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In this post: This Essential Oils Guide for Women outlines how to start, what benefits certain oils have, and how they can improve the overall quality of your life.
Essential oils seem to be everywhere. If you search “essential oils” on Pinterest, you are greeted with a million pins in a feed that literally goes on forever. That can be overwhelming and frustrating…I know because that’s what happened to me. I was interested, but had no idea where to start. I’m here today with an “Essential Oils Guide for Women” and to share my experiences since I started using them. I am definitely not an expert…but this is what worked for me. If, by chance, this essential oils guide helps one of you in some way, this post will have served its purpose.
Disclaimer: Essential oils are NOT intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. This is my story and I’m sharing what worked for me. We must support our bodies with a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. No two people are alike and the results from using essential oils will vary as well. Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.
After trying several different brands of essential oils, I settled on Rocky Mountain Oils. This was a personal decision based on these things:
- The price is affordable.
- It is available on Amazon and I can utilize my Amazon Prime membership.
- After a great deal of research, I believe it is 100% pure and authentic.
There are many good and dependable brands of essential oils, however, this essential oils guide is based on Rocky Mountain Oils.
Essential Oils Guide for Women
How to start?
I think the easiest way to start is with just one oil. Yes, you could jump in and get a set of several different kinds, but I honestly don’t think that’s the way to go. Like the Pinterest feed, that would be overwhelming! Each oil has its own special qualities and in order to see success, it’s my opinion that they should be used for specific things.
Peppermint: My Story
So…what oil to start with? I started with peppermint. It wasn’t a random choice, I chose that oil for a reason. Let’s go back to the winter of 2014. Nearly every day I woke up with a headache. Headaches are something I have dealt with my whole life…so this really wasn’t anything new. However, it did seem to escalate during those winter months. By March I was tired. After a while, that sort of pain tends to wear you down. We went on a family vacation that month and during that vacation, I finally took control and decided to order the peppermint essential oil. There I was in a lovely house on the water, with my whole family around me…and I couldn’t enjoy it because my head hurt so bad. I honestly think God had a hand in that decision.
I started using the Peppermint oil at night. I put it over my ears, behind my ears and on my temples. I applied it religiously and generously every night. After a few months the headaches got better. A month after that they went away completely. I’ve been using peppermint essential oil daily for several years now, and I rarely get a headache. When I do, it is completely manageable and never lasts multiple days. I went from popping Advil like they were M&M’s to not taking any at all.
Choosing the proper essential oils
Think about the biggest challenge in your life right now. Pain, anxiety, depression, dry skin, stomach issues, constipation, weight gain…and the list goes on. Spend fifteen minutes online researching which essential oils help with your particular problem. Chances are there will be more than one oil to choose from, but don’t let that discourage you. Just choose one of them and give it a try. That’s the first step.
Besides Peppermint, here are my go-to oils that I could not live without.
Lavender
I first purchased lavender to use for the sachets I sold in my online shop. Over time, the actual lavender buds lose their scent and a few drops of essential oil totally refreshes them. It’s wonderful in a hot bath…all you need is 3 or 4 drops. I have a bad habit of burning myself with the iron…just a drop of lavender on a burn and it cools instantly. It’s very soothing and relaxing as well.
Try this: Homemade Sugar Scrub
Lemon
I use lemon essential oil in my bottled water to give it a detox element. I get so tired of drinking water…but it’s absolutely necessary to your health and well-being. Adding two drops of lemon to a 16 oz. bottle of water makes it tastes like a treat. It’s especially good if you use a sparkling water like San Pellegrino…but that can get a little pricey. Sometimes I just buy a 12-pack of Kroger sparkling water. It’s about the same taste for much less money. A few leaves of fresh mint is the finishing touch (if you have it.)
