Nila Singapore Aromatherapy Bar | Top 10 Essential Oils for Beginners: A Guide for Those New to Essential Oils

Top 10 Essential Oils for Beginners: A Guide for Those New to Essential Oils

By All Articles, Essential Oils 0 Comments

Welcome to the wonderful and fascinating world of essential oils!

If you are just starting your aromatherapy journey and wondering which essential oils you should have, choosing the right essential oils can seem overwhelming. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of the top 10 easy-to-use essential oils for beginners.

This collection is perfect if you are just starting out as each oil in this guide offers multiple benefits and also blend well together, making all of them a great addition to any aromatherapy kit.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Essential Oils for Beginners

1. Lavender Essential Oil

  • One of the best essential oils for beginners and a must-have for any aromatherapy kit
  • Calming, relaxing and uplifting
  • Skin healing and excellent for treating minor skin irritations
  • Promotes emotional and physical wellbeing
  • Gentle and safe, appropriate for use with children and those with sensitive skin

Lavender is a must-have essential oil for beginners due to its wide range of uses and its gentle, calming and pleasant scent.

If you are new to essential oils, you might have noticed that there are many different types of Lavender essential oils such as True Lavender, Spike Lavender, Lavandin, Lavender stoechas and much more. This can be confusing, but all you have to remember is that these different essential oils are all distilled from different varieties of the Lavender plant. Although they are all from the Lavender family, because of these variations, they have different chemical constituents, aromas and therapeutic benefits.

True Lavender essential oil, distilled from the species Lavandula angustifolia, is a staple in aromatherapy and one of the best essential oils for beginners. It is best known for its soothing and calming properties, making it an excellent choice for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Lavender essential oil can be used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, improve sleep quality and create a tranquil atmosphere when diffused.

In addition to its calming effects, Lavender essential oil has excellent antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Use a roll-on which has been properly diluted in a carrier oil to treat minor cuts, burns, scrapes, insect bites and other skin irritations. This will not only help to disinfect the wound, but can also help to accelerate the healing process and reduce the appearance of scars.

When used in skincare, Lavender essential oil has calming and astringent properties, making it excellent for balancing moisture levels, keeping your skin hydrated and contributing to a youthful appearance.

Because of its gentle nature, Lavender essential oil is suitable for use with children and those with sensitive skin when properly diluted.

If you are interested in learning more about the scientific evidence behind Lavender essential oil, visit our blog to learn more.

(Back to Top)

2. Peppermint Essential Oil

  • Enhances mental clarity, concentration and provides a natural energy boost
  • Effective in relieving headaches and migraines
  • Cooling and soothing properties make it perfect for relieving skin itchiness and redness
  • Aids digestion and relieves symptoms of indigestion, bloating and nausea

Peppermint essential oil is incredibly refreshing and has an invigorating and fresh, minty aroma.

Distilled from the leaves of the Mentha piperita plant, Peppermint essential oil is a strong oil commonly used in aromatherapy to enhance mental clarity, improve focus and provide a natural energy boost. If you are tired or find your energy flagging during the day, a quick inhale of Peppermint's crisp and minty aroma can instantly promote alertness and alleviate feelings of fatigue.

Peppermint essential oil is also highly valued for its ability to relieve headaches and migraines. Dilute appropriately in a carrier oil or use a Peppermint roll-on and apply near your temples and back of neck. The menthol in Peppermint essential oil creates a cooling sensation that can help relax muscles and reduce the severity of tension headaches. This is also what makes Peppermint oil excellent when used to relieve itchiness caused by rashes, insect bites, eczema or hives.

Additionally, Peppermint essential oil is also known for its digestive benefits. Inhaling the aroma or applying diluted Peppermint oil to your abdomen can provide quick relief from symptoms of indigestion, bloating and nausea. Its antispasmodic properties help to relax the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract, promoting better digestion and easing cramps, making it excellent for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

For those who are new to aromatherapy, Peppermint essential oil's many uses and effectiveness make it a wonderful essential oil for beginners. Beacuse it is a strong and powerful oil, always use it in moderation especially when adding to blends as it can easily overpower other essential oils. It is also not recommended for use for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have G6PD deficiency or for children under the age of 3.

(Back to Top)

3. Tea Tree Essential Oil

  • Antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make it effective in treating acne, fungal infections, minor cuts and abrasions
  • Helps clear congestion and provides relief for sore throats
  • Soothes insect bites, reduces inflammation and encourages healing

Tea Tree essential oil, extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, is widely known for its powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

This makes Tea Tree one of the most effective essential oils for treating a wide range of skin issues, including acne, fungal infections and minor cuts and scrapes. It also has anti-histaminic properties, making it useful when diluted and used topically to ease skin itchiness and inflammation caused by allergic reactions, hives or insect bites.

