Top 5 Essential Oils Every Beginner Should Know

If you’re just starting your journey into aromatherapy, welcome! It’s an exciting world filled with incredible scents, natural wellness benefits, and opportunities to support the mind, body, and spirit. But with so many essential oils out there, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming…

At Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies, we’re passionate about guiding new students and wellness seekers as they begin their aromatherapy journey. Whether you're exploring essential oils for personal use or considering a path toward professional certification, these five foundational oils are a great place to start. And if you’re ready to go deeper, be sure to grab our free guide to using essential oils safely at the end of this article. It’s the perfect first step toward confident, informed practice.

1. True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

True lavender is often called the “Swiss army knife” of essential oils, and for good reason. Gentle yet versatile, its floral, herbaceous aroma has a soothing effect on both the body and mind. It’s a must-have for any beginner’s toolkit.

True lavender is best known for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and supporting restful sleep. Diffuse a few drops in the evening to help unwind, or add 1–2 drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil for a calming bedtime massage on the back, feet, or shoulders.

Beyond its emotional benefits, true lavender is also one of the most skin-friendly essential oils. Properly diluted, it can help soothe minor burns or sunburn, bug bites or stings, mild skin irritation or dryness.

Emerging research also points to true lavender’s potential role in supporting the respiratory system. In fact, it’s one of the essential oils being studied for its immunomodulating potential in relieving asthma. Just one more reason it’s such a valuable oil to know.

You can also add a drop to an unscented lotion or aloe vera gel to make your own soothing after-sun blend.

Great for: Relaxation, sleep, skincare, stress support, minor first aid.

Pairs well with: Sweet orange (Citrus × sinensis), frankincense (Boswellia carteri), or Virginian cedar (Juniperus virginiana).

2. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint essential oil is like a cool breeze for your mind and body. Its sharp, minty aroma is both stimulating and refreshing, making it an excellent choice when you need to clear brain fog, enhance focus, or simply wake up your senses. Psychologically, peppermint is associated with alertness and mental clarity, making it a favourite for study sessions or sluggish mornings.

Physically, peppermint is best known for helping relieve tension headaches, muscle discomfort, and digestive complaints. Thanks to its high menthol content, it creates a cooling sensation that can be soothing when applied (diluted!) to the temples, neck, or abdomen.

One lesser-known but powerful use? Peppermint oil can help ease nausea. Try inhaling it from a personal inhaler or diffuser during travel or tummy troubles. It’s also commonly used to open the sinuses and airways, offering a refreshing breath of relief when you're feeling congested.

For an instant pick-me-up, add 1 drop of peppermint to a bowl of warm water and inhale the steam (eyes closed!) for a burst of energy and clearer breathing.

⚠️ Safety note: Always dilute peppermint well before applying to the skin, and avoid use on or near the faces of young children below 6 years old. Its potency can be overwhelming in high concentrations or for sensitive individuals.

Great for: Headaches, fatigue, focus, digestive comfort, and sinus support

Pairs well with: Lemon (Citrus × limon), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus all chemotypes), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata).

3. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

With its sharp, medicinal aroma, tea tree essential oil may not be everyone’s favourite scent, but its therapeutic power is hard to beat. Energetically, tea tree is considered cleansing and protective, often associated with mental clarity and emotional boundaries. It’s the kind of oil that helps you feel “cleared out” both physically and emotionally.

On the physical level, tea tree is a powerful antimicrobial with proven antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It’s a staple in many natural first aid kits and DIY skincare routines. A diluted blend of tea tree can be dabbed onto acne or skin blemishes, minor cuts or scrapes or fungal issues like athlete’s foot or nail concerns

Add a drop of tea tree to your shampoo to help manage dandruff or support scalp health, just make sure it’s properly diluted in the product and avoid getting it in your eyes!

Tea tree is a top pick for travel. Add a small bottle to your toiletry bag to handle unexpected skin issues, bug bites, or even musty hotel rooms. Learn more in our Aromatherapy Travel Kit Guide.