Calming
Calming essential oil smells wonderful and I use it at night as soon as I get into bed. (If you are wondering, I use the Peppermint first and then Calming.) I put a drop behind each ear and a drop on the back of my neck. I put two drops on one wrist and then quickly rub my wrists together. It makes a little heat and that’s when you know it’s being absorbed. I used to just breathe in the scent from my wrists, but I have started to use a breathing technique I saw on Good Morning America. The goal is to clear and empty your mind. The day I saw it on TV, I asked about it on my Facebook page. There were quite a few who said it worked for them…and a few who said it didn’t. I have had good luck with it so far. Here’s the technique:
After applying the Calming to your wrists, hold them up to your nose and breathe in for a count of 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Exhale slowly for 8 seconds. Repeat 2 or 3 times.
The honest truth is that this sometimes works for me…and other times it doesn’t. I believe it depends on how tired you are, how stressful your day was, and how you feel physically.
Essential Oils Guide: Other Oils I Love
Ways to use essential oils:
Lessons Learned
I’ve learned a lot over the past few years, about essential oils, but also about myself. I’m not one who thinks outside the box…I don’t take a lot of chances. As a result, I think I’ve missed out on some really great things. When conventional medicine failed to help with my headaches, I could have given in to the pain and frustration that filled my days. Believe it or not, it took courage for me to try something different. For a long time I didn’t tell anyone because I was afraid it wouldn’t work. I’m very happy that I found relief, but even if I hadn’t, at least I tried.
I also learned that I can do things in my own time, at my own pace. I didn’t jump on the essential oils bandwagon right away and order a dozen different oils. I started out slow and when my life became easier and better because of the oils, I felt I needed to share my experience. This is something I believe in, and for me, I had to believe before I could share.
Thank you for making it to the end of my essential oils guide…I know it was way longer than my normal posts. To shop all my favorite essential oils, just click the button below.
Until next time…
Click the image to learn
how to make your own
lavender lip essentials!
Dear Ann,
I love the lemon essential oil! I hate drinking water and adding a few drops of lemon and I must admit I add zero cal sweetener too and it is delicious! Here in the west some of us add lemon or lime to our Pepsi. I tried adding a couple of drops of lemon essential oil and it is perfect!
Thanks for sharing so many tips with us. I love your website to pieces! I have used your recipes and will make the Orange Fluff for our Sunday dinner. Also your article on Waco and Magnolia Farms saved my daughter a trip there on a Sunday….see you are just full of great helps!
Best of all I feel like we are friends. Have a happy day!
Jan Moran (67 yrs)
Draper, Utah
Hi Jan…you are so welcome! Thank you very much for the lovely comment and for your friendship. ~Ann
Ann, I often know we are similar. This is a very helpful article. I have avoided the whole oils world because it is overwhelming. Thank you so much for the details you shared and for naming the company you use. We are in the midst of downsizing (hard, sad, frightening). At this minute I do not dare add a single item to the move but once settled I think I will try one of your oil suggestions. By the way, I appreciate anew social media and knowing that though I am moving you will be right there as always when I have my morning coffee.
Thanks, Ann, you have been so helpful. I really appreciate you! You always tell it like it is and this is so important. Love reading your wonderful posts! Thanks for always bringing us such wonderful posts! They are always a delight to read!
Ann, thank you for this. I’ve wanted to try oils but SO MUCH information always turned me off. Overwhelmed.
I trust your judgment so I’m going to give a couple of these a try.
Thank you – great post.
Thank you for this, Ann. As usual, you presented it in a concise and understandable way. I have started my experiments with oils, with one success and one “other.” After getting a really wonderful book and reading it carefully, I decided to try something, as you said for my biggest issue–going to sleep easily, then awaking after a couple of hours, unable to go back to sleep. I have a diffuser in our bedroom and use 10 drops of lavender in it, along with water. Just before we turn in, I turn it on to the sleep setting, which goes off in three hours. I have never slept better! (I’m happy to share the name of the book, but don’t know if it’s appropriate. It’s easy to digest and is arranged in such a way that I can refer to sections by the oil, or by the condition.)
Thanks for this post. I have a number of friends that use oils, but I’ve never tried them because I’m overwhelmed when I look for information, and everyone has a different opinion. This gives me a place to start!
