Essential oils make mom life easier and I’m sharing my list of the top 10 essential oils every mom needs. I’ve been an essential oil enthusiast for a long time. It began when my first baby was born sensitive to the world. To navigate her skin sensitivities and (later) food allergies, I had to jump into the realm of the all-natural.
It started with diapers. She couldn’t wear any commercially available diapers without breaking out in a nasty and painful rash. Every brand on the market at that time (way back in 2002) made her skin break out. I tried them all.
So I made the switch to cloth diapers and her skin problems initially went away. But then I realized that my disinfectant of choice, bleach, was causing issues. Even when I would double rinse the bleached cloth diapers, it still seemed like they smelled “bleachy” and made for an uncomfortable baby.
In my quest to figure out how to effectively clean and disinfect cloth diapers, I learned about the powerful cleansing properties of Tea Tree essential oil and began adding it to the cloth diaper laundry cycle for a natural disinfectant that would not irritate my sensitive baby’s skin.
That was the beginning of my love of essential oils.
Through the years I have used essential oils to create a non-toxic home environment and to support my family’s physical and emotional health. Essential oils are so versatile and useful in pretty much any realm of life. Now, 22 years after my first introduction to that little powerhouse, tea tree oil, I cannot imagine raising kids without the benefits of essential oils.
Top 10 essential oils every mom needs
1. Lemon
Bright, fresh, and uplifting lemon oil is a simple, yet powerful, addition to every mom’s kitchen. Not only does it smell amazing, but it’s also fantastic for natural cleaning and boosting mood.
- Put 1 to 2 drops in a tall glass of water for a refreshing and cleansing drink
- Add to a room diffuser to freshen the space
- Use to remove sticky residue from stickers
- Use to make a whiteboard look brand new
2. Lavender
Ah, lavender—the calm in the storm. If bedtime routines tend to turn into chaos, diffusing lavender can help everyone wind down. It is also great for its soothing properties for the endless “boo-boos” that moms are always fixing.
- Put a drop on a pillow before bed
- Add a couple of drops into a bath (pro-tip: mix up with some Epsom salts for better distribution and even more relaxation)
- Mix with coconut oil and apply topically to the feet, heart, or back of neck for a quick calming effect
- Apply diluted to soothe minor skin irritations
3. Peppermint
Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a relief from tension, peppermint is your friend. It’s cooling, refreshing, and great for those moments when you feel the tension creeping up on you.
- For an instant energy boost, rub a drop between your palms, cup your hands over your face, and take a deep breath. (Take care not to get it near your eyes)
- .Add a drop to a tall glass of water for a super refreshing and energizing drink
- Put a few drops in a small spray bottle of water and take it with you on hot days outside. The spritz of peppermint water on the back of your neck feels amazing!!
- Mix with coconut oil and apply topically on sore or tense muscles
4. Tea Tree
This one’s a go-to for anything skin-related and cleansing related. From scrapes and cuts to pimples, tea tree oil is a must-have for any mom’s first-aid kit. It’s great for clearing skin and keeping it clean. A drop on a blemish or a diluted spray on scrapes is all you need. It’s also a must-have for making non-toxic cleaners for your home that are safe to use around your kids.
- Apply directly to skin blemishes
- Add 10 drops to a spray bottle of water and vinegar for a natural, non-toxic all purpose cleaner
- Apply diluted to minor scrapes and cuts to promote healing
- Make a paste with baking soda, tea tree oil, and water to use for scouring tough stains in the sink or tub
5. Frankincense
The “king” of oils, frankincense is wonderful for both body and mind. It’s grounding and calming, making it perfect for stressful moments. It is one of the most versatile oils with benefits ranging from beneficial mood effects, to exquisite skincare benefits, to overall cellular function. Frankincense is one of the “never be without” essential oils for me.
- Mix it into your skincare routine to give your skin a glow and an added boost for healing.
