Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils: Benefits, Risks & Rooted Picks

Have you ever wondered if essential oils are just the next trend or true wellness tools? Well, you are not alone. At Rooted Health, we believe in blending ancient wisdom with modern science and essential oils sit right at that intersection.  

Discover the best essential oils for beginners in this Rooted Health guide.  Learn benefits, safe uses, and potential risks of top oils like lavender, tea tree, and peppermint.  

What Are Essential Oils, Really?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts made through steam distillation or cold pressing.  They contain the aromatic compounds and “essence” of plants.

Used for centuries in natural medicine, essential oils have found a modern revival in wellness routines, skincare, aromatherapy, and holistic home care.  But not all oils are created equally so lets discuss a few of the most popular ones. 

Here are our favorites chosen for versatility, safety, and benefits.

1. Lavender

   1. Benefits: calms anxiety, supports sleep, soothes skin irritation

   2. Use: diffuse before bed or add to carrier oil for calming body oil

   3. Rooted Tip: Great for bug bites, burns, and bath soaks

2.  Peppermint

• Benefits: boosts energy, relieves headaches, eases nausea

• Use: dilute and apply to temples for tension relief or inhale for energy boost

• Rooted Tip: add a drop to diffuser mid morning to help with the morning brain fog

3.  Tea Tree

• Benefits: antibacterial, antifungal, clears acne and scalp issues

• Use: mix with carrier oil for spot treatment or add to shampoo

• Rooted Tip: keep away from pets and always patch test on skin

4.  Eucalyptus

• Benefits: decongestant, supports respiratory health 

• Use: steam inhalation (a few drops in hot water) or diffuse during cold season

• Rooted Tip: mix with coconut oil for a DIY chest rub