I started using oils 2 years ago. I use orange as a cleanser for everything. I have branched out and made eucalyptus flowered mold to put in shower when very congested. I don’t buy any kind of cleaning product any more. Make my own washing powder, dryer sheets etc. The only thing I do not like is making my own dishwasher soap. Leaves gritty on dishes. I enjoy making things to use in the house and yard. Am very allergic to the sprays that come in cans and spray bottles.
Thank you for sharing your experience with essential oils. It can be overwhelming with all the options available. I will follow your advice for shure. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your story about your journey with EO. I have some but I just forget about using them! Thanks for the reminder.
Where did you do your research about essential oils.
I researched online using Google. It can be overwhelming because there are so many results. Just sift through and you will find articles that pertain to your particular issue. I also visit the Rocky Mountain Oil website for specific questions.
I struggle with daily headaches and am willing to try the peppermint essential oil. Question- do you put the peppermint EC directly on your skin or do you add it to a “carrier oil”. When I clicked on your amazon link it said something about this on the topical directions. Thanks!
Hi Shannon…I do not use a carrier oil. I have never personally found the peppermint to be too strong. I’ve used it on family and friends as well with no issues. If you are concerned, try the carrier oil first. You can always drop down to pure oil. I hope this helps!
Thanks for the beautiful article on essential oils. I am using them in my difuser but would like to use them in place of perfumes. Are these oils safe to use on my skin directly. I will be going to your site on Amazon to look into more. Thanks again for your wonderful blog.
Hi Alice…I am not an expert, but to my knowledge, the oils are safe to use directly on your skin. I use lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and more.
I also begin investigating essential oils several years ago. I read way more than I ever planned to read & even attended some informational meetings. I would put a word of caution here…you can take it for what is it worth. Dilution of essential oils before application….regardless of brand so I am not referencing purity of oils. I had a reaction from neat application as did one of my children. It did not happen immediately…apparently over time I got a build up. I used a very popular oil brand and no one instructed me regarding dilution. After my reaction, I began another investigation. Simply diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, almond, rosehip, etc..so many choices and carriers have great skin value, etc as well) would solve the issue, does not dilute the ‘effect’ of the essential oil, and the essential oil lasts longer. That is a win. I am not interested in debating oils…purity, brand, etc as there are so many strong opinions. I am interested in safely using essential oils especially since essential oil use has increased and anyone can get their hands on some. This is my personal experience. I also learned that under the guidance of a license aromatherapist you can use essential oils neat for specific issues and over a specified time frame. I have not pursued that as using diluted has worked well for me. I also diffuse essential oils and use in an inhaler (now my personal favorite). Bottom line – if you research essential oils, you quickly learn of their potency….respect that. I had no idea how many lemons made lemon essential oil and so on. Actually made sense when I put it together. Thanks for your time.
Thanks! That helps a lot.
Frankincense (with coconut oil) to close facial pores ?
Peppermint is great for digestion as well.
Peppermint, Lavender, Lemon together, make a great allergy relief. Put them together on the back of your neck. I keep some mixed in a roller bottle. If an oil is too strong in you skin, or you have sensitive skin, dilute with a carrier oil (coconut oil is my go-to).
I have found essential oils to be very helpful too. Peppermint is one though that is considered a “hot”
oil and if you are placing it on the skin, you should mix it with a carrier oil- (available on Amazon😉) .
Hi Laurie…I have never diluted my peppermint oil and I use it daily. If you have very sensitive skin, that would be a good option. I’ve used it on family and friends as well without any issues. Thank you!
I love my oils! Use the lavender every night to help relax. Also use peppermint and others. I have used the breathing technique you talked about for quite awhile. It works great for me most of the time. Love your blog!
Have you tried a diffuser? I am curious about having one on my nightstand.
I have a diffuser but I have to admit I don’t use it much. I have had great results with applying the oils topically and that’s easier for me. I should get my diffuser out and give it a try though. Many, many people love them.
Ann I could not find a way to comment on the sugar scrub with pepper it and eucalyptus you shared in today’s email. But nowhere could I find how many jars it filled. Could you tell me and maybe edit your recipe too? Thank you. I want to make it! Have a great day.
