, we experience negative health effects including decreased immunity. Because Tea Tree is anti-inflammatory, it can help to restore regular immune system functioning.

How To Use

To get the most out of Tea Tree, combine 12 drops of Tea Tree and 2 tbsp of carrier oil and apply to areas of inflammation or to skin blemishes. You may also diffuse Tea Tree to aid respiratory health. 

8. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus- Globulus essential oil is layered with refreshing properties. It has a minty, vibrant and refreshing aroma that is a common ingredient in cold care products, chest salves and inhalants. It is cooling, invigorating and soothing. 

Use Eucalyptus oil to reduce fatigue, oily skin, respiratory problems, pain and infection.

How To Use

To help yourself heal from a sore throat or to support respiratory health, diffuse Eucalyptus essential oil. Alternatively, melt 2 tbsp of beeswax in a double boiler and add ¼ cup of carrier oil. Remove from heat and stir in 45 drops of Eucalyptus. Transfer to a container and allow to cool and harden. To use, take a dime-sized amount and rub it onto your chest and neck. 

9. Frankincense

Frankincense has an ancient and fascinating history. Besides its intoxicatingly smooth and relaxing aroma, Frankincense has a knack for charming users with its many therapeutic properties.

It has been used as a support for many health conditions and in numerous consumer skincare products. This legendary substance is an active ingredient in many perfumes and body care products. 

In general, Frankincense is dominated by α-pinene and contains significant amounts of α-thujene and limonene. As such, this variety of Frankincense is anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antibacterial, antiviral, stress-relieving, and antioxidant. It can be used to reduce the appearance of mature skin, aid breathing, quiet the mind, support focus and encourage tranquility. 

If you’re looking to start off with one of several Frankincense varieties we offer, try bestselling Frankincense Carterii or Frankincense Around The World oil– a combination of Frankincense oils sourced around the globe. 

How To Use

Because Frankincense is such a wonderful topical aid in skincare as well as reducing pain and inflammation, our favorite use for Frankincense is mixing 18 drops of it along with 2 tbsp of carrier oil and applying where needed, daily. Alternatively, try prediluted Frankincense roll-on. 

10. Bergamot

When life feels messy, Bergamot essential oil may help relieve scattered thoughts while promoting focus and clarity. The clean uplifting citrus aroma will brighten your day and enhance feelings of wellbeing. Bergamot, an oil of many functions is commonly utilized for digestion, respiration, pain and stress.

However, we’ve found that many of our customers love Bergamot for its ability to encourage sleep and aid restfulness. A 2019 study found that Bergamot was effective in improving the sleep quality of patients. During the study, each subject was given a cotton ball infused with Bergamot and instructed them to place it at their bedsides for five nights. Researchers concluded that the sleep quality of the patients was significantly better when they inhaled the essential oil blend.

What’s more, Bergamot is renowned for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. In fact, a 2015 study showed that inhaling Bergamot led to a decrease in cortisol levels (also known as the "fight or flight" hormone). By helping the body let go of stress, Bergamot can help you get a handle on anxious thoughts.

How To Use

The benefits of Bergamot can easily be obtained by adding Bergamot to your essential oil diffuser, or by simply inhaling it using an essential oil scent strip. 

Sources:

1. Ghelardini, C. “Local Anaesthetic Activity of the Essential Oil of Lavandula Angustifolia.” PubMed, Dec. 1999, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10630108.

2. Linck, Viviane Moura. “Inhaled Linalool-Induced Sedation in Mice.” PubMed, Apr. 2009, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18824339.

3. Linck, V. “Effects of Inhaled Linalool in Anxiety, Social Interaction and Aggressive Behavior in Mice.” PubMed, July 2010, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19962290.

4. Chumpitazi, Bruno P. “Review Article: The Physiologic Effects and Safety of Peppermint Oil and Its Efficacy in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Other Functional Disorders.” PubMed Central (PMC), 1 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5814329.

5. Meamarbashi, Abbas. “Instant Effects of Peppermint Essential Oil on the Physiological Parameters and Exercise Performance.” PubMed Central (PMC), Jan. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103722.

6. Meamarbashi, Abbas. “The Effects of Peppermint on Exercise Performance.” PubMed Central (PMC), 21 Mar. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3607906.

7. McDonnell, Brenda, BSN, RN, CCAP-I, PCCN-K,1,* and Patricia Newcomb, PhD, RN, CPNP2 Trial of Essential Oils to Improve Sleep for Patients in Cardiac Rehabilitation https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/acm.2019.0222.