One year in, and I’m still a devoted user of essential oils. I poke fun at myself and the “oily” community because, let’s be honest, we’re not curing global pandemics with our little bottles — but we enjoy trying. I rarely take myself too seriously, so take this with a grain of salt (or a drop of something relaxing).
Disclaimer: These are my personal observations and not medical advice. Use common sense and consult professionals when necessary.
Over the last 12 months I started buying oils at wholesale prices through my sister’s account. She gets a small commission from my purchases, and since she’s the mom of two amazing boys, I’m happy to support her that way. My blog helps fund my oil habit (and running shoes), so expect more recipes and practical uses here.
At first I focused on the big-ticket basics that many find useful: Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, Thieves, Deep Relief, and Breathe Again roll-ons. Those have helped with headaches (yes, even my skeptic partner Stephen notices a difference), sinus congestion, focus, and sleep. I keep multiple bottles around—home, car, and school—and use them in DIY cleaning solutions and bath salts.
Once I had that solid foundation, I started exploring targeted oils and blends for concentration, anxiety relief, grounding, and mood support. Some surprised me — vetiver and sandalwood, for example, are excellent for focus. I hadn’t heard of vetiver before trying these oils, and then saw it show up as a candle scent in retail stores. It works remarkably well to steady the mind.
Now I find myself adding new items to my monthly order like I’m playing darts blindfolded.
Exhibit A: Xiang Mao. The name is a mouthful, but this single-extract oil is an effective “room clearer.” It reminds me of Purification and is my go-to in the diffuser after strong cooking odors like bacon or fish. It neutralizes odors rather than just masking them.
I also received Loyalty as a surprise reward after a year of orders. It arrived in a small pouch and felt like a little gift. What is it? In my experience, Loyalty is pure productivity in a bottle. One afternoon with this diffuser blend, I turned nine drafts into published posts, reorganized my entire Goodreads list, and filled multiple planners for months ahead. It creates intense focus; vetiver seems mellow next to it. Clearly a powerful combination of oils.
Citrus Fresh and Jade Lemon are staples for me. Citrus Fresh is bright and instantly lifts the air—great on cotton balls around the house during winter colds or to chase lingering funk. Peppermint can feel wintery, so Citrus Fresh is my spring-like alternative. Jade Lemon is a refined lemon scent I reach for whenever I want a true lemon profile in the diffuser or blends.
White Angelica is another favorite. It’s a grounding, emotional-balance blend with multiple hero oils that create a woodsy yet subtly floral aroma—think gentle wallflowers in a forest. It’s calming and comforting when you need emotional steadying.
That’s my current oil roundup. With summer approaching and mosquitoes on the horizon, citronella is likely next. I’m also curious about Goldenrod, which is marketed as an aphrodisiac-type oil for enhancing intimacy. Whatever I add next, I’ll report back with notes on scent, blends, and how I use them around the house.