In addition to its skin healing properties, Tea Tree essential oil is also a popular choice for maintaining a clean and healthy home. It can be used to create natural cleaning products that are free from harmful chemicals and kind to the planet while also effectively disinfecting surfaces, eliminating mould spores and purifying the air.

With its wide range of applications and powerful healing properties, Tea Tree essential oil is one of the must-have essential oils for beginners and an invaluable addition to nurture a natural and healthy home.

(Back to Top)

4. Lemon Essential Oil

  • Bright and uplifting aroma that reminds us of freshly squeezed lemons
  • Detoxifies, purifies and heals skin blemishes
  • Aids digestive health and enhances concentration
  • Strong antibacterial properties make it excellent to add to your DIY cleaning recipes

Lemon essential oil is a refreshing and invigorating oil that helps detox, purify and heal. Loved for its bright, uplifting aroma and powerful cleansing properties, it's no wonder that Lemon is one of the top essential oils for beginners.

Its warm and invigorating aroma instantly enhances your mood and reduces stress, promoting a sense of clarity and focus. Many people use Lemon essential oil in diffusers to create a refreshing atmosphere infused with joy and positivity.

Lemon essential oil is also excellent when used in cleaning and sanitising due to its antibacterial properties. Add a few drops to your cleaning sprays to disinfect surfaces and leave a pleasantly fresh scent. It is particularly effective when used for kitchen and bathroom cleaning, where its ability to remove stains and deodorise is highly valued.

Another often overlooked property for Lemon essential oil is its benefits for skincare and supporting our overall health. With its detoxifying properties, add a few drops of Lemon essential oil to rejuvate and refresh a dull complexion. It is also excellent for digestive health and supporting the immune system naturally.

(Back to Top)

5. Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil

  • Helps relieve congestion and soothe respiratory conditions like sinus infections
  • Antimicrobial properties make it effective in killing airborne bacteria and viruses
  • Can be used for many purposes, including natural cleaning, air purifying, disinfecting surfaces and supporting overall health

Eucalyptus essential oil is one of the best essential oils for supporting respiratory health. It can help relieve sinus congestion, soothe coughs and ease muscle pain. There are many types of Eucalyptus essential oils, derived from different species of the Eucalyptus tree.

Amongst these, Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil is highly valued for its distinctively soft and sweet scent. Known for its exceptional respiratory benefits, this essential oil is a popular choice for easing breathing difficulties and relieving congestion. Inhaling Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil through a diffuser or steam inhalation can help open airways, making it particularly useful during cold and flu season. Its soothing effects on the respiratory system make it a staple in natural remedies for sinus infections, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.

It is also particularly effective in stimulating the mind as it helps to improve concentration and enhance mental clarity. It can also be used to provide soothing relief for muscular aches and pains, arthritis and joint pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of Eucalyptus Radiata can help reduce swelling and improve circulation, promoting faster recovery from physical exertion or injury.

Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil is also recognised for its powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. When diffused in the air, it is effective in killing airborne bacteria and viruses, making it excellent when used to make homemade DIY cleaning solutions or to purify the air, while also leaving behind a fresh and clean scent.

Its many uses to support our physical and mental health makes Eucalyptus Radiata a highly beneficial oil for holistic health and wellness practices, earning its place as one of the top essential oils for beginners.

(Back to Top)

6. Frankincense Essential Oil

  • Ideal for meditation and mindfulness as its deep and rich aroma promotes deep relaxation and enhances mental clarity
  • Reduces inflammation and supports the body's natural healing process
  • Reduces the appearance of scars, wrinkles and fine lines, rejuvenating your skin for a more youthful complexion
  • Boosts overall immunity and aids your body in fighting infections by enhancing natural defences

Frankincense essential oil, derived from steam distillation of the resin of the Boswellia tree, is excellent for skincare, promoting relaxation and boosting immunity naturally. Because it can be used in so many different ways, this makes it a great essential oil for beginners.

Traditionally used in ancient sacred rituals and widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, Frankincense Serrata essential oil has a rich and exquisite aroma. It is often used in aromatherapy to promote deep relaxation and mental clarity, and excellent when used for yoga, meditation or mindfulness practices. Its calming properties can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of peace and wellbeing.

