Although aromatherapy should never be used as a substitute for professional medical care, many people find that incorporating essential oils into a holistic wellness routine can offer meaningful support for stress relief, mood balance, and certain minor health concerns. When used safely and appropriately, high-quality essential oils may complement conventional treatments and help promote overall well-being.
To help you get started on your journey to wellness, let’s look at the 11 best essential oils for promoting good health:
1. Clove
Because it contains high levels of the compound eugenol, clove oil is known to have analgesic (numbing), antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that eugenol and clove oil can inhibit many types of oral bacteria (including those involved in tooth decay and gum disease), and may help relieve dental pain or discomfort.
Because of this, clove oil — when properly diluted — is sometimes used as a temporary oral antiseptic or pain-reliever (for toothache or gum pain), or as an adjunct to regular dental hygiene.
How to use:
- To use clove oil as an oral antiseptic, dilute two drops in one cup of warm water, and gargle for 30 seconds in addition to your normal dental hygiene routine.
- When 2-4 drops are placed in an essential oil diffuser, clove oil will emit a scent that is energizing to the mind.
What to keep in mind when using Clove
- Use should be occasional and conservative, ideally as a complement — not a substitute — to standard dental care.
- If you choose to use it, many sources recommend diluting a few drops in a carrier oil (e.g., olive or coconut oil), then applying carefully (e.g., via a cotton swab) to the affected area — rather than rinsing the mouth with neat oil.
2. Lavender
Lavender is a staple scent in perfume, candles, soaps, and air fresheners. Though widely popular for its calming scent, lavender is also effective as a home healthcare remedy. For instance, lavender oil accelerates the healing time of cuts, bruises, burns, and other wounds. It protects against infections in open wounds. Using the healing and pain-reducing qualities is easy.
How to use:
- Place two drops on a cotton ball and swab a wound. Re-apply every few hours, as needed.
- Lavender, when diffused, helps reduce stress and anxiety. Add 2-4 drops to the diffuser.
- Another relaxing use for lavender is in a bath. Combine two drops of lavender essential oil with one cup of Epsom salt in a hot bath.
3. Chamomile
Like lavender, chamomile is popular for its calming effect. Chamomile, however, is more than just a soothing scent; it also stimulates and acts as an antidepressant. It eliminates sadness while inducing a feeling of happiness. In addition to being an antidepressant, chamomile contains several compounds that have positive effects on the body, including antispasmodics, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, and anticancer compounds. As an antispasmodic, chamomile calms nervous disturbances that lead to spasms, shaking, and loss of limb control.
How to use:
- Add 1-2 drops of chamomile oil to an herbal tea to gain its antispasmodic and antioxidant effects.
- Diffuse 2-4 drops of chamomile at night as a sleep aid.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the world’s oldest medicines. It is also an excellent deterrent for insects. If you wipe the oil in the areas that bugs tend to cross—windowsills, in dark corners, and beneath doorframes. Though it’s toxic to insects, peppermint oil is wonderful for humans. Because peppermint oil helps reduce gas and relaxes the muscles of the GI tract, peppermint oil is great for digestion, bloating, and abdominal pain. Some evidence suggests that peppermint oil applied topically (on the skin) might relieve tension headaches, and that a gel containing peppermint oil applied topically might reduce the risk of bed sores (pressure ulcers) in bedridden individuals. Additionally, it is great for treating sinuses, soothing muscle and joint pain, and disinfecting wounds.
How to use:
- For stomach-related health problems, add a few drops of peppermint to a cup of tea.
- Diffuse peppermint to open sinuses and provide relief for upper-respiratory problems like coughs and asthma.
- Ward off insects by wiping down problem areas in the house, like windowsills or countertops, with peppermint oil.
- Dilute several drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply to sore muscles.
5. Oregano
This oil is packed with antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory chemical compounds. It’s great at treating bacterial infections of the skin. While it’s hard on germs, oregano oil is easy on the lungs by working as a natural expectorant. Oregano oil also provides sinus relief by warding off allergens. Like peppermint, oregano can be used as a topical insect repellent.
