Over the past few years, essential oils have become popular amongst more than just the yogi community. As it turns out, these oils offer more than fresh scents!

So, what are essential oils anyway? With more than 90 known varieties, each one is taken from the bark, flowers, leaves, roots, seeds and stems of plants. They are highly concentrated volatile plant extracts that are 75x more powerful than dried herbs. Because each one is unique, please be sure to throughly research how it should be used. Whether you want to incorporate aromatherapy with your yoga practice, just brought your first diffuser, or simply want a more natural way to make your home smell good, you’ll be able to find the best oils for your needs using this list! Read through our guide to essential oils to learn more about the most popular oils and their benefits, and how to effectively use them!

Bergamont

Experiencing stress? This is the perfect scent to relieve it. More and more cleaning products are including this oil in their ingredient profile as it improves skin conditions. You may also see it as a scented candle that can be used to help you fall asleep!

Black Pepper

You’re familiar with the scent of freshly ground black pepper! Warming, stimulating, and a little spicy, this essential oil will energize your mind. If you dilute black pepper oil with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil, its analgesic properties may help relieve pain when applied topically.

Blood Orange

This essential oil releases an uplifting scent known to relieve anxiety and energize your mind. This is often used in hand soaps and cleaning products because of its antibacterial properties.

Carrot Seed

Carrot seed is known to be rejuvenating and healing for the skin when applied topically.

Cedarwood

Put a few drops of cedar wood essential oil into your diffuser to feel nourished and grounded–you can even find cedarwood scented candles if you haven’t yet purchased a diffuser! Its astringent properties make it a great addition to your lotion or beauty regimen.

Chamomile

Chamomile has been used for centuries because of its calming and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It can also be used topically to soothe your skin.

Cinnamon

Add a little spice to your life! The absolute best scent for fall and winter months (in my humble opinion), add a few drops to your diffuser to fill your home, studio or workspace with the warmth of the season. Cinnamon oil may relieve symptoms of the common cold, and also has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties.

Clary Sage

Clary sage is antispasmodic and known for improving circulation and sleep, making it a great match for women who experience symptoms of PMS.

Eucalyptus

This oil mixes well with so many other essential oils. Use it to boost the benefits of your mixture if you’re looking to benefit your respiratory system. Not only is it antimicrobial and anti-fungal (which is why it’s used in many plant-based cleaning products), but it is also an energizing scent!

Fennel

Fennel is a common spice used in cooking–and for good reason. It’s a detoxifying oil that aids in digestion.

Frankincense

Simply put–it’s a great stress reliever!

Geranium

If you or a loved one experiences mood swings, geranium is a fantastic option to bring balance to your life. It enhances mood and stimulates healing.

Helichrysum

Used in aromatherapy, this scent may help relieve symptoms of allergies, arthritis, eczema and anxiety. Helichrysum is also known as a cell regenerative, helpful in healing wounds and burns.

Juniper Berry

This oil can be used internally for detoxifying your body encouraging healthy kidney function! It has powerful antiseptic properties to fight against pathogens and infections. Used topically juniper berry treats wounds, abrasions and other skin conditions, such as acne.

Lavender

Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with your favorite carrier oil and massage it into your temples or spray it onto your pillow before you climb into bed–you’ll experience some of the deepest sleep you’ve ever had. Lavender relieves stress, anxiety and irritability and also balances mood swings. Use some in your diffuser for an immune-boosting scent!

Lemongrass

Many plant-based cleaning products use lemongrass essential oil as one of their ingredients. In addition to its vibrant, energizing scent, it is antimicrobial and anti-fungal.

Peppermint

Perhaps the essential oil with the most beneficial properties, it can be used topically, as aromatherapy, and internally. Peppermint is known for its aid in digestion and nausea relief. Put some in your diffuser to boost your focus, or mix it with a carrier oil and massage into sore muscles.

Rosemary

How many times have you walked into a room but forgot why you went in there? Probably too many times. Use rosemary essential oil as a stimulating memory enhancer that also benefits your respiratory system.

Sandalwood

If you’re feeling nervous, take a few whiffs of sandalwood essential oil. It will calm your nerves, help you sleep, and improve focus.

Tea Tree

Also known as Melaleuca Oil, this oil is used in many cleaning and skincare products because of its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The fresh scent is similar to that of peppermint oil, meaning it will perk you up and increase your focus.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of Earth’s earliest medicines. With antioxidants and over 20 antibiotic molecules, Turmeric promotes healthier skin, alleviates pain, calms digestive issues, boosts immune system function, and improves respiratory function.

Ylang Ylang

This oil can be applied to the skin to promote relaxation, kill bacteria, lower blood pressure, and increase sexual desire.

Now that you know about some of the most popular essential oils, you can begin using them as part of your wellness routine. Find these scents in candles, home cleaners, pillow sprays, facial mists, and skincare products. Always be sure to thoroughly research each type of oil to ensure safe and proper usage.