Recently I attended an essential oils class with some friends and one friend posed the question “If you could only have three, which would you choose?”

Now most of you know I am a huge fan of essential oils, and use them for many applications here, from health and beauty, to cooking and cleaning.  I like the way they work.  I really can’t imagine, now that we’re daily-users, ever having only three.

If I had to choose, I’d narrow it down to. . .

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)  I mostly use this topically for cuts and scrapes, but it is also good for relaxation, immune support, allergy relief and just plain smells good.
• Frankincense (Boswellia frereana) I use this to improve skin condition, improve brain function, calm emotions, and for immune support.  Plus who wouldn’t want to smell like baby Jesus?
• On Guard (a blend of wild orange peel, eucalyptus, Clove bud, Cinnamon bark, rosemary)  I use this to make my own household cleaners, to make my own sore throat syrup, diluted as a hand-sanitizer during flu season and applied to feet for immune support.  We’ve even used it in gel caps with olive oil to replace antibiotics. It worked as quickly as the antibiotics worked for a prior similar skin infection.  I know this is anecdotal, at best, but it did work for us.  We followed the same protocols as with “real” antibiotics, including using it for a full ten days even though the skin was healed within a week, and replacing gut flora with probiotics.

Of course I have to mention that nothing in this post is approved by the FDA or to be taken for medical advice.  If you have a medical concern don’t hesitate to call your healthcare provider.  You should always do your own research before using any alternative methods to treat yourself or your family.  I started with a great book by Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. (affiliate link)  Beyond that, I like the information provided at Learning About EOs, and Everything Essential.me.  

Remember, just because something is natural, doesn’t mean it is risk free. Anything can be dangerous if used incorrectly.  Have you ever tried to take a deep breath of water? Wonderful stuff, good ol’ H2O, but if you use it wrong you’re in deep trouble.

Many EOs should be diluted for topical use, and most brands are not safe for ingestion. You really have to be diligent about knowing what you’re purchasing and how you’re using it.  I’ve heard of people ingesting them daily for ongoing health, but I wouldn’t do that any more than I would take an antibiotic indefinitely.  If it can kill MRSA in the lab, my guess would be it can wipe out normal flora in your gut.

I try to use common sense with anything and not get too wrapped up in hype and mommy trends, but this one really has worked well for us.  We still have a few “real” medicines, supplements and beauty treatments in our bathroom cabinet, but the EOs are quickly taking over.  I mostly use DoTerra Essential oils, but I don’t sell them, and I do occasionally get oils from other companies.  I’m not into the EO wars happening on online forums, which say company A adulterates their product, or company B, or C is run by a quack.

The bottom line is that each person has to do her homework and decide what works for her family.

What are your “Top Three”?