5 must have essential oils (with powerful recipes)

Orange Essential Oil - The Motivator 

I call orange essential oil the motivator because it's a lovely oil to have burning in the background with or without other essential oils, and it will have you up and moving even on those days when it's hard to get started. 

Orange essential oil is photo toxic, which means that you shouldn't put it on the skin within 48 hours before going out in bright sunlight or using a sunbed, it can cause severe burns.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome has fairly common symptoms, including 

• Diarrhoea, 

• Constipation,  

• A full feeling when you've eaten very little, 

• Bloating

• Cramping.

It's aggravated by

• Stress,  

• Poor diet,  

• Lack of exercise.

Orange's properties of easing stress and regulating peristalsis make it very helpful for diarrhoea and constipation. 

My Daughter's Magic Bottle

My daughter used to suffer from IBS when she was a teenager and into her early 20s.  And I used to make her a blend of essential oils, which she kept in her handbag to use whenever she needed it. 

The recipe

• 10 ml of extra virgin olive oil

• 1 drop of orange essential oil,

• 1 drop of Roman chamomile essential oil,

• 1 drop of lavender essential oil.  

Chamomile and lavender are good for the digestive system in general.  They're also very good for stress and pain. 

Making, storing and using the blend

Mix the oils and keep the blend in a dark glass bottle, with the lid closed, away from light and heat, otherwise it will go off fairly quickly.

Apply it to the tummy, as and when it's needed.  My daughter used to put it on every morning as a matter of course, before she ate, and if there was any discomfort.

Cautions

• Don't use our orange essential oil on skin that would be exposed to bright sunlight or a sunbed within the next 48 hours.

• Don't use Roman chamomile or lavender essential oil for pregnant women. There's an outside chance they could cause a miscarriage, although as far as I'm aware there are no cases of essential oils causing miscarriage. But with essential oils, it's better to err on the side of caution and find an alternative oil. 

This blend worked wonders for my daughter. She hasn't been complaining of any IBS symptoms for a long time now, I'm not sure if the essential oil actually helped to eliminate it, it was probably a combination of things. But it certainly helped a lot with the symptoms.  

If you try the recipe, I'd love to hear about it. 

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil was an absolute game changer for a client of mine called Carmel, who suffered from the worst PMT/PMS I have ever seen.

It's often called "the woman's oil" because it's an outstanding hormone balancer, so fantastic for PMT and menopause symptoms. A must have oil for women between the ages of 15 and 50.

Geranium essential oil is great for:

• Easing pain

• Reducing Mood swings

• Reducing excess blood flow, making it particularly good for heavy periods.

• It's great for fatigue, mainly because it reduces excess blood flow,

• It's fantastic for bloating, 

• It's great for skin eruptions.

My Blend That Works Like Magic

I created a PMT and PMS blend that has worked wonders for many women, including a client who had the most severe symptoms I’ve ever seen. Here’s her story:

Client’s Struggles:

• She missed two days of work every month due to intense pain that kept her bedridden.

• She experienced extreme mood swings, becoming so irritable with her kids that she feared losing control.

• Her symptoms also included skin eruptions and bloating.
  
  

The Turning Point:

She was desperate for help, and asked if she could be my case study client. I was unsure if essential oils could help with such severe symptoms, but I agreed to give it a try.

The Results:

• After just one month of using the blend, her symptoms dramatically eased.

• She no longer needed time off work, and her mood swings subsided.

• She was no longer snapping at her kids or husband, and she felt more at ease overall.

• The anxiety she had about taking time off work and the impact on her job security also disappeared

• The blend didn’t just help adults; it even worked for a 9-year-old girl who had started her period early.

This blend has helped everyone I’ve made it for, with just one exception. And that lady turned out to have PCOS. The power of essential oils never ceases to amaze me!

The Recipe  

• 2 drops of geranium essential oil

• 1 drop of cypress essential oil (also a hormone balancer)

• 1 drop of lemon essential oil (helps reduce excess blood flow and boosts energy)

• 10ml of extra virgin olive oil

• Mix the ingredients together

• Place the blend in a dark glass bottle

• Seal the bottle with the lid

• Store the bottle away from light and heat

• Use as required

• The blend should last for about 3 months.

