Best Brands and My Favorite Places to Buy Essential Oils

As a certified aromatherapist, the quality of essential oils matters to me, both for the products I create and the recommendations I share with clients. Here are the three companies I trust most, along with everything you need to know about using essential oils for gut health, pain, and emotional wellness.

What are Essential Oils

Essential oils are the aromatic components of plants and are derived from various parts, including flowers, stems, roots, bark, and leaves. Most oils are obtained through steam distillation, carbon dioxide extraction (CO2), or cold pressing, as is the case with most citrus oils. It is the aromatic part of the plant that offers the plant protection, its ability to heal itself, and attracts the elements it needs to survive. To be classified as an “essential oil,” the oil must contain a portion of the plant from which it was taken. The oils also contain numerous plant constituents, which confer them varied therapeutic properties. Essential oils are also way more potent than the original plant because producing a drop of oil requires much more than a single plant. When using oils, “less is more” is important to remember.

Therapeutic Properties

A vast list of terminology defines these therapeutic properties, and the most well-known include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, and antibacterial. Many companies sell oils in blends as well as individually. When oils are used in a blend, the blend is often more effective because of the combined energy or synergy of the oils. A blend tends to maximize the therapeutic properties and benefits of the oils. That is why most aromatherapy products are created by combining single oils, herbs, and flower essences.

Essential oils are incredibly versatile and can add meaningful support to a holistic wellness routine. That is why, when you hear the term “aromatherapy,” your first thought is not only of its amazing scents but also of how widely it is used to support our emotions and wellness. Oils are great to use on their own or as part of your current wellness routine. You can enjoy them through massage, inhalation using inhalers or diffusers, in the bath, gargles, room sprays, and skin care. When you think of oils, know that Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to influence one’s physical and emotional concerns. You see, our nose truly knows what we need, and our sense of smell is our most powerful sense! It is remarkable how essential oils affect our bodies as they travel through our olfactory system and skin to reach our bloodstream.

Essential Oils Helpful for Gut Health

Many essential oils help promote a healthy digestive system. Remember, essential oils influence, affect, modify, shift, connect, and harmonize mood, behavior, responses, and reactions -physically, mentally, and emotionally. Each oil also has its unique characteristics and benefits for supporting gut health. You can use them individually or blend them to create a synergistic blend.

Below is a list of essential oils.

Black Pepper can act as a digestive stimulant and offers antiemetic properties, helping to reduce vomiting and nausea.
Cardamom is traditionally known as a digestive aid. It was found helpful for nausea, cramping, and gas. It offers anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.
Roman Chamomile offers antispasmodic properties that may help alleviate digestive discomfort, acting as a relaxant for the intestines (spasms). May also help move things along.
Clove has been used as a traditional remedy for many digestive issues, including gas and indigestion.
Fennel, especially the seeds, is known as a digestive aid, and the oil can help with nausea and vomiting. It may also help with spasms.
Ginger has analgesic properties and helps relieve nausea and vomiting. Also beneficial for gas, bloating, and indigestion.
Lavender has analgesic and relaxing properties that can help relieve stress and tension.
Patchouli has been used traditionally for helping with gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation (through inhalation).
Peppermint has been helpful for nausea, spasms, colic, irritable bowel, and indigestion. Try using it in a cold compress.
Thyme Vulgaris may help alleviate digestive pain, spasm, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Essential Oils for Pain & Nervous System Support

Many essential oils are also beneficial for managing pain, reducing inflammation, and supporting nervous system balance, which can help as a tool for those dealing with CRPS, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain conditions.

Frankincense has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and supports the nervous system due to its calming effects.
Helichrysum is widely regarded for its effects on nerve pain and tissue repair.
Lavender supports relaxation, pain relief, and nervous system balance.
Copaiba has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties similar to CBD.
Marjoram helps relax muscle tension and ease nerve discomfort.
Clary Sage supports hormonal balance and promotes a sense of calm in the nervous system.

Using Essential Oils

Remember to check safety issues for each oil. It is best to apply them topically, diluting them in a carrier oil and gently rubbing them on your abdomen in a clockwise motion.

You can also inhale their aroma or diffuse them. Their scents trigger a calming effect on the digestive and nervous system.

Feel free to create your own personal blend and mix with some of your favorite feel-good oils!

Where to Buy Essential Oils

Amrita

Amrita is one of my go-to sources for organic essential oils and offers the largest selection I’ve found.

They also have an online reference guide, organized by condition from A to Z, to help you select oils.

Feel free to browse the Aromatherapy Guide by Condition. They offer blends for gas, nausea, and spasms.

Aromatics International

Aromatics International was originally inspired by Andrea Butje, who was my instructor through Aromahead for my Aromatherapy Certification.

They offer easy-to-access GC-MS reports for all their essential oils. Their oils are also very high quality.

They also offer a Tum-Ease blend.

Nature’s Sunshine also offers high-quality essential oils and some of my favorite blends. I really enjoy CORE, Refuge, Inspire, Changes, and Essential Shield. You can shop their essential oils and blends by visiting my NSP Aroma Store.

The NAHA Explore Aromatherapy Booklet is a valuable resource that you can download and keep. It contains information on safety tips, blending tips, and specific details about several essential oils.

Creating Products with Essential Oils

Creating your own products with oils can be lots of fun. The most effective way to utilize essential oils for emotional balance is through inhalation. Inhalation is the process of absorbing oil through the olfactory system. This can be done using various products, including roll-ons, room or pillow sprays, diffusers, necklaces, or perfume. When targeting a skin concern or minor aches and pains, applying the diluted oil directly to the affected area is a great way to use it. Just remember that oils are highly concentrated, so it is important to dilute them properly before applying them topically. The therapeutic properties of the oils can be felt quickly with either of these methods.

Custom Blends and Aromatherapy Products

Essential oils can benefit physical well-being and support emotional health. They work well therapeutically and cosmetically, so aromatherapy is gaining popularity. Always practice these Safety Tips and use proper dilution rates when working with oils. You may also want to explore our list of carrier oils. If you are uncomfortable creating your own products, consider creating a customized blend with an aromatherapy consultation. You can also view some of my custom aromatherapy products

Essential Oils – Where to Buy High-Quality Oils