Article produced in partnership with Pranarōm.
Who hasn’t already recommended an essential oil to help you relax, sleep better, relieve a cold, or ease joint pain? They are often presented as a remedy for many ailments.
But with the hundreds of bottles available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Rest assured, you don’t need to end up with a cabinet full of essential oils you’ll never use. A few well-chosen ones and you can cover a large part of your everyday needs.
To make your choice easier, I’m sharing with you my 7 must-have essential oils. These are the ones I recommend for their versatile uses and ease of use, even when you’re just starting out.
1. True Lavender essential oil
Also called True Lavender or Fine Lavender, it is used for its soothing properties, thanks to its richness in linalool and linalyl acetate.
You can therefore include it in your routine for temporary anxiety or sleep disturbances related to stress.
Mixed with your massage oil, it can also relieve cramps and muscle tension.
And during the summer, it can be applied diluted to insect bites.
2. Tea Tree essential oil (or Tea Tree)
Tea Tree essential oil is an all-purpose oil traditionally used for its purifying properties for both your home and yourself.
Its properties make Tea Tree essential oil particularly useful for problematic, blemish-prone skin.
It is also useful to support oral hygiene, for example in cases of gingivitis or canker sores.
My favorite use? For small ailments, canker sores, or even to purify the air—on your toothbrush or a sponge.
3. Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint is without a doubt my favorite essential oil for promoting easy digestion, thanks to its richness in menthol.
Do you tend to have gas, bloating, or a heavy feeling in your stomach after heavy meals? It’s the essential oil to have on hand.
Its cooling effect on the skin and its scent can also give you a pick-me-up during the day.
How to use it? Diluted in a carrier oil, massage in circular motions on the abdomen after a heavy meal, or a small drop on the temples in case of a slump or headaches (but keep away from the eyes!).
Warning, it is not recommended for people with epilepsy, pregnant women and children under 6 years old.
4. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil
Lemon Eucalyptus has more than one trick up its sleeve. Its fresh scent, similar to citronella, makes it a good ally during the summer to repel mosquitoes naturally.
But it’s especially essential for athletes or very active people due to its anti-inflammatory action. For massage, I recommend it to relax muscles, ease tension, and relieve minor joint discomfort caused by repetitive movements.
The right move? Use it in a massage after a good workout.
5. Ravintsara essential oil
In winter, Ravintsara essential oil is the one to turn to. Its composition, rich in 1.8-cineole, makes it a good ally for purifying the air, promoting comfortable breathing, and fighting the nuisances of winter.
Its effects don’t stop at seasonal colds: it’s invigorating and helps you boost concentration, even when you’re feeling down.
The reflex to have? Diffuse it in the home to purify the air as cold periods arrive.
6. Lemon essence
Lemon essential oil deserves its place among the must-haves: beauty, home, and wellness — it has many uses.
For digestion, it promotes good digestive comfort after a heavy meal and is an excellent anti-nausea remedy.
Regarding beauty, it’s a good solution for regulating sebum production in people with oily skin.
And because it’s purifying, it cleanses the air when diffused.
My favorite use? Diffused, to give a boost and improve concentration.
7. Roman chamomile essential oil
You may know it as Noble Chamomile, or you may have already encountered it in stress-relief herbal teas. In essential oil form, its relaxing action is no less effective; on the contrary.
It regulates the nervous system, so it is ideal for soothing temporary stress, calming nervousness, promoting restorative sleep, or after an emotional shock.
Having trouble falling asleep? One diluted drop on the wrists or as a massage before sleeping could help you let go.
My tips for using essential oils properly
Not all essential oils are the same; choose 100% pure, 100% natural, and 100% undiluted for optimal effectiveness.
Essential oils are powerful, which makes them effective allies, but also substances to handle with care.
Some of them have contraindications or cause adverse effects, particularly in the case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or specific medical conditions.
For this reason, always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding doses and the method of administration.
Before any use, I recommend performing a skin test and consulting a healthcare professional in case of doubt or ongoing treatment.
