The Energizing Essential Oils I Don't Leave Home Without

As a Reiki practitioner and intuitive healer, I work with energy constantly. Yet I was completely unaware of the energetic benefits of essential oils until I found myself getting sick every single month for nearly a year. At the time, I was traveling constantly, leading retreats, teaching large workshops, and managing a very full private practice. I thought I was doing everything I could to stay balanced through it all. I ate well, took care of my body with regular yoga and exercise, meditated, and administered Reiki to myself daily—yet I still felt drained. Then essential oils came into the picture.

Essential oils are highly concentrated phytochemicals that are distilled from various parts of plants, such as the roots, leaves, and flowers. Our ancestors used plants and herbs as medicinal remedies for thousands of years, so while the immense benefits of these oils may be a foreign concept to some of us, we are not practicing anything new in theory.

I've found these oils to be extremely helpful in decreasing stress and promoting happiness. If you've never tried them before, you may just be missing out on one of the cheapest and most beneficial tools for mind, body, and spirit wellness.

Peppermint can help with headaches1, nausea2, and sinus issues. It's also been shown to improve mental focus and boost energy. My current obsession is the doTERRA brand, as it's ingestible. (It's important to keep in mind that not all oils are safe to consume by themselves!)

Lavender is the obvious choice for stress relief3, and its calming and soothing effects really are unparalleled. Since it's such an in-demand oil, though, it tends to be a little pricier.

A fellow energy practitioner first recommended this mix of orange, clove, cinnamon, rosemary, and eucalyptus after I told her how often I was getting sick. Their benefits range from protecting the body’s natural antioxidant defenses to promoting circulation to helping with healthy immune and respiratory function.

Ylang-ylang oil is one of my absolute favorites, and it's really boosted my confidence and self-love.

How I use it: I'll take a couple of drops of ylang-ylang in my palms, rub them together, and take a few deep, calming breaths. On the inhale, I focus on the words "receive love" and on the exhale, I'll remind myself to "let go of (doubt, fear, anger, or any other prevalent feeling)."

It’s important to remember that each of us is unique, which means my favorites may not work for you. If you are able to pop into a local market or shop in your area that sells oils, I highly recommend sniffing, smelling, and seeing them in person before you decide if it's right for you and your body. Essential oils have become an essential part of my life, and I hope they do for you too!