Top 7 Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for generations,  long before they became trendy or commercialized. At their best, they offer simple, aromatic support for everyday life — not cures, not replacements for medical care, but tools that can gently support well-being when used thoughtfully.

This article focuses on seven essential oils that are practical, versatile, and commonly used, without requiring a cabinet full of bottles or complicated routines. The goal is discernment and usefulness — not hype.  Essential Oils are a nice way to have better health for seniors.

1. Lavender

Best known for: calming, relaxation, and sleep support

Lavender is often the first essential oil people encounter, and for good reason. Its aroma is widely associated with relaxation and emotional ease.

Common everyday uses:

• Diffused in the evening to support restfulness

• Applied (diluted) to pulse points for calming

• Added to linens or a warm bath

Lavender is gentle enough for most people and is often well tolerated, making it especially useful for seniors or those new to essential oils.

2. Peppermint

Best known essential oil for: alertness, clarity, and digestive comfort

Peppermint’s crisp, cooling aroma can feel refreshing and stimulating. It’s often used to support mental clarity or to bring a sense of relief when feeling sluggish.

Common everyday uses:

• Diffused for focus or mental alertness

• Diluted and applied to temples or neck

• Used aromatically to support digestion

Because peppermint is strong, dilution is especially important.

3. Eucalyptus

Best known for: respiratory support and freshening the air

Eucalyptus has a clean, penetrating aroma that many people associate with clear breathing and freshness.

Common everyday uses:

• Diffused during seasonal discomfort

• In steam inhalation (with caution)

• Used to freshen indoor air

This essential oil is best used aromatically rather than applied directly to the skin for most people.

4. Frankincense

Best known for: grounding, reflection, and skin support

Frankincense has a long history of use in spiritual and reflective practices. Its aroma is warm and grounding, often used during quiet moments or meditation.

Common everyday uses:

• Diffused during prayer or reflection

• Diluted and applied to skin-care routines

• Used aromatically for emotional balance

Frankincense tends to be more expensive, but a small bottle lasts a long time when used sparingly.

5. Lemon

Best known for: freshness, mood support, and cleaning

Lemon essential oil is bright and uplifting. It’s often used to create a sense of cleanliness and lightness.

Common everyday uses:

• Diffused to freshen a room

• Added to natural household cleaning blends

• Used aromatically to support mood

Citrus oils can increase sun sensitivity when applied to skin, so topical use requires extra care.

6. Tea Tree (Melaleuca)

Best known for: cleansing and skin support

Tea tree oil is commonly used for its cleansing properties. Its aroma is strong and medicinal, which some people love and others prefer to blend with gentler oils.

Common everyday uses:

• Diluted for skin care

• Added to cleaning solutions

• Used in foot or nail care routines

Proper dilution is essential with this oil.

7. Chamomile

Best known for: emotional ease and gentle support

Chamomile essential oil is often associated with calm and comfort. It’s commonly used for emotional balance and relaxation.

Common everyday uses:

• Diffused in the evening

• Used in calming blends

• Added to gentle skincare routines

Roman chamomile is typically gentler than German chamomile, which has a deep blue color and stronger aroma.

A Note on Blends: Rescue Remedy

While not an essential oil, Rescue Remedy is a Homeopathic remedy and deserves mention because many people — myself included — have found it to be a helpful, gentle support. Available as drops and a topical cream, it has been used traditionally for emotional stress and sudden upsets.

Many longtime users hope the formulation remains consistent following changes in ownership, as its gentle effectiveness has made it a staple in many homes. Used thoughtfully, it fits well alongside essential oils as part of a calm, supportive natural toolkit.

Rescue Remedy: A Personal Note on Emotional Calm

This is one of those remedies I don’t talk about lightly — because it’s something I’ve seen help in real-life moments when emotions are running high.

My mother had a heart arrhythmia, and when she became upset, her heart would start racing and flip-flopping.   It was scary to watch. Over time, I learned to carry Rescue Remedy drops with me. When she became distressed, I’d place a few drops on her tongue — and every time, her body would visibly settle. The emotional intensity eased, and she seemed to regain her balance without any “drugged” or foggy feeling.

Finding a new brother!

But there was one moment when we knew this would be more than an ordinary upset.

Several years ago, we discovered that we had a brother we never knew about. My dad was a country music entertainer… and I’ll just leave that right there.

We knew we had to tell Mom — and we also knew her heart would react if the news hit her all at once.

So my sister and I  took her out to lunch. And before I said a single word, I very calmly said,
“Mom, I want you to put some Rescue Remedy drops on your tongue.”

She did.

Then I paused and added,
“Go ahead and add a few more.”

Not ten drops this time — take twenty!

That alone lightened the moment. She laughed, took the drops, and then listened as we explained everything. To our surprise, she wasn’t shocked. She wasn’t overwhelmed. She took it in stride — and in time, she actually became a good friend to him.

(And just to be clear, this wasn’t a child — he was already a father and grandfather himself.)

What stayed with me wasn’t just how she handled the news, but how steady she remained through it. The drops didn’t numb her emotions — they simply seemed to take the sharp edge off, allowing her to respond instead of react.

Later on, I learned that people who work in funeral homes often carry Rescue Remedy for similar reasons. In moments of grief or emotional overload, they’ve seen it help people regain composure without dulling awareness — which makes sense when emotions are intense but clarity is still needed.

And the Rescue cream? I love it … and still keep it close.

For small injuries — a cut, a bumped finger, or the classic hammer-to-the-thumb moment — a little Rescue Remedy cream often takes the edge off quickly. Not in a dramatic way, just that quiet, “well, that helped” kind of relief.

To me, Rescue Remedy isn’t about fixing something. It’s about supporting the body during moments of emotional or physical stress — giving it space to rebalance without forcing anything.

This is personal experience, not medical advice. Everyone responds differently, and serious or ongoing symptoms should always be evaluated by a qualified professional.

How to Start Without Overbuying

You don’t need dozens of bottles. A small, practical collection can go a long way.

A simple starter set might include:

• Lavender

• Peppermint

• Lemon

• Frankincense

From there, you can add oils as you discover what you actually use.

Safety and Common Sense

• Always dilute essential oils before skin use

• Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas

• Store oils away from children and pets

• More is not better — small amounts are effective

Essential oils are best viewed as supportive tools, not solutions for everything.

Essential oils don’t need to be complicated or expensive to be useful. When chosen carefully and used simply, they can support everyday comfort, calm, and atmosphere in the home.

Like most natural approaches, their value lies in discernment, moderation, and consistency, not enthusiasm or excess.  Feel free to contact me with questions or comments.