Hi Nanci…the increment information is under the Tips section. I added it to the recipe section as well. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing about peppermint oil! I’ve been dealing with headaches quite a bit and I’m sick of taking Advil. I’m going to give this a try!
I’ve been using essential oils, primarily lavender, in my diffuser at night. The other day I was starting to feel under the weather, fatigued, and overall achy. I decide to try eucalyptus essential oil that night and awoke feeling quite well!
Is there an essential oil for weight?? Do share!
Thanks for the info… I love how the oils have enhanced and improved my life.. and I think– just made me think a little bit more about taking care of “me”. I have acquired quite a collection of them.. and love to tell friends, “I’ve got an oil for that” hahaha I do have an app on my phone, “Reference Guide for Essential Oils” that is handy for easily looking up oils for specific problems, because you are right, it is really overwhelming. I love first hand stories of how people use their oils!! I keep a bottle of stress away in my purse and use it when I fell anxiety, I’m going to implement the breathing technique too!!
THANK YOU!!!!
Hi Laura…thank you so much for telling me about the app. I had no idea! I too keep Stress Away in my purse. It’s an oil I don’t leave home without. :)
Wow! Great post Ann! It was nice to read about your individual journey with the oils and how you took it slow, especially because most people you hear about oils from encourage you to go full force right away and that definitely isn’t for everyone!
For years I have used Scope mouthwash, applied with a Q tip to the canker. Really push it in there, and leave it on as long as you can stand it. Then reapply as often as you think of it. Mine are gone by the next day or two days at most. My dentist says it is because it keeps it clean. Well, any other mouthwash does not work… I don’t know why this works, but my sister told me and I tried it and have used it ever since. Such an easy fix.
Thanks for your experiences with essential oils. I’ve been curious about them too. I may give one a try. I experienced frequent headaches and migraines. I recently did the whole 30 with Miss Mustard Seed and one of the great side effects is I have not had one headache. I think mine were tied somehow to sugar! Just an interesting finding that I thought I’d share!
I have heard the same thing about diet and physical issues. I have not made any changes in my diet but I know I absolutely should. Thank you for telling me about your experience. Food for thought!
Thanks for the information. Just last Winter while attending a craft fair I developed a terrible headache. The last booth on the way out the door was Essential Oils. She asked if I’d like some info on the oils but I told her I had the headache and would have to pass. She offered to try some peppermint oil on my wrists and told me to breath it in. My headache was gone in no time at all. I’m going to click your link to sign up for an account. I’m very interested!!!
I was wondering if you knew exactly “how” the oils work. I have been interested in oils, too, but would like to know more of the science behind the effect. Any info would help me understand it better. Thanks for a great blog!
Hi Clare…I looked for some info on your question. Here is a link that I found that explains it.
https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/discover/guide/about
I hope this helps!
Your post couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I rarely have headaches but this past week I have been on an antibiotic that unfortunately has bestowed upon me the most painful headaches EVER. I have been dabbling with oils and just so happened to have peppermint so I’m trying it.
Thank you for your candid advice about oils.
Awesome post Ann! Thanks for including my carpet cleaner method! I am loving my essential oils.
I recently learned of that breathing technique and have tried it. It worked for me!
Thanks, Ann, for this valuable post. I’ve been wondering about essential oils, too, for some time, and have used the lavender oil for help w/insomnia, but have been too confused and overwhelmed to go further. (And lots of the info seemed so ‘airy-fairy, New Age-y, w/claims to cure everything and anything.) Your experiences have helped tremendously, and I appreciate the links, too. Will definitely be using them to delve a bit deeper into these holistic helpers.
These are my sentiments exactly! Sooo, I’ll just say Ditto!
I appreciate the article because I am inteaged by the many uses of the various oils. The only thing I found off putting was the title. Seems a bit odd to go out of your specify the article is for women when the uses could benefit everyone. Also since traffic to the site dictates the success of a blog I think it would beneficial to not exclude roughly half the population. Curing a headache with peppermint oil is not gender specific.
