---
title: 5 Must-Have Essential Oils For Aromatherapy
description: Just getting started with oils? Learn about 5 must-have essential oils, their scents, and their uses in aromatherapy, body care products, and other DIY fun!
---

[Mountain Rose Herbs Blog ](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com)

# [5 Must-Have Essential Oils For Aromatherapy](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/5-must-have-essential-oils)

 Written by [Sara](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/author/sara) | December 4, 2017

Whether you’re [new to essential oils](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/8-things-you-should-know-about-essential-oil-facts?hsLang=en-us), or you’ve been using them for years, most folks will agree that you don’t need a wide variety to really experience the joy of aromatherapy. At Mountain Rose Herbs, we’re passionate about offering high-quality, organic whenever possible, [100% pure essential oils](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/aromatherapy/essential-oils)—all handpicked by our in-house aromatherapist. We’ve highlighted our top five best-selling essential oils (among the 100+ that we carry) along with some of our favorite ways to use them.

<https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavender-essential-oil/profile>

## 1. Lavender Essential Oil

Easily the most popular and widely used essential oil, lavender is the perfect relaxing scent to have in your aromatherapy stash. Our [lavender essential oil](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavender-essential-oil/profile) is sourced from a cooperative of sustainably minded farmers who grow certified organic lavender from seed. We carry three [different kinds of lavender essential oil](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/notes-lavender-essential-oil?hsLang=en-us), but our favorite go-to is the [Lavender (*Lavendula angustifolia*)](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavender-essential-oil/profile).

**Note: **Middle

**Distillation Method: **Water-steam distillation

**Aroma:** Sweet, floral, herbaceous

**Blends well with: **[bergamot](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/bergamot-essential-oil/profile), [cedarwood](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/cedarwood-atlas-essential-oil/profile), [chamomile](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/chamomile-roman-essential-oil/profile), [clary sage](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/clary-sage-essential-oil/profile), [eucalyptus](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/eucalyptus-essential-oil/profile), [geranium](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/geranium-essential-oil/profile), [grapefruit](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/grapefruit-essential-oil/profile), [lemon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lemon-essential-oil/profile), [lemongrass](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lemongrass-essential-oil/profile), [palmarosa](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palmarosa-essential-oil/profile), [peppermint](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/peppermint-essential-oil/profile), [rosemary](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/rosemary-essential-oil/profile), and [tea tree](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/tea-tree-essential-oil/profile)

**Favorite uses:**

- Make your own simple and floral lavender aroma oil: add 6-12 drops of [lavender](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavender-essential-oil/profile) to 1 oz. [carrier oil](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/ingredients/oils) in a [roll-on bottle](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/roll-top-glass-bottle/profile) or use [this recipe](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/diy-aroma-oil-capture-of-summer-blend?hsLang=en-us) for aroma oil inspiration.
- Add a few drops to a [spray bottle](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/amber-glass-bottles-with-mister/profile) of [lavender hydrosol](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavandin-lavender-hydrosol/profile) for a calming body mist (hint: doubles as a pillow spray!).
- Mix with a few drops of [lemongrass essential oil](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lemongrass-essential-oil/profile) for a relaxing yet vibrant [diffuser](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/aromatherapy/diffusers) blend.

<https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/frankincense-essential-oil/profile>

## 2. Frankincense Essential Oil

Fresh and balsamic, [frankincense](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/frankincense-essential-oil/profile) is one of our favorites to diffuse around the home to freshen and clear the air. Often used for grounding during meditation, this essential oil is distilled from [the resin](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/frankincense-resin/profile) or sap that comes from the bark of *Boswellia cartarii*. The aroma of frankincense can also be enjoyed [by using the resin as incense](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/what-is-frankincense?hsLang=en-us), but for those who don’t want to deal with the smoke, the [essential oil](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/frankincense-essential-oil/profile) is the perfect alternative.

**Note: **Base

**Distillation method:** Steam distillation

**Aroma:** Fresh, woody, spicy, balsamic with a hint of citrus

**Blends well with: **[bergamot](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/bergamot-essential-oil/profile), [cinnamon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/cinnamon-leaf-essential-oil/profile), [cypress](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/cypress-essential-oil/profile), [geranium](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/geranium-essential-oil/profile), [lavender](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavender-essential-oil/profile), [lemon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lemon-essential-oil/profile), [orange](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/orange-sweet-essential-oil/profile), [patchouli](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/patchouli-essential-oil/profile), [pine](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/scotch-pine-essential-oil/profile), [sandalwood](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/sandalwood-australian-essential-oil/profile), and [ylang ylang](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/ylang-ylang-essential-oil/profile)

**Favorite uses:**

- Makes for a wonderfully grounding oil to use in your [favorite diffuser](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/aromatherapy/diffusers).
- Make your own [frankincense and myrrh hand balm](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/recipe-frankincense-myrrh-hand-balm?hsLang=en-us).
- Add a few drops to your [DIY facial serums](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/diy-tamanu-skin-serum?hsLang=en-us).

<https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/peppermint-essential-oil/profile>

## 3. Peppermint Essential Oil

This minty fresh oil is a must-have for your [aromatherapy](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/aromatherapy/essential-oils) collection. Its fresh scent uplifts the spirits and promotes focus. The passionate folks (and their ancestors) who distill our peppermint essential oil have been doing it for over a century, and their specialty nowadays is fair trade and organic certified [spearmint](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/spearmint-essential-oil/profile) and [peppermint](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/peppermint-essential-oil/profile).

