At a time when stress levels are skyrocketing, even wellness skeptics are looking for an all-natural way to wade off the negative energy and embrace tranquility.

Essential oils (EO)date back thousands of years and have been a hippie enclaves domain for a while now. However, with celebrities and wellness experts touting the plant-based oils’ benefits, people are now looking to anoint their pulse points with nerve-calming essential oils.

While the jury is still out on the scientific evidence behind the assertions that these aromatic oils can treat specific conditions, many have used EOs to treat the occasional breakouts, promote relaxation, and repel annoying insects.

Like breathing exercises and meditation, essential oils can be vital to calming your mind and subsequently have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.

Below are some of the best essential oils to enhance your wellness routine and how to use them.

Lemongrass

If you love the stimulating effect of a hot cup of lemongrass tea, then you’ll fall in love with this oil. Lemongrass oil ignites your senses and has been used by healthcare practitioners to ease indigestion and manage high blood pressure.

As an essential oil, the tropical, grassy plant is a popular tool to alleviate stress and anxiety. Lemongrass is also used to support healthy weight management and to help trigger thermogenesis.

Bonus point? The EO is said to have mosquito-repelling qualities. So, sayonara mosquitos!

Suggested Use: Mix four drops of lemongrass oil with a tablespoon of sesame oil in your bath water for a relaxing effect. You can also blend it with your carrier oil to use for the perfect massage experience or on your inner wrist for an energizing pick-me-up.

Peppermint

This revitalizing essential oil is the ultimate pick-me-up scent when you need a mood boost. It works as an antispasmodic, antiseptic, antioxidant, and stimulant. Peppermint EO is particularly ideal for massages or when you need something to soothe your muscles.

When used properly, the scented oil can be a true skin saver. It offers you a cooling effect that soothes scalp irritation and inflammation due to acne.

Peppermint oil also features menthol and menthone properties making it ideal for relieving nausea.

Suggested Use: Due to its potency, it’s essential to use a carrier oil when using peppermint topically. If you are looking to elevate your moods, pour some drops in your diffuser to perk your senses. You can also go crazy and make a peppermint lip balm!

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus EO is not for the faint of heart. Even if you haven’t smelled it directly, you’ve probably smelled a product that contains it – like vapor rub or chewing gum, maybe?
The slightly minty oil is widely used for its soothing and fragrant properties. It clears your airways super-fast and helps get rid of mildew odors.

The refreshing and distinctive aromatic oil scent can also contribute to a positive mood and energy all day long.

Suggested Use: If you feel the sniffles coming on, pour a few drops of the eucalyptus EO in your humidifier. You can also mix it with a carrier oil, rub some drops on your chest or add it to hot water, and place a towel over your head and steam the cold away.

Frankincense

Dubbed the ‘king of oils,’ Frankincense has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic and healing properties.

Traditionally, the earthy, spicy oil has been used to boost mood, alleviate stress and promote mental clarity. Today, the aromatic oil is popularly used as a skincare ingredient to help treat dry skin and reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tones, and wrinkles.

Recent scientific research also suggests that frankincense oil can help relieve PMS-related stomach pains and induce sleep. So, if you’re looking for a rejuvenating oil, this might be your best bet.

Suggested Use: To get the best results, use frankincense oil in your diffuser. You can also add it to your moisturizer to highlight your natural beauty and support the appearance of healthy and supple skin.

Lavender

Lavender oil is one of the best oils to try if you’re an essential oils novice. It’s arguably one of the most sought-after EOs in the market and is known for its antimicrobial, anesthetic, and antianxiety properties.

The heavenly, floral scent gives off a calming effect and is ideal for night use if you want optimal relaxation before bed. It also features antiseptic properties, making it perfect for your skincare routine.

Suggested Use: Add a few drops of lavender EO in your diffuser to allow for the ultimate pamper session. You can also mix it with your carrier oil (jojoba or grapeseed) and topically apply it to your hair or skincare routine.

Rosemary

You’ve probably used the herb to give life to your dishes. However, rosemary essential oil was revered in Egyptian culture for its calming and aromatic properties.

When inhaled, the aromatic oil has been proven to boost your immune system, decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and increase brain activity.

Rosemary oil also has topical benefits and can help stimulate hair growth and soothe your scalp.

Suggested Use: Like other essential oils, you can use rosemary oil topically or through inhalation. You can also mix the EO with coconut oil as a part of your pre-shampoo oil treatment.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang-ylang essential oil is derived from steam distilled from flowers native to Ecuador and Madagascar. The sweet-scented oil is perfect for an evening bath and pamper session.

The aromatic oil is famous for its delicate floral notes and is used in aromatherapy to ease tension and alleviate stress. In the Victorian age, Ylang-ylang oil was used as an ingredient in the Macassar hair treatment, which was known for its cooling effects on the scalp.

Ylang-ylang oil is also perfect for diminishing the appearance of scars, enhancing mood, and boosting libido.

Fun fact: In Indonesian culture, newlyweds often have Ylang-ylang petals spread across their beds on their wedding night because it’s said to have aphrodisiac properties!

Suggested Use: Add some drops to your essential oil burner and let the sweet and sensual scent waft across the room. You can also try mixing in a few drops with your olive oil and massage it into your skin!

Tea Tree

You’ve probably seen this essential oil on your hair and skincare products. It’s because it’s known for its antibacterial properties.

Tea tree has been used for years to soothe skin irritation from shaving, heal mild to moderate dandruff and fight acne since it dries out the affected area and eliminates bacteria.

Suggested Use: The EO can be highly concentrated, so consider adding it to a carrier oil before using it as a hair treatment. To help fight acne, dab a few drops on a cotton bud and gently rub on the affected area.

Marjoram

This essential oil is perfect for post-workout recovery. It features calming properties that work wonders on your sore and fatigued muscles.

Typically, marjoram EO is used for massages or warm baths to promote muscle recovery. If you’re thinking about participating in a charity 5K run, this is the EO to invest in.

Suggested Use: Add a few drops of the aromatic oil to a warm salt bath for maximum muscle-soothing benefits.

Geranium

The ambrosial essential oil is famous for its calming aromatherapy benefits, which are incredible if you’re looking to relax. It’s also a great insect-repellant.

Surprising fact: Geranium oil was used in ancient folklore to ward off evil spirits.

Suggested Use: The essential oil is perfect for your bath ritual. So, add a few drops to your bath for a relaxing pamper session. You can also mix it in your diffuser for aromatic uses. You should also consider adding a few drops to your carrier oils and use it to moisturize your skin!