I completely agree. However, I honestly didn’t write this to bring traffic to my site. If that happens, then I am grateful but I wrote it for my readers…especially the ones who comment and who have become friends. They are women.
Thank you for explaining essential oils. I have wanted to try, but got buried in a wave of information and data that I gave up. My father has a few health conditions that doesn’t give him lots of options for taking meds and I am hoping there are a few oils that will help him. You have definitely helped me….Thank you again!!!
Good luck Tracy…I hope your Dad has an open mind. I didn’t have much luck with my Dad but I haven’t given up. They certainly have minds of their own!
Hi, Ann!
I’ve been researching EOs and you’re right – there sure is a lot out there! Sometimes it’s nice to have a friend to put their experience in “English” and to have them tell what how they started out step by step for it all make sense. I knew there there was a reason (besides the good food and diys) that I looked forward to seeing you in my e-mail! Thanks for the great post – and no, it wasn’t too long of a post – especially when you have such clear, common send advice to share. Keep up the great work! :)
Great post Ann- my best friend has had amazing results with YLO and I have been curious. Like you, I have also been overwhelmed. I have a condition that causes debilitating pain some days and am interested to see if the oils can help. Thank you so much for this post! I love the idea of the one at a time process!
Good luck Caroline…I hope you find relief!
Hi Cookie! I know that it usually takes days for canker sores to go away. Mine were totally gone after 2 applications of Thieves. I caught them early but they were definitely already painful. Hope this helps…and thank you for following along!
I appreciate the information for a beginning and your reports of what helped you.I now feel confident to try …especially the peppermint oil for headaches.
I have also loved your Sunday Supper and recipes posts. I fix Sunday dinner for my family …about 8 of us…and am always looking for good food for that meal. Recently did the Baked Spaghetti and my married girls later requested the recipe because their husbands loved it so much.
I enjoy your posts and appreciate the effort you make to put them together!
Thank you Becky…for taking the time to leave a comment but also for your words of encouragement. They are appreciated so very much!
I started to learn about essential oils when I ran an Aveda Salon in Crocker Park, and I think you gave great advice! It is tempting to want to try all of them, but when you try one at a time, and you stick with it, your able to recognize the benefits, and learn to be intuned with your own body! Great post Ann! Happy Mothers Day to you:)
Ann, thank you so much for sharing this information. I read every word as I had also heard about the oils and had no clue about them. I am going to forward this information to my daughter and sister (who lives close to Findlay) in hopes they can use it and subscribe to your site. I enjoy it so much and read every post! Happy Mothers Day!
Hi Ann,
My husband has migraines. I bought peppermint for for him to try. It burned his skin to the point he had to wash it off. Any solutions?
I have a new to me trick I tried just last night. I put a couple f drops of the peppermint oil in mop water and mopped my tile floors. I have to say it makes the house smell lovely. I hoped that the smell might be enough to help my husband manage his headaches. Since I only tried this last night, I don’t know if it is going to make a difference.
Thanks,
Janis
Janice what you need to do is add the Peppermint to a carrier oil. That will dilute it a bit and it won’t irritate your husband’s skin. Coconut oil or Grapeseed oil will work. You can find them in the health food section of your grocery store or at a health food store. 2 drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil to start. You can always add more. Good luck!
Thanks Ann. We have organic coconut oil and will give it a try.
Thanks again.
L-Lysine taken orally will also eliminate canker sores overnight. I wonder if the Thieves oil contains lysine? Thanks for an interesting post.
Ann, Forgot to mention… I suffered from migraines since the age of 21. Was on myriad meds. ..saw multiple docs. In Jan, of 2013 I saw a new neurologist and he put me on Topamax. It has been a miracle drug drug!!!!! Only 3 headaches this past year that required “nasal” Imitrex”!!!!! Plus Topamax has a nice side effect of wt. loss!! I am a plus side lady and have lost 20#!!! Yeah…
Denise
Thank you Denise! I have not been to a dr. for my headaches for a few years. They were originally diagnosed as muscle-contraction headaches, not migraines. I have never thrown up and am not really sensitive to light. The rest of the symptoms are the same though. I have not heard of Topamax so thank you for mentioning it. I am so glad you are feeling better and woohoo on the weight loss!