**Note: **Top

**Distillation method:** Steam distillation

**Aroma:** Fresh, minty, hot, herbaceous

**Blends well with: **[basil](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/basil-essential-oil/profile), [cypress](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/cypress-essential-oil/profile), [eucalyptus](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/eucalyptus-essential-oil/profile), [grapefruit](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/grapefruit-essential-oil/profile), [lavender](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavender-essential-oil/profile), [lemon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lemon-essential-oil/profile), [marjoram](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/marjoram-sweet-essential-oil/profile), [niaouli](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/niaouli-essential-oil/profile), [pine](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/scotch-pine-essential-oil/profile), [ravensara](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/ravensara-essential-oil/profile), [rosemary](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/rosemary-essential-oil/profile), and [tea tree](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/tea-tree-essential-oil/profile)

**Favorite uses:**

- Add to homemade cleaning products like [these toilet bombs](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/natural-cleaning-diy-toilet-bombs?hsLang=en-us) for a fresh and clean scent.
- Make your own [minty body butter](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/peppermint-body-butter-recipe?hsLang=en-us).
- Add [a few drops](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/peppermint-essential-oil/profile) to a washcloth or cotton ball and place in the shower. The steam will carry the aroma, helping to invigorate your morning routine.

<https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/rosemary-essential-oil/profile>

## 4. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is well-known for its stimulating and rejuvenating aroma. You’ll also find it in a variety of hair care products because it helps support healthy hair. Our [certified organic rosemary essential oil](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/rosemary-essential-oil/profile) is crafted by knowledgeable distillers whose recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. Note: rosemary has many different chemotypes; ours is cineole which is most commonly used for aromatherapy.

**Note: **Middle

**Distillation method:** Steam distillation

**Aroma:** Strong, fresh, camphor-like, woody-balsamic undertone

**Blends well with: **[basil](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/basil-essential-oil/profile), [bergamot](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/bergamot-essential-oil/profile), [cedarwood](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/cedarwood-atlas-essential-oil/profile), [cinnamon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/cinnamon-leaf-essential-oil/profile), [clary sage](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/clary-sage-essential-oil/profile), [eucalyptus](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/eucalyptus-essential-oil/profile), [lavender](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavender-essential-oil/profile), [lemon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lemon-essential-oil/profile), [marjoram](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/marjoram-sweet-essential-oil/profile), [oregano](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/oregano-essential-oil/profile), [peppermint](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/peppermint-essential-oil/profile), [pine](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/scotch-pine-essential-oil/profile), [tea tree](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/tea-tree-essential-oil/profile), and [thyme](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/thyme-red-essential-oil/profile)

** ****Favorite uses:**

- Make your own [DIY hair serum](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/diy-leave-in-conditioner-hair-serum?hsLang=en-us).
- Mix with [peppermint](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/peppermint-essential-oil/profile) for a stimulating and uplifting afternoon [diffuser](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/aromatherapy/diffusers).
- Add to a variety of [DIY cleaning products](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/natural-cleaning-solutions?hsLang=en-us).

## <https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/orange-sweet-essential-oil/profile> 5. Sweet Orange Essential Oil

For those of you who love the scent of a freshly peeled orange, this oil is a must-have! Also known as the “happy oil,” sweet orange essential oil is perfectly citrusy and uplifting to help support a happy mood. Our [sweet orange essential oil](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/orange-sweet-essential-oil/profile) is certified organic and cold pressed here in the U.S. by skilled and dedicated distillers. 

**Note: **Top

**Distillation method:** Cold pressed

**Aroma:** Sweet, sugary, fresh, citrus

**Blends well with: **[basil](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/basil-essential-oil/profile), [bergamot](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/bergamot-essential-oil/profile), [cinnamon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/cinnamon-leaf-essential-oil/profile), [clary sage](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/clary-sage-essential-oil/profile), [clove](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/clove-bud-essential-oil/profile), [eucalyptus](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/eucalyptus-essential-oil/profile), [frankincense](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/frankincense-essential-oil/profile), [geranium](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/geranium-essential-oil/profile), [fresh ginger](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/ginger-fresh-essential-oil/profile), [grapefruit](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/grapefruit-essential-oil/profile), [jasmine](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/jasmine-absolute/profile), [lavender](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavender-essential-oil/profile), [lemon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lemon-essential-oil/profile), [marjoram](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/marjoram-sweet-essential-oil/profile), [nutmeg](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/nutmeg-essential-oil/profile), [patchouli](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/patchouli-essential-oil/profile), and [vetiver](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/vetiver-essential-oil/profile)

**Favorite uses:**

- Add to a diffuser with other citrus oils like [grapefruit](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/grapefruit-essential-oil/profile) and [lemon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lemon-essential-oil/profile) during the warmer months or with spicy oils like [clove](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/clove-bud-essential-oil/profile) and [cinnamon](https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/cinnamon-leaf-essential-oil/profile) during the cooler months.
- Add to a variety of [DIY cleaning products](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/natural-cleaning-solutions?hsLang=en-us) for a clean, citrusy aroma.
- Make your own summery [body spray](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/diy-body-spray?hsLang=en-us).

## Precautions

Citrus oils can be phototoxic, so always use caution and avoid using citrus skincare products, including lip balm and facial oils, if you plan on spending time in the sun. As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not use in the eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert health care practitioner. Keep oils away from children.

 

###  new to essential oils? Take a look at this:

You May Also Be Interested In:

- [How to Create Your Own Essential Oil Blends](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/tips-blending?hsLang=en-us)
- [Fuss-Free Fragrance with Our Roll-On Perfume Oils](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/aroma-oils?hsLang=en-us)
- [Floral Essential Oil Perfume Roll-On Recipes for Spring](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/spring-roll-on-perfume-blends?hsLang=en-us)

 

[View full post](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/5-must-have-essential-oils)

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