How to use:
- Diffuse a few drops to loosen phlegm in the respiratory tract and relieve allergy symptoms.
- To athlete’s foot or bug bites, add a few drops to coconut oil and apply to the infected area.
- For sore throats and toothaches, add a few drops to a glass of water.
What to keep in mind when using Oregano
Oregano essential oil does have legitimate antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties — supported by chemical analyses and lab/animal studies. That gives some scientific plausibility to its traditional uses for skin issues, minor microbial infections, and as a “natural remedy.”
However, if used, it should be diluted, used carefully, and ideally under guidance from a healthcare professional rather than as a substitute for proven medical treatments.
6. Grapefruit
This essential oil is an excellent weight loss aid! It both boosts metabolism and curbs appetite. Additionally, grapefruit has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Grapefruit essential oil, with its pleasant smell, is popularly used as a deodorizer and air freshener. Its aroma is also a mood changer, as it uplifts and energizes.
How to use:
- To stop cravings, add a few drops to your tea.
- Put a few drops in your diffuser for respiratory infections. Diffused, grapefruit also freshens the air, relieves stress, and helps fight fatigue.
- Add a few drops to a bath to take advantage of its antibacterial properties and stress-relieving aroma.
What to keep in mind when using Grapefruit
- Some uses may carry risks — especially ingestion or high-concentration topical application — and “natural” does not automatically mean “safe.”
- If you consider using grapefruit EO for any health goal, treat it as a complement to, not a substitute for, proven, science-backed health practices (balanced nutrition, medical treatment when needed, healthy lifestyle, etc.).
7. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. These properties make eucalyptus great for treating infections, sore muscles and joints, as well as alleviating headaches and respiratory problems.
How to use:
- Mixing 2 drops into a cup of water can create a gargle to treat sore throats.
- Add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply to sore muscles.
- Add 1-2 drops to a glass of water and ingest to control blood sugar.
- Diffuse a few drops for to treat stress, respiratory problems, and headaches.
What to keep in mind when using Eucalyptus
- EEO appears to have real anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, respiratory, and analgesic potential — especially when used via inhalation or topical application (diluted, with carrier oils).
- Internal use (gargling, ingestion, adding to water, etc.) is not well supported by modern scientific evidence — and may carry risks (toxicity, digestive irritation, adverse reactions).
- Even topical or inhaled use should be done safely: EEO is potent — many experts recommend dilution and caution when using it around children, pets, or people with respiratory sensitivity.
- EEO should not be seen as a substitute for proven medical treatments. For respiratory illness, infections, and chronic joint conditions — consider it as complementary, not primary, and ideally after consulting a medical professional.
8. Lemon
Lemon oil is easily one of the most popular essential oils. To name a few benefits, lemon oil is an antioxidant, anti-bacterial, weight loss aid, anti-cancer, antiseptic, anti-depressant, and immune-stimulating, etc. One of the more popular uses for lemon oil is cleaning and purification – both internally and externally. Since lemon oil can be ingested, it’s a great detox. Particularly, lemon oil helps with digestion and weight loss. Studies also show that drinking tepid, lemon water after waking up improves cardiovascular health. On the other hand, lemon oil is also safe to use as a natural home cleaning product. It’s also an excellent beauty product.
How to use:
- Mix with coconut oil and apply to the back of the neck for lymphatic drainage support.
- Diffuse lemon oil to lift mood and energy levels.
- Mix lemon oil with baking soda and coconut oil for a natural teeth whitener. Leave on for 2 minutes.
- Mix with baking soda and honey for a natural acne-free face wash.
What to keep in mind when using Lemon
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) warns:
- Lemon essential oil is phototoxic (can burn skin in sunlight).
- Should be diluted before skin application.
- Not recommended for internal use unless supervised by a trained clinical aromatherapist
- Use lemon essential oil externally — e.g., for cleaning, as a scent/air-freshener, or possibly (diluted) in topical products — where evidence for antimicrobial / antioxidant action is more plausible.
- Be very cautious about ingesting it or using it as a “health remedy.” The research does not support ingestion for weight loss, detox, or disease prevention.