Ann, I am a 57 you newbie to the DIY / blog world and your site is my favorite site alongside Stonegate! !! I am fascinated by the work you do…especially on your reupholstered chairs!!! It so inspires me to go to my local Lowe’s, purchase the tools necessary, buy the fabric, and find some place that offers classes, ( which is quite doubtful in the small town of Easton, Md. where I live. I have been wanting to experiment with essential oils, but did not know where to begin . Soooooo…..Thank-you for this timely blog!!!!!
God Bless…Keep up the great work… and Happy Mother’s Day
Denise Cox
Happy Mother’s Day Ann!
Thank you so much for sharing a bit about your health and being open about it. When reading your posts which I love, it seems as if you have it all together – you are so talented and have such a great sense of style. Sharing that you have issues with headaches and your pre- sleep technique, makes me realize that we are all more alike than we are different and many of us have the same challenges to deal with. I appreciate your insight and plan to try the pre- sleep routine for myself. Thank you and have a beautiful day today!
Thank you for taking the time to write this Beth…yes I believe each one of us has “crap” to deal with! I do put my best foot forward here on my blog because I believe my readers deserve the best…but some days it takes a gigantic effort! I hope you have a lovely Sunday…Ann
Hi Ann, Thank you so much for this post on oils….I got a few bottles recently but haven’t taken the time to really investigate as to how to use them and quite frankly it all seemed overwhelming….Starting with one sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the inspiration….
Happy Mother’s Day…
Ann, just like you I have found essential oils (doTerra) have helped in my life immensely. My husband suffers from headaches daily and I will try your techniques.
I love essential oils too. The lavender helps me go right to sleep and sleep through the night. I recently purchased one that keeps mosquitos away – I’m using it today for the first time since the humidity is finally here; but I’m told it works great!
Please share the name of the oil to rid mosquitoes. There could be twenty people in a gathering, and my husband would be the only one bitten. I would be excited to see if an oil works for him. Thank you.
The mosquito repellent is by DoTerra and is a blend called TerraShield. Ann’s oils may make a similar blend. Friends have tested it in the woods of NH and ME and says it works great.
Thank you Vicki, we will give it a try. This may add to a great summer☺️
Ann, I’m so glad you found and tried Young Living Essential Oils…and found out how absolutely well they work! I found and tried them about 3 years ago…and have had amazing results as well. I no longer take Advil, Aleve, Allergy meds or Asthma meds…because of what the oils do for me! PTL!!
Hugs,
Jan ♥
Hi Jan! My daughter has seasonal allergies that are in full force right now. Would you share what oils you use for that and how you use them?
Sure I will Ann…For my allergies, I use Copaiba, Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint.
Peppermint goes around my ears (a couple of drops will do both ears and you can use it with a carrier oil, too)
I use Capsules (vegetable capsules) and 5 drops of Copaiba, Lavender and Lemon 3 times a day. I take the capsule with a glass of water.
I also had Acid Reflux, Asthma and pain (nerve and general). The Lemon/Lavender/Copaiba I take for allergies, took care of the Acid Reflux. When I have pain, I use 5 drops Copaiba, Balsam Fir and Sacred Frankincense together in a capsule. (If I’m taking Copaiba in my allergy mixture, I only add the Balsam Fir and Sacred Frankincense. Any time I have trouble breathing, I use Eucalyptus Globulus in my diffuser or I inhale it…or even rub a drop or 2 under my nose.
It sure beats taking/using prescription or over-the-counter meds, with all their side-affects.
Happy Mothers Day Ann,
I love the way you simplify ‘things’! I started reading about essential oils this past year, but became overwhelmed with all the info. I did buy lavender oil and a small diffuser and it’s ok. I think you need a diffuser in every room. I will print out your organized list so it’s handy, in case I want to try again. One must be very careful with oils around cats…and if I remember correctly,
peppermint was especially not good for cats to be around.
Enjoy your day.
Baby steps…that’s the only way sometimes!