Cautions and Contraindications

Although essential oils are natural substances, they are highly concentrated and need to be treated with respect.

Here are the cautions:

• Do not use geranium or cypress essential oils during pregnancy. While there’s no confirmed case of essential oils causing a miscarriage, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

• Avoid using lemon essential oil on skin that will be exposed to bright sunlight or a sunbed within 48 hours, as it can cause phototoxic burns.

Essential oils are incredibly versatile and effective when used correctly. They offer a natural way to address many issues and improve well-being.

I call Bergamot essential oil the “Little Oil of Stress” because it is both calming and uplifting. This makes it perfect for situations where you need to stay calm yet alert, such as during an exam.

The unique effects of bergamot essential oil are due to its chemical composition. Nearly half of it consists of calming esters, which are soothing and excellent for reducing anxiety. The other half is made up of monoterpenes, which are gently stimulating and uplifting, helping to raise your spirits.

Its fruity aroma makes it one of the most versatile and popular essential oils.

Bergamot essential oil is great for:

• Mood Enhancement: Helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting relaxation and uplifting the mood.

• Skin Care: Supports clear, healthy skin by reducing blemishes and balancing oil production.

• Natural Deodorant: Its fresh, citrusy aroma combats odor and refreshes naturally.

• Sleep Aid: Encourages restful sleep by calming the mind and body.

• Focus and Clarity: Enhances concentration and mental clarity, making it ideal for study or work

The Cranky Day Blend

Bergamot is a key ingredient in my Cranky Day blend. Ideal for days when you feel stressed, anxious, irritable, or too tired to relax—like after a challenging day at work.

Ingredients:

• 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil

• 1 drop of Lavender essential oil

• 1 drop of Ylang Ylang essential oil

• 10ml of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

• Combine all oils in a dark glass bottle.

• Store the bottle away from light and heat, ensuring the lid is tightly closed.

How to Use:

• Add a few drops to a bath to create a relaxing experience.

• Avoid using too much, as it can make the bath slippery.

Important Cautions:

• Do not use bergamot essential oil on skin that will be exposed to bright sunlight or sunbeds within 48 hours, as it can cause photosensitivity.

• Avoid using lavender essential oil during pregnancy.

• Always combine ylang ylang essential oil with at least one other essential oil, as using it alone can be overly intense and may cause mild headaches.

This simple blend showcases the incredible benefits of essential oils and is a wonderful way to enjoy their calming and uplifting properties.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil The “Desert Island Oil”

I call Eucalyptus essential oil the “Desert Island Oil” because if I were stranded on a desert island, and I could only have one essential oil with me it would be Eucalyptus.

Eucalyptus is outstanding for pain, infection, and inflammation. It has given remarkable results for respiratory conditions, muscle pain, tummy bugs, toothache, and even during epidemics.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits:

• Soothes Digestive Discomfort: Helps alleviate nausea and bloating when applied topically.

• Clears Respiratory Passages: Acts as a natural decongestant, easing breathing during colds or allergies.

• Relieves Muscle Tension: Provides a cooling sensation that soothes sore muscles and reduces inflammation.

• Boosts Mental Clarity: Its refreshing aroma enhances focus and alleviates mental fatigue.

• Natural Antiseptic: Contains antimicrobial properties that support wound care and skin health.

• Energizing Aroma: Uplifts mood and promotes a sense of vitality.

• Easy to Blend: Pairs well with other oils like peppermint or lavender for versatile use.

• Compact and Handy: A small but mighty oil for on-the-go wellness.

My Bug Buster Recipe

Eucalyptus essential oil is a key ingredient in the Bug Buster recipe due to its powerful antimicrobial properties, which help combat bacteria and viruses often associated with tummy troubles. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits, making it effective in reducing inflammation in the digestive system and soothing discomfort.

Ingredients:

• 10ml extra virgin olive oil (or substitute with another vegetable oil).

• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil.

• 2 drops lavender essential oil.

Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

• Effective for pain and inflammation.
  
