Diving headlong into the world of essential oils can be intimidating. Where to start? I simply love recommending the three ‘introductory oils’ – as many people call them. Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint are seen as go-to starter essential oils because they are so versatile and powerful on their own, but also combined. They’re perfect to start using for common, every-day purposes.
I know some of you might be thinking “I hate the smell of lavender!” But please stick with me before you let your bad Lavender-scented fabric softener experience make you navigate away from this post. I promise you have definitely not experienced the real deal. And perhaps, if you learn more about each of these amazing essential oils, you’d change your mind 🙂
So, why are they cool and what can you use them for?
Lavender
Most of us are probably familiar with Lavender’s relaxing properties. It is a super effective oil to promote a good night’s sleep, to ease stress and anxiety, or to calm down an unsettled baby when applied topically, diluted with a carrier oil or diffused.
But apart from it helping you to chill, it’s also so great for soothing occasional skin irritations, cuts, wounds, blisters, dry skin and even burns – including sunburn! (Say bye-bye synthetic after-sun products packed with preservatives…). Simply dilute a drop or two – one drop goes a long way! – with your favourite carrier oil and apply to the area of concern.
You can also add a drop to your moisturiser or a couple of drops in your bath for a soothing sensation.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is a powerhouse. Did you know that one drop of dōTERRA Peppermint essential oil equals 28 cups of Peppermint tea? 28 cups! I love making my own Peppermint tea by simply dipping a toothpick into my oil bottle and swirling it around in my cup of slightly cooled down boiled water. This is a great remedy to soothe occasional nausea.
Not only is it a great energy booster for if you have to be alert at work or give your best at a work-out session, but it is also cooling, meaning it’s a go-to natural remedy for fevers and hot flashes. Pop a drop or 2 in your diffuser with a few drops of Lemon, or dilute one drop of Peppermint with a carrier oil and rub it behind your neck or on your spine. You’ll instantly feel the relief! I always like to rub my hands together after application and make use of the aromatic benefits as well by inhaling from cupped hands.
Peppermint can then also help soothe occasional headaches by rubbing it with a carrier oil into areas of tension on your neck, shoulders and head.
Lemon
One of the most uplifting, invigorating and refreshing oils is good ‘ol Lemon. A powerful cleanser, it gets rid of all fatty residues – be it on your kitchen surfaces, pipes, or even arteries for that matter! Put a drop in your water bottle that you fill up throughout the day to cleanse your body, give your respiratory system support, and help with digestion.
You could also make your own Lemon multi-purpose household cleaner. The primary constituent of Lemon essential oil is Limonene, which is a popular ingredient in household cleaning products. So instead of using products packed with harmful chemicals, you could easily make your own cleaning products with Lemon essential oil. Another bonus is that you wouldn’t have to worry about toddlers breaking into the cleaning cupboard and potentially poisoning themselves with strong chemical products.
My favourite remedy? Using all three, Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint together – annoying allergies and hay fever, begone!
Option 1: Put 1 drop of Lavender, 1 drop of Peppermint, and 1 drop of Lemon in an empty veggie capsule with a few drops of carrier oil and take with a large glass of water. If you don’t have veggie capsules, simply take the 3 drops in some water in a shot glass, then follow with a large glass of water (take on a full stomach).
Option 2: Add 2-3 drops of each Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon to your diffuser and voila!
Option 3: Take a 10ml glass roller bottle, add 2 drops of each Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon and top the bottle up with a carrier oil. Apply to the back and front of your neck and behind the ears. After rubbing it in, cup your hands and inhale for 20-30 seconds. I made this one for myself today after I had a sneeze attack for 20 minutes (thanks South Easter wind!) Works like a charm 😉
When you buy essential oils, it is important to ensure that you are receiving a high quality, pure, and potent product.
If you would like to get some more in-person or virtual “face-to-face” guidance on how to dilute or apply essential oils to your body, or what oils to use for specific ailments or goals, please contact me and we can schedule a chat or an informal consultation session in person or online.
Great free resources
- dōTERRA e-Book – Topical Use of Essential Oils
- Safe Essential Oil Usage – Video of Dr. David C. Hill explaining the proper way to use doTERRA essential oils and how to get the most out of your essential oils.
- Using Essential Oils Topically – A Basic Guide
- Essential Oils Safety Guide
