The Underrated Essential Oils: 7 Hidden Gems for Your Aromatherapy Collection

Aromatherapy Awareness Week is here, so it's the perfect time to explore some of the lesser-known essential oils that may be used in aromatherapy. While many people are familiar with popular oils like Lavender, Peppermint, and Tea Tree, there are several lesser-known essential oils that can provide a variety of benefits. 

From relieving feelings of anxiety to improving the appearance of the skin, these oils have a wide range of uses that make them valuable additions to any aromatherapy collection. Whether you are a seasoned essential oil user or new to the practice, these oils are sure to become essentials in your toolbox! 

Blue Yarrow

Blue Yarrow Essential Oil is derived from the flowers of the achillea millefolia plant, native to Europe and South Africa. The herb used to make Blue Yarrow Essential Oil is believed to have been used by Achilles, a figure from Greek mythology. It is said Blue Yarrow oil was used to treat the wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War. This historical use of the herb may be the reason why the oil was given the Latin name it currently holds.

This deep blue oil is an excellent choice if you’re looking to promote more restful sleep or ease anxious feelings. You’ll find it in relaxing favorites such as our Lavender Body Scrub. It’s also often used to improve the look of certain skin conditions, such as acne, which is why you’ll find it in our Lemon Gel Cleanser. To ease feelings of stress, add a few drops to a massage oil, or a bath. 

Copaiba Balsam

For centuries, the people of the Amazon rainforest have utilized Copaiba Balsam (copaifera officinalis) Essential Oil to address a range of health concerns. This oil has been traditionally used to alleviate the appearance of skin disorders, reduce the look of inflammation, promote wound healing, and provide temporary relief from pain. It was then introduced to Europe during the 1600s by the Jesuits, earning it the nickname “Jesuit’s Balm.”

These days, Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil is an incredibly versatile oil that boasts an extensive range of properties, making it a crucial item to have in your aromatherapy collection. You’ll find Copaiba in our Sir Vital Thrive Beard Oil, for its soothing properties, and in our Charcoal Clay Mask to help reduce visible redness of the skin. You may also mix a few drops in a light carrier oil and apply them to the temples, and back of the neck to improve the feeling of headaches.

Ho Wood

Ho Wood Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the cinnamomum camphora tree, which is native to East Asia. This oil has a sweet, woody, and floral aroma and is widely recognized for its calming and grounding properties. Thanks to its high concentration of linalool, Ho Wood is commonly used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety,. It is also known for reducing the discomfort of pain and swelling as well as its ability to cleanse the skin. When we decided to stop using Rosewood Essential Oil because of its endangered status, we chose Ho Wood.

If you’re seeking a more revitalized look to your skin, look no further than our Silt Scrub, which contains Ho Wood Essential Oil. Silt Scrub is made with powerful antioxidant ingredients to calm signs of irritation and give the skin a look of radiance. You’ll also find Ho Wood Essential Oil in our Tranquil Collection, including our Tranquil Essential Oil Blend and Tranquil Multispray. Feeling sore? Ease the feel of achy shoulders or tight neck by diluting a few drops of cooling Ho Wood with a carrier oil for a massage oil. 

Petitgrain Bigarade

Petitgrain Bigarade Essential Oil is derived from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, citrus aurantium v. amara. In French, Petitgrain translates to "little seed" and is produced from the same tree as Neroli with totally different aromas. The oil has a fresh, floral, and slightly woody aroma and is known for its uplifting and calming properties. Petitgrain Bigarade Essential Oil is widely used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and uplift one’s mood. 

You’ll find Petitgrain Bigarade Essential Oil as a staple in two of our best-selling essential oil blends: Our Serene Essential Oil Blend, and our Stress Relief Essential Oil Blend. Like a nice glass of wine, our Serene Bath and Body Oil is a real treat to unwind at the end of the day. Its calming, sedative benefits are ideal for use before bedtime or whenever you’re having trouble sleeping. Our Stress Relief