Essential oils are a big subject, but below we have listed what we feel are the most important. We have described their aromas and listed their benefits and uses, together with any points of interest. We also include a link to where you can get them on Amazon.
Medical benefits of essential oils
A big question often asked is whether or not essential oils have any actual medical benefit as supported by modern science. And the short answer is that they absolutely do.
Here is just one example. In an in vitro experiment, it was found that out of 21 essential oils tested,19 showed antibacterial activity. These especially included clove, cinnamon, lemon, geranium, lime, orange, and rosemary.
And you can check out this book on the science, technology, and application of essential oils.
Now, given the long use of essential oils throughout the history of mankind, this should not be a surprise. Check out this reference to the history of aromatherapy going back to 3,500 BC.
Essential oils safety note
Essential oils have a long history in the human experience. And, while not qualifying as medicines in conventional modern orthodoxy, they have long been cherished for their beneficial medicinal effect. But as with any substance taken for medical effect, they must be treated with respect and caution.
Essential oil precautions
1: Consult a medical practitioner or aromatherapy specialist before including essential oils in your lifestyle or applying an essential oil for a specific purpose..
2: Never ingest essential oils.
3: Never use undiluted essential oils on the skin.
4: Exercise extreme caution in using essential oils with children, the elderly, or people with underlying medical conditions.
How to use essential oils – Diffusers
There are 3 ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils.1) Aromatically (via the air) through a diffuser; 2) Topically (applied to the skin), and 3) Internally (through ingestion)
Unless you really know what you are doing and your doctor approves, we strongly advise against ingestion. Many of these substances are poisonous and positively dangerous if taken internally, especially by children.
For similar reasons, you should not apply essential oils topically. Although, the effects are obviously going to be less drastic.
So, if you are new to essential oils, we highly recommend starting out by using a diffuser. We have featured the 3 diffusers we personally like at the end of our Top 40 list. (Insert a jump link)
Where to get essential oils
Essential oils used in aromatherapy are not regulated by the FDA. So it is important that you have confidence in where you get them.
We have provided a link to Amazon for you to source each of the essential oils listed here. And you should always use a reputable vendor. We believe the following to be highly reputable essential oil brands (in alphabetical order). But also remember that Amazon itself is very picky about who it allows to sell this kind of product on their platform.
Now let’s get to what are essential oils for and our Top 40. And a quick tip: Use the Control F function (Command F in a Mac) to search this page for any ailment that bothers you.
Top 40 Essential Oils
We have listed our Top 40 essential oils in alphabetical order for easy reference, not in what we consider their order of importance. It’s basically an essential points use chart, that is, a list of essential oils and their benefits. We have included comments on their respective aromas and other points of interest.