- If you share info or health-claims based on lemon oil — frame them as “potential biochemical/antimicrobial / antioxidant properties (based on lab studies), not proven cures.”
9. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil with well-studied antimicrobial properties. Clinical research shows that a 5% tea tree oil gel can help improve mild to moderate acne, and laboratory studies confirm antibacterial and antifungal effects that support its use as a topical antiseptic. Some small studies suggest it may help support wound healing when used alongside standard care. However, it must always be used topically in diluted form, never ingested, as oral use is toxic. Patch testing is recommended due to potential skin irritation.
How to use:
- Tea Tree Oil (topically applied, diluted) may help reduce mild to moderate acne.
- Given its microbial-fighting properties, TTO can be considered a natural topical antiseptic (with caution and proper dilution).
What to keep in mind when using Tea Tree
- Do NOT ingest tea tree oil. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) warns that tea tree oil can cause serious toxicity if swallowed.
- Patch test first — tea tree oil is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
10. Sandalwood
According to research, sandalwood is more than just a key ingredient in most soaps. With its anti-viral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, sandalwood is good for treating any skin irritation or infections. As for the common cold, sandalwood helps soothe sore throats.
With its anti-viral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, sandalwood is great for treating any skin irritation or infections. As for the common cold, sandalwood helps soothe sore throats.
How to use:
- Diffuse 3-5 drops of sandalwood to enhance mental clarity and relaxation, as well as to treat respiratory problems. Diffuse for 15-30 minutes at a time, then pause.
- One drop in palms, inhale from 6–8 inches away.
- Apply sandalwood to skin to treat pimples, warts, insect bites, and superficial wounds.
- Gargle water mixed with a few drops of sandalwood to treat a sore throat.
What to keep in mind when using Sandalwood
- Refrain from gargling or ingesting.
- Do not use on or around infants.
- Do not ingest.
11. Rosemary
Mostly, this oil is known to help enhance memory. Rosemary helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical primarily responsible for memory retention, reasoning, and communication with other people. Lastly, rosemary has been known to stimulate hair growth.
How to use:
- Diffuse a few drops of rosemary to improve mental awareness and sharpness.
- Apply to the scalp to prevent baldness and to treat dandruff.
Key takeaways & Safety notes
The quality of essential oils sold today can differ dramatically. Some products contain pure oils, while others are diluted with cheaper additives—and because the industry is not regulated, product labels may not accurately reflect what’s in the bottle. For this reason, essential oils should never be taken by mouth.
Experts at Johns Hopkins also caution against using essential oil diffusers. These devices release scented vapor into the air, which can affect people in unpredictable ways in shared spaces. For instance, although peppermint oil is sometimes recommended for relieving headaches, using it near a child under 30 months may cause agitation, and people with rapid heart rates may also react poorly to it.
Safe methods for using essential oils include:
- Aromatherapy accessories: Wearable items like necklaces, bracelets, or keychains made of absorbent materials that hold small amounts of oil for inhalation throughout the day.
- Body oils: Essential oils mixed with carrier oils (such as coconut, jojoba, or olive oil) for application on the skin. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they should never be used undiluted.
- Aroma sticks: Also known as essential oil inhalers, these consist of a scented wick enclosed in a small tube that keeps the aroma contained until use.
Important Safety Disclaimers:
- If pregnant, avoid most essential oils unless medically advised during the 1st trimester, unless approved by your doctor.
- Avoid ALL essential oil diffusion around newborns.
- Avoid topical essential oils entirely unless approved by the infant’s pediatrician.
- Some oils associated with infants’ respiratory distress: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Rosemary.
A small percentage of people may develop skin irritation or allergic reactions when using essential oils, especially those with atopic dermatitis or a history of skin sensitivities. Certain oils are more likely to cause reactions, including oregano, cinnamon bark, jasmine, lemongrass, ylang-ylang, chamomile, and bergamot. Diluting essential oils with carrier oil is the best way to reduce irritation. If you notice redness, itching, or hives after applying an oil, seek medical attention; these symptoms may be signs of an allergic reaction.
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This article was updated on December 11, 2025.