⚠️ Safety note: Tea tree oil should always be used diluted, especially on broken or sensitive skin, and just like other essential oils should never be ingested.

Great for: Skin blemishes, general first aid, fungal issues, natural cleaning, scalp support

Pairs well with: Lemon (Citrus × limon), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata), true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).

4. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Bright, cheerful, and instantly mood-boosting, sweet orange essential oil is like sunshine in a bottle. Its sweet, fruity aroma is known to promote emotional balance, ease anxious thoughts, and uplift the spirit. It’s often used in aromatherapy to encourage optimism, creativity, and joy, a perfect companion for grey days or emotional overwhelm.

On a physical level, sweet orange offers gentle antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to homemade cleaning products or skin blends. It's also sometimes used to support digestion and immune health, particularly when diffused during the cold season.

One easy and uplifting way to enjoy sweet orange on the go is to add one drop or two to a cotton ball and place it in your car’s air vent. Instant, all-natural air freshener with a cheerful twist!

Great for: Mood support, emotional balance, air purification, and gentle cleaning

Pairs well with: Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), frankincense (Boswellia carteri).

5. Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

Used for thousands of years in spiritual rituals, prayer, and healing practices, frankincense essential oil offers a sense of grounded peace that few other oils can match. Its warm, resinous aroma encourages stillness, reflection, and inner calm, making it ideal for meditation, breathwork, or simply taking a mindful moment during a hectic day.

Emotionally, frankincense is associated with centredness and deep presence, helping to quiet mental chatter and reconnect with your inner self. Physically, it supports healthy breathing and may help improve the appearance of mature or damaged skin, making it a popular choice in facial serums and respiratory blends.

You can use frankincense in a diffuser to create a tranquil space, blended with a carrier oil as a facial serum for mature or sun-damaged skin or in a chest rub to promote deep, conscious breathing

Conservation Note: Due to overharvesting and habitat loss, frankincense trees, particularly Boswellia carteri (considered by some to be the same species as B. sacra) and Boswellia papyrifera, are under ecological pressure. When purchasing frankincense oil, know the different species, look for companies that support strong frankincense supply chains e.g. sustainable harvesting and fair trade. Using this precious resin and essential oil mindfully ensures it can continue to benefit both people and the planet for generations to come.

Great for: Meditation, emotional grounding, respiratory support, and mature or damaged skin

Pairs well with: True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), sweet orange (Citrus × sinensis), Virginian cedar (Juniperus virginiana).

Ready to Go Deeper Into Aromatherapy?

These five essential oils are just the beginning! When used with care and intention, essential oils can become powerful allies in your personal wellness routine or professional holistic practice.

At Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies, we offer a Professional Level Aromatherapy Certification Program for those ready to take their passion to the next level. Whether you're brand new or already experimenting with oils at home, our flexible, evidence-based courses are designed to support you every step of the way.

Want to learn how to study aromatherapy online? Check out our guide: How to Learn Aromatherapy Online

And don’t forget to get your free guide to using essential oils safely, the perfect companion for your beginner toolkit!

Download your Essential Oils Safety Guide!

Article by: Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies

About Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies

Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies offers 300- and 630-hour professional aromatherapy certification programs that help you grow a successful, fulfilling career by specializing and creating your market niche. Professional Level Certification prepares graduates to become aromatherapy consultants, launch product lines or retail businesses, or provide services as an adjunct to existing holistic health specializations. Master Level Certification and electives are ideal for certified aromatherapists seeking higher education or a path to clinical aromatherapy practice.

All Essence of Thyme programs focus on aromatherapy product development and advanced formulation, evidence-based research, spa and business management, international industry regulatory guidelines, and sustainability and conservation of essential oil and carrier oil-bearing plants.

Our comprehensive, evidence-based programs meet or exceed the criteria set forth by 5 international professional aromatherapy associations. Learn more about our aromatherapy certification programs.