- Diffuse with peppermint for an uplifting and energizing experience
- Apply topically to back of neck to ward off stress and tension
- Place a drop in the palm of your hand, cup over your nose and mouth, and breathe. Combine with the 4-4-4 breathing technique for an enhanced calming effect.
6. Oregano
Yes, it’s strong, but oregano is like the bodyguard of essential oils. It’s amazing for immune support and packed with powerful properties that can help ward off the seasonal ickiness we all try to avoid. Note: ALWAYS heavily dilute organo in a carrier oil if using topically!
- Mix with coconut oil and rub on the soles of your feet when sickness is going around
- Add to diffuser with other oils (I recommend On Guard, and Breathe blends) to help support wellness during cold season
- Add one drop to a large pot of spaghetti sauce for the most amazing sauce (seriously only one drop…this stuff is powerful!)
7. On Guard
This is your all-in-one defender, a blend that’s essential for immune support. Diffuse it in the home to keep germs at bay, or mix it into a DIY hand spray to keep everyone protected on the go. It’s one of those oils you’ll find yourself reaching for daily to keep the sickies away.
- Mix with coconut oil and apply to bottoms of feet
- Diffuse anytime you feel the need for extra immune support
- Put in a spray bottle with water and use for an extra boost of cleansing on surfaces
- Make On Guard Apples: one of my kids’ favorites:
- Slice apples
- Fill a bowl with water and 2 to 3 drop of On Guard
- Soak sliced apples in On Guard water for 5 minutes
- Drain and serve. Yum!
8. Breathe
If you have a house full of runny noses, Breathe is going to be a lifesaver. This blend is ideal for easing respiratory discomfort—just a little in the diffuser at night, or rubbed on the chest with a carrier oil, can help everyone breathe a little easier. It’s one of those oils you’ll wish you’d had sooner.
- Add to diffuser for its supportive properties
- Mix with coconut oil and rub on bottoms of feet
- Mix with coconut oil and rub on chest
9. Digest Zen
Digest Zen is a lifesaver for any tummy troubles that come up, for both you and the kids. It’s soothing, settles upset stomachs, and can ease discomfort with a simple belly rub.
- Dilute a drop with a carrier oil and apply to the belly
- Add one drop to water and drink for gentle digestive support
10. Deep Blue
For sore muscles and long days on your feet, Deep Blue is a gift. Rub it on after a workout or long day of mom-duty, and it’ll melt away the aches. It’s like a mini spa moment for sore muscles, and trust me, it’s worth every drop! Combine with coconut oil and use for:
- Achy feet
- Sore muscles
- Head tension (keep away from eyes! Use on the back of neck for head tension relief)
- Add to your massage experience for a soothing spa treatment
Important to know: not all essential oils are created equal. I’ve used many brands over the past two decades. I would buy them in natural food stores and online. Then I discovered doTERRA. No comparison! Once I experienced doTERRA oils, I got rid of all the others. The quality of doTERRA is unmatched.
Using essential oils is a simple way to bring a bit of self-care and wellness into your everyday life. After many years of motherhood and oiling up my family, I can say that these are the top 10 essential oils that every mom needs. As a mom, it feels good knowing how to incorporate healthier ways of living with your family. And using essential oils is a simple, safe and effective way to model health and wellness to your kids.
There is something special about empowering yourself with tools to care for your family in a more natural way. I’m all about the empowerment of moms that trickles down to empowerment of the next generation. That experience in my early days of motherhood searching for a solution to my little baby’s skin reactions and finding this whole new world of essential oils was pivotal for me. It opened my eyes to the idea of self-empowerment, of not having to run to an “expert” for every little thing. Essential oils make it possible for moms to handle the bulk of the day-to-day bumps of life with simple solutions that you can have ready in your home.
Want some oils now?
If you want to start building your essential oil stash, do it! You deserve it, mom! I’m here for you and can help you find exactly what you need.
Essentail oils are simple, safe, and effective. Exactly what every mom needs.
These 10 favorites of mine are bundled together and also come with a diffuser. This is the perfect way to get started with these 10 essentials!
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