  

Instructions:

1. Mix the oils together thoroughly.

2. Store the blend in a dark glass bottle.

3. Keep it away from light and heat to preserve shelf life.

Application:

• Apply the blend to the tummy as needed.

• Inhale the aroma for added benefits.

• Combine both methods for maximum effectiveness, as oils absorb through the skin and respiratory system.

Cautions:

• Eucalyptus essential oil has no known contraindications.

• Avoid using lavender essential oil during pregnancy. While I’ve never encountered a case of an essential oil causing a miscarriage, I always recommend erring on the side of caution. If lavender isn’t suitable, you can substitute it with another essential oil that offers similar benefits.

The Surprising Power of Eucalyptus Oil

I was working in a spa years ago, and one of my colleagues said she felt nauseous. We knew a nasty tummy bug was going around. I suggested she take the day off, but before she left, I made her a quick blend and advised her to rub it on her tummy. Later, I was surprised to see her still at work. She told me she felt much better after using the blend and decided to stay. I hadn’t expected it to work so quickly, but eucalyptus essential oil surprisingly powerful.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil - The Emotional Crutch

Ylang Ylang essential oil is absolutely outstanding for stress—whether long-term or short-term. I call Ylang Ylang the "emotional crutch" for a very good reason, which I will explain shortly.

Ylang Ylang essential oil works very powerfully on the emotional state, but it does so in a very physical way. It controls the breathing rate, regulates the heart rate, and balances adrenaline in the system. When your breathing rate is steady, your heart rate is regular, and adrenaline is under control, you naturally feel calmer—even during a panic attack or in very stressful situations.

Benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil:

• Promotes Relaxation & Reduces Stress – Helps lower stress levels and promotes a sense of calm.

• Eases Anxiety & Depression – Has mood-boosting properties that can reduce feelings of sadness and anxiety.

• Supports Heart Health – May help lower blood pressure and improve circulation.

• Enhances Sleep Quality – Known for its sedative effects, aiding in better sleep.

• Boosts Mood & Fights Fatigue – Energizing yet calming, helps uplift spirits and fight exhaustion.

• Balances Oil Production in Skin & Hair – Regulates sebum production, making it great for oily or dry skin.

• Nourishes Hair & Scalp – Helps strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and promote growth.

Recipe for Stress Relief Inhaler:

To make this blend, you’ll need an aromatherapy inhaler. These come in various forms, including plastic, metallic, or wooden. Plastic inhalers are single-use, while metallic and wooden ones are reusable and more environmentally friendly.

Here’s the recipe:

• 3 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil – Balances emotions by regulating the physical symptoms of stress.

• 2 drops Lavender essential oil – A fantastic balancer and calming agent.

• 2 drops Grapefruit essential oil – Uplifting and adds a light, fresh note to the blend.

• 2 drops Benzoin essential oil – Soothing, calming, and highly effective for stress relief.

Place these oils on the inner wick of the inhaler, close it, and it’s ready to use. The inhaler will last approximately three months or longer.

Contraindications for Essential Oils in This Recipe

• Ylang Ylang essential oil: Always use with at least one other essential oil, as it is very deep and rich and can cause mild headaches if used alone.

• Lavender essential oil: Avoid use during pregnancy. While there is no direct evidence of lavender causing harm, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Essential oils are highly concentrated natural substances and must be treated with respect. If one oil doesn’t suit you, there are always alternatives that can work just as effectively.

This blend is a beautiful example of how essential oils can support emotional well-being in a simple yet powerful way.

The Incredible Effect of my Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Blend

Ylang Ylang essential oil was part of a blend I created for a student of mine who was struggling with severe anxiety. She had been seeing a psychiatrist, and each visit resulted in an increase in her medication to manage her symptoms.

I offered her an essential oil inhaler, explaining that inhaling essential oils can be very effective for stress as they interact with the primitive part of the brain that governs emotions.

The blend had an incredible effect.

When I saw her again a couple of weeks later, she looked visibly more relaxed and said she felt like herself again. Her psychiatrist had even reduced her medication, remarking on her improvement, and advised her to keep using the inhaler.