The 10 Best Essential Oils For Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a field of study that looks into how essential oils interact and affect our body systems. It belongs to the broader field of herbal medicine. The term was first coined in France due to an accidental discovery of the wound healing properties of lavender essential oil. Later, many scientists like Dr. Hall, Madame Maury and Cuthbert developed this field of study further. 

Today, essential oils are widely popular for their numerous benefits and globalisation has introduced us to more oils than we knew before. There are hundreds of oils available at our fingertips from all over the world. It has become daunting to select the best essential oils for aromatherapy for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.  

Plus multiple variations in the parent species make the selection even worse. After a lot of reading and researching, we have put together this list of must-haves in every aromatherapy toolkit. They are all easily available, multipurpose, and mostly affordable (if you know the right sources). 

List Of Best Essential Oils For Aromatherapy

• Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis)

This luxurious oil has several cousins (ex: German chamomile), yet it continues to be an absolute favourite for its relaxing and floral notes. Chamomile essential oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial as well as anti-septic which makes it a versatile addition to your aromatherapy routine. It is mostly soothing and can be used in a variety of blends. 

Active compounds: Angelic acid, tiglic acid, pinene, cineol. 

Pros: It calms the nervous system and helps recovery of burns.

Cons: Expensive, can cause allergic reactions if you are sensitive to plants like marigolds.

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

The fresh and invigorating aroma of peppermint essential oil is an instant pick-me-up for a dull day. It is analgesic, cooling, anti-inflammatory and great for headache relief. We particularly find it helpful in summer when the sun can have the best of us. 

Peppermint oil can be added to many DIY perfume blends, candle and soap recipes. Insects and mice are repelled by peppermint’s aroma, hence you can use it around your house to keep them away. 

Active compounds: Menthol, menthone, limonene

Pros: Refreshing and subtle notes, works well for certain respiratory concerns.

Cons: Can be toxic for cats, inhaling directly from the bottle can worsen respiratory issues 

• Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)

If you had to pick just one oil from the list, it should undoubtedly be lavender essential oil. The floral, sweet and slightly balsamic aroma is loved by all. This, mostly non-toxic oil, can be used for a wide range of skin and physiological conditions. Lavender oil helps with burns, eczema, inflammation as well as insect bites. It can improve the mood and help the body sleep better. 

Unable to fall asleep? Try diffusing a few drops of lavender. 

It is also extensively used for cosmetics, medicines, perfumes, detergents, etc. 

Active compounds: Linalyl acetate, lavandulol, ocimene

Pros: Loved by almost everyone, excellent for skin and hair care

Cons: Can cause respiratory allergies

• Rose Absolute Essential Oil (Rosa Damascena)

If you are interested in making your aromatherapy experience ultra luxurious, then rose absolute oil should be your go-to choice. Its floral, sweet, honey-like and slightly spicy notes are perfect to feel like a royal princess. Rose absolute oil's unique mood lifting properties can help you fight stress and feel relaxed. 

It is also well recognized to balance hormones and ease menstrual discomfort. 

Active compounds: Geraniol, citronellol, eugenol

Pros: Ultra luxurious, romantic, puts you in the mood

Cons: Expensive

• Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri)

Famously known as the ‘king of aromatherapy’, frankincense essential oil has a rich and warm aroma that would remind you of incense sticks. It is renowned for its health as well as spiritual benefits. Earlier, frankincense was mostly found in regions of the Red Sea but now it is cultivated in China, Africa as well as India. It is excellent for dry and blemished skin. It provides nourishment and prevents early signs of wrinkles. 

Other uses include men’s fragrances, incense and pharmaceutical products. 

Active compounds: Monoterpine, dipentene, thujene, octyl acetate. 

Pros: Great for autumns and winters, cleanses any negativity in the environment

Cons: Not suitable for people with bleeding issues. 

• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree essential oil is one of the most used oils in skincare products. It is the holy grail for clear and acne-free skin. Do not judge it by its medicinal aroma, it can single-handedly do wonders for hair, skin, teeth and infections. Use it to make anti-bacterial soaps, hand-washes, shower gels or shampoos. 

