I’m often asked where to start with essential oils when you’re on a budget.
We want all the benefits, but can only spend so much.
To begin, I always recommend a Young Living starter bundle, because then you’ll get 12 oils with a diffuser and a bunch of gorgeous samples (at over 50% off RRP), but if you’ve already got a starter bundle and just want a couple of extra incredible oils to add to your home wellness kit without breaking the bank, here are some ideas.
As always, check the benefits of each oil against what your family needs and start there.
There are actually a lot more than just 10 oils under $30. But for the purpose of this blog and to keep it somewhat easy to follow, I’ve selected our family’s top 10 that come in 15 mL bottles (250-300 drops per bottle) for under 30 bucks.
Lemongrass
Definitely one to have on hand for wellness support, lemongrass has traditionally been used in aromatherapy:
- To reduce symptoms and duration of headaches;
- As an analgesic to relieve pain;
- As an analgesic to relieve mild rheumatic aches;
- To relieve the symptoms, severity of the common cold and flu;
- To decrease symptoms of head cold;
- To reduce body temperature;
- To reduce flatulence;
- To relieve symptoms of indigestion; and
- To promote and maintain healthy digestion.
I also use lemongrass in my plant spray. Check that our HERE.
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is steam distilled from a perennial shrub with needle-like leaves that can remain evergreen in warmer climates. The botanical, which is part of the mint family, is native to Mediterranean regions and has blue or purple flowers that give it an understated beauty. The familiar scent of Rosemary essential oil—as well as its robust, herbaceous aroma—has made it popular in aromatic and personal care products. Rosemary essential oil uses include topical application, direct inhalation and cooking.
Pine
Forest bathing has been shown to provide stress relief, lower blood pressure and improve immune function. This is because in a forest, we breathe in the organic compounds derived from trees. Compounds such as pinene and limonene, which have been linked to increased immune function (PubMedCentral: PMC2793341). These incredible tree compounds are found in tree-derived essential oils such as pine. Definitely one to be diffusing regularly.
Wintergreen
Wintergreen has a fresh, minty aroma and is widely used for muscle support and tension relief. Safety caution: contains methyl salicylate which can produce the same effects as a blood thinner.
Lemon and Orange
Citrus oils are seriously useful and they’ll probably be the ones you run out of first because they can be used in almost any capacity. Citrus oils are commonly regarded as being mood enhancers so they’re great to diffuse, but they can also be used for cleaning and cooking. Orange has been shown to reduce anxiety and induce relaxation. Just remember if you’re cooking with oils that a little goes a long way. It takes the rind of 75 lemons to fill a 15 mL bottle of lemon essential oil, so if the recipe calls for a tablespoon of lemon juice and you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, just start with one drop of oil. You can always add more.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the benefits of citrus oils.
Cedarwood
Traditionally used in aromatherapy:
- To relieve fatigue and feelings of weakness;
- As an expectorant to clear respiratory tract mucous;
- To decrease symptoms of stress;
- To aids the body to cope with environmental stress;
- To support a healthy stress response in the body;
- To relieve mild tissue oedema; and
- As an antiseptic for minor cuts and abrasions.
Fennel
Fennel has a sweet, earthy, anise-like aroma that is encouraging, revitalising, balancing and supports feelings of wellbeing for women. Fennel essential oil is steam distilled from the crushed seeds of the fennel plant. The leafy herb is native to regions of southern Europe and Asia Minor, but it has since naturalised in locations around the world. Fennel has a rich aroma reminiscent of anise, which gives Fennel oil its liquorice-like scent. Although the seeds and oil are used in flavouring, fennel’s complex aroma has also made it popular in soaps, candles and perfumes.
Eucalyptus Globulus
Eucalyptus Globulus is known for its cleansing properties and stimulating scent, and like other eucalyptus essential oil uses, it is often applied topically or diffused aromatically. When diffused, Eucalyptus Globulus also gives rooms and offices a refreshing atmosphere that’s perfect for spaces where you study, meditate or exercise. Add 25 drops of Eucalyptus Globulus to a small jar and top with coconut oil for a no-tox chest rub (baby food jars are the perfect size).
Clove
Clove has a spicy, warm scent that always feels familiar. The flower bud and plant stem are steam distilled to produce this rich, strong essential oil. This process results in the appearance of eugenol, a powerful constituent that makes this essential oil so potent. Clove essential oil uses include topical applications such as massage oils and personal care products. Clove essential oil can help to keep mould at bay.
