Keeping this in mind, I have looked for starter kits with a few multi-purpose oils that meet the majority of needs for wellness for an average family. We need more than just the essential oils to get started; there are tools that make their use safer and easier that I would like to see included for every beginner.
What do you need to go with those roller bottles? Carrier oils! Essential oils work best and safest diluted in a carrier oil. Different carrier oils have different properties. Many companies recommend fractionated coconut oil (FCO). The only real benefit of FCO is its long shelf life. You do NOT have to use FCO! Any oil in your kitchen you use to cook with will work. Learning the benefits of Carrier oils also takes time so start with one or two and experiment. I buy a good percentage of my carrier oils in the grocery store.
The final tool that I believe everyone needs to start on an Aromatherapy journey is a way to facilitate inhalation without constant exposure to your oils of oxygen. There are 2 main tools used to accomplish this, diffusers and personal inhalers. Just starting out, I really like inhalers. It helps get people away from the idea that the oils are just to smell good. It also limits exposure to others while learning about contraindications. I would hope that everyone will consider a few personal inhalers. They are one of the most inexpensive, safest ways to use your oils.
Wow, all of that and I have not even mentioned what essential oils you might want to start with! Why would I skip the oils and start with the tools? I have found that people neglect reference materials and safe delivery tools when just beginning. Is it possible to skip these and just buy the essential oils to start with? Of course. Yet I am certain that you will have a smoother start if you add a few tools from the beginning.
Now to the stuff everyone wants to talk about, the essential oils! As I said back at the beginning, I recommend starting very small, 3 to 6 oils that can be used for a variety of things. I picked out my top six oils that I believe fit those criteria. I also am going to include a substitute for a few of those oils and why. There really is not an absolute must start with "list." I picked common, multipurpose oils that are frequently available.
Lemon: I am not certain I have ever seen a starter kit that does not include lemon. Almost everyone enjoys the scent and it can be used for many things. It also can be used to brighten or tone down the scent of an oil that you do not enjoy. A few things Lemon can be used for; skin issues, antiseptic, immune support, reduce fever and is energizing.
Lavender: Nicknamed the Swiss army knife of essential oils, it is one of the most versatile of oils out there. It is also one of the gentlest! A few things Lavender can be used for; skin issues, tissue regeneration, reducing body odor, anti-inflammatory, insect repellent, strengthens most body functions, antibacterial and antiviral, decongestant and expectorant, pain relief, antispasmodic, improve sleep, calms the nervous system and can be both energizing and calming. (There are several types of Lavender. This list is for Lavandula augustifolia. Even within this, there are subspecies. This is an oil worthy of years of exploration.)
Frankincense: This is not always included in beginner kits. It is slightly more expensive than other oils usually seen in these kits and that may be the reason. Frankincense can be used for so many things! A few things Frankincense can be used for; antibacterial, skin issues, decongestant, and expectorant, reduces fever, aids digestion, diuretic, calms the nervous system. (There are several varieties of Frankincense, as time goes on you can explore others. I generally recommend Boswellia carterii as the most versatile.)
If I were to start with only 3 oils, that would be where I would start. For everyday, common uses, those three cover almost everything. Most do not want to stop at just 3 though. So how about a few others!
Tea Tree: These days you can find Tea Tree Oil (TTO) in many products on store shelves. It is worthy of its popularity due to usefulness. A few things TTO can be used for; antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, skin issues, immune stimulation, decongestant and expectorant, and fever reducer.
Sweet Orange: You can substitute almost any citrus; tangerine, blood orange, grapefruit, lime etc. The uses are almost the same as for Lemon but having a second citrus allows for a variety of scent. I love both Sweet Orange and Grapefruit for adding to blends, especially if there is an oil I do not enjoy within the blend. Sweet Orange is more common in recipes and for beginners not comfortable with substitution, it is great to have. If you pick a different citrus, you can substitute it for the orange, you will just have a different scent. A few things Sweet Orange (and most citrus have very similar properties) can be used for; skin issues, antiseptic, immune support, digestive support, reduce fever, and is energizing yet calming. It is a difficult decision to place this as a second citrus to lemon as I personally prefer it.
I have not found an exact kit that matches what I would recommend. Some are very close to how I approach learning new oils. Often, I believe it is better to make your own "kit" by picking just what you wish, to begin with.
Once these basic supplies are collected, take the time to learn each oil well. You will come across formulas that suggest other oils. Instead of rushing to buy more, explore whether or not you can accomplish the same benefit with what you have. Learning to substitute, as well as learning all the uses for your oils, will save you a lot of money throughout your journey. For most people, I would guess it will take weeks if not months to just really grasp a hand full of oils. Once you have a thorough understanding of the oils you chose to start with, add 3 to 6 more and explore them the same way.
Note, I am not criticizing starter kits, many of them are excellent, they are just not what I would recommend.