When used topically on the skin, Frankincense Serrata essential oil is highly regarded for its powerful anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. It is excellent when used to support the body's natural healing processes, reduce inflammation and provide targeted pain relief for joint pain and muscle soreness.

Frankincense Serrata essential oil is also a valuable addition to skincare routines due to its rejuvenating and healing effects on the skin. A rich and nourishing essential oil, adding a few drops to your face cream or a carrier oil like Jojoba Oil can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, enhancing your skin's health and appearance naturally.

With its long history of use in promoting both physical health and emotional wellbeing, Frankincense Serrata is one of the most useful essential oils for beginners looking to engage in holistic health practices.

(Back to Top)

7. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

  • One of the best essential oils for relaxation
  • Calming essential oil that reduces stress and anxiety, aiding in improving sleep quality
  • Relieves pain and inflammation from conditions like arthritis, muscle soreness and menstrual cramps
  • Soothes irritated skin and promotes healing
  • Suitable for sensitive skin and use with children

Roman Chamomile, extracted from the flowers of the Chamaemelum nobile plant, is known for its soothing and gentle effects that provides an amazing sense of calm. It is a powerful essential oil, ideal for promoting sleep, reducing anxiety and soothing skin irritations.

With its sweet and warm aroma, simply diffuse Roman Chamomile essential oil to create a tranquil environment and encourage restful sleep.

As a natural alternative for supporting emotional and mental wellbeing, Roman Chamomile can also be used to combat insomnia, depression, stress, anxiety, migraines and headaches.

In addition to its emotional benefits, Roman Chamomile essential oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is frequently used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis, muscle soreness and menstrual cramps. When diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically, it can provide comforting relief from various aches and pains. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin and for use with children, offering a natural alternative to conventional pain relief methods.

Roman Chamomile essential oil is also celebrated for its beneficial effects on the skin, and in particular for soothing skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Its gentle nature can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness and promote healing.

(Back to Top)

8. Rosemary Essential Oil

  • Excellent for cognitive enhancement, improving mental clarity, concentration and memory retention
  • Stimulates hair growth, reduces dandruff and improves scalp health
  • Astringent and toning action on the skin helps to firm your skin and reduce puffiness
  • Rosemary c/t Cineole is a variety of Rosemary essential oil high in 1,8-Cineole, making it more effective in clearing airways and supporting respiratory health

Rosemary essential oil is a stimulating and revitalising oil that is excellent for enhancing memory and concentration, promoting hair growth and relieving muscle pain.

Known to enhance mental clarity and improve concentration, Rosemary essential oil is a popular choice for those needing a cognitive boost. Diffusing Rosemary essential oil during study sessions or while you are working can help to sharpen your focus and support memory retention, providing a natural way to enhance mental performance. However, for the very same reason, it is recommended not to use Rosemary essential oil close to bedtime, as it could lead to difficulties sleeping due to an overactive mind.

Rosemary essential oil is also highly valued for its ability to promote hair health. It is often used to stimulate hair growth, reduce dandruff and improve scalp health. You could add a few drops of Rosemary essential oil to an unscented shampoo or make your own Nourishing Hair Oil with Rosemary and other anti hair loss essential oils, which can be massaged into your scalp before showering. This can help to increase blood circulation to your scalp, encouraging healthier and stronger hair.

When diluted and applied topically to your skin, Rosemary essential oil has an astringent action which helps to firm and decongest your skin, while also reducing puffiness and swelling.

Rosemary c/t Cineole is a specific variety of Rosemary essential oil known for its high content of 1,8-Cineole, which gives it enhanced therapeutic properties. Rosemary c/t Cineole is particularly effective for respiratory support and is useful to alleviate symptoms of colds, coughs and sinus congestion. With strong expectorant and decongesting effects, steam inhalation with Rosemary c/t Cineole essential oil can help to clear airways and promote easier breathing.

(Back to Top)

9. Sweet Orange Essential Oil

  • Fresh, citrus aroma boosts mood and reduces stress
  • A natural powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial agent, ideal for disinfecting surfaces and cutting through grease
  • Detoxifying and balancing properties due to its lymphatic stimulant action
  • Gentle and safe for children
  • Versatile use: Suitable for aromatherapy, natural cleaning and skincare routines

Sweet Orange essential oil is an uplifting and cheerful essential oil. Safe for children and with a multitude of uses, Sweet Orange is often overlooked but it is one of the best essential oils for beginners.