Active compounds: Cineol, pinene, aromadendrene

Pros: Anti bacterial and anti-fungal, keeps the skin blemish free. It also has a mostly non-greasy texture. 

Cons: Medicinal aroma is not liked by everyone

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Radiata)

Any aromatherapy kit is incomplete without eucalyptus essential oil. It is a strong and effective oil that has been used for centuries for multiple respiratory issues. Eucalyptus oil has a camphoraceous and woody aroma and is perfect to use during flu season. It helps with concerns like asthma, bronchitis and cold. 

Active compounds: Terpinene, cineol, pinene, cymene

Pros: Excellent for cold and flu season

Cons: Can be highly toxic when taken internally

• Lemon (Citrus Limon)

Lemon essential oil is effective for focus and concentration. Its fresh and citrusy scent will remind you of a vacation in Italy. You can blend with a variety of oils like lavender, rose, ylang ylang or geranium. Lemon oil is particularly useful for headaches, insect bites, and your usual Monday blues. It is also added to DIY recipes for cleaning mists or making your home smell fresh. 

Active compounds: Terpinene, limonene, citronellal

Pros: Can make any space smell clean with its invigorating scent

Cons: Photosensitive, not safe for pets. 

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)

While other oils in this list are busy keeping bacteria and fungi away, rosemary essential oil will be useful for all your pains (except those of a broken heart). It works as a natural analgesic and eases joint pain. Diffusing it can also improve cognitive function and don’t get us started on rosemary oil benefits for hair and skin. 

Active compounds: Pinenes, camphene, limonene, bornyl acetate

Pros: Natural analgesic, keeps hair healthy

Cons: Can be mildly irritating, not advisable for epilepsy 

• Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens)

Geranium essential oil has a rosy, green and sweet aroma. It is mostly used to make cosmetics for oily skin as it can have a drying effect. This oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers through steam distillation. You can also use it to make your own natural DIY mosquito repellent at home. Other uses include perfumes, soaps, candles, and anti-depressant diffuser blends. 

Active compounds: Citronellol, geraniol, menthane

Pros: Soft, floral aroma is loved by all

Cons: Not suitable for hypersensitive individuals.

• Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)

Bergamot is much more than a flavour in Earl Grey tea. This greenish-yellow liquid has a citrusy, sweet and slightly spicy aroma. It has uplifting and refreshing qualities and is a staple note in many perfumes and colognes. It can brighten up any space and is great to diffuse in summer. 

Active compounds: Linalyl acetate, terpenes, bergapten

Pros: Fresh and uplifting aroma

Cons: Phototoxic and can cause sensitivity. Not suitable to diffuse around cats. 

What To Keep In Mind

Some of the factors to keep in mind while picking your essential oils for aromatherapy are oil quality, supplier reputation and certificate of analysis. This will help you get the most out of aromatherapy. You do not need to spend a ton to get high-quality oils, all you need to do is find the right supplier. 

Always start small, try how you and your loved ones respond to a particular oil before going all in. 

Lastly, don’t forget to dilute the essential oils for a safer application. 

Conclusion

The essential oils in this are a great starting point for aromatherapy. They cover a wide range of uses and requirements - we’ve made sure there is something for every need. And the good news is that you can use the essential oils in this list to make an infinite number of synergy blends. They are great to add to your diffuser or to create DIY recipes. 

Are you ready to start or enhance your aromatherapy experience? Then get your hands on over 400 natural and pure oils in bulk from Aromachology and elevate your wellness journey.

FAQs

What are the most popular essential oils for aromatherapy?

Lavender, rosemary, chamomile, geranium, tea tree and peppermint are some of the most popular essential oils for aromatherapy. 

What is the best smelling aromatherapy oil?

Lavender is one of the most popular and globally considered to be the best smelling oil for aromatherapy. 

What is the most powerful essential oil?

With its numerous health and spiritual benefits, frankincense can be called one of the most powerful essential oil. 

Which is the best website for buying aromatherapy?

With over 400 varieties of certified oils and bulk prices, Aromachologyoils is undoubtedly one of the best websites to buy aromatherapy oils and more.