This bright, citrusy oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to boost low moods and reduce stress, while its cheerful scent can also help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of joy and relaxation. Diffusing Sweet Orange essential oil in your home or workspace can create a positive atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for combatting feelings of low mood or emotional fatigue.

Sweet Orange essential oil is also known for its powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, making it excellent when used in natural cleaning solutions to disinfect surfaces and eliminate odours. Add a few drops to homemade cleaners to kill bacteria effectively while also leaving your home feeling fresh and clean.

Sweet Orange essential oil is also beneficial for skincare. It has a lymphatic stimulant action which can help to balance and eliminate toxins from your body, while its antibacterial properties makes it suitable for treating acne and other skin conditions.

One of the best things about Sweet Orange essential oil is that it blends easily with other essential oils, creating harmonious and uplifting combinations that enhance its citrusy aroma and therapeutic benefits. Additionally, it also has few contraindications and does not cause photosensitivity. All these make it a wonderful essential oil for any budding aromatherapist, as it can be used in a wide variety of applications.

(Back to Top)

10. Geranium Essential Oil

  • Sweet, floral aroma is comforting and helps to reduce stress and anxiety
  • Promotes mental wellbeing and relaxation
  • Excellent when used in skincare due to its balancing and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Antibacterial and antifungal, making it useful for supporting healing of minor cuts and infections

Geranium essential oil, which is distilled from the leaves of the Pelargonium graveolens plant, is an uplifting and balancing essential oil that is highly valued for its sweet, floral aroma.

One of the primary benefits of Geranium essential oil is its ability to balance emotions and promote mental wellbeing. Useful in relieving stress, mild depression, anxiety and tension, Geranium is a comforting essential oil that eases stressful situations and lifts low moods. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser and instantly create a soothing and tranquil environment that supports emotional stability and relaxation.

Geranium essential oil also renowned for its soothing and skin rejuvenating properties. It is often used to improve the health and appearance of the skin by balancing oil production, reducing inflammation and promoting cell regeneration. This makes it particularly effective for treating acne, eczema and other skin conditions. Adding a few drops of Geranium essential oil to your daily skincare products can help you to achieve a clearer, more radiant complexion while soothing irritated skin.

For those who want to enhance their toolkit, you can also try Rose Geranium essential oil instead. This is distilled from a different variety of Geranium, and has a more floral and rosey aroma, which can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your blends, providing both aromatic and therapeutic benefits that complement a wide range of other essential oils.

(Back to Top)

How To Use Essential Oils Safely

When starting with essential oils, it is important to know how to use them safely. Safe usage of essential oils is crucial to maximising their benefits while minimising potential risks.

Here are some basic tips:

  • Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) before applying to your skin. See dilution guidelines here
  • Perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions before widespread application
  • Use a diffuser to disperse essential oils into the air for inhalation, but always ensure sufficient ventilation
  • Store essential oils in a cool, dark place and always out of direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets
  • Be careful when using certain essential oils, which can be phototoxic, meaning they can cause skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. Always read the labels on essential oils before using. Detailed safety information for each essential oil is also available on our website.

(Back to Top)

Conclusion

Exploring the benefits of essential oils can be an exciting journey into natural wellness and a practical addition to daily selfcare routines. At Nila Singapore, we are passionate about curating premium essential oils with the highest standards of purity and efficacy. Our commitment lies in empowering individuals to harness the therapeutic power of aromatherapy, providing products that inspire relaxation and enhance your wellbeing.

These top 10 essential oils for beginners offer a range of benefits from relaxation to boosting energy; supporting mental health and immunity; while also having multiple benefits from air purifying to adding to skincare and natural cleaning recipes. No matter if you are diffusing essential oils for a tranquil ambiance, incorporating them into your skincare routine or simply want to make use of their therapeutic benefits, these essential oils will provide accessible avenues for enhancing your wellbeing and are a necessary addition to every home and aromatherapy toolkit.

If this blog post has piqued your interest in learning more about the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and how to use them safely and effectively, why not join Nila Institute's Aromatherapy Certification Course? Founded by Adeline Lim to promote aromatherapy education in Singapore and create a supportive community for everyone interested in aromatherapy, Nila Institute is a NAHA approved school educator and also Singapore's first IFPA accredited aromatherapy school. Whether you are new to aromatherapy or looking to deepen your knowledge, our Aromatherapy Certification Course offers you expert guidance and hands-on blending classes to help you incorporate essential oils into your daily routine with confidence and proficency.

Join us in embracing the transformative potential of aromatherapy and discover the art and science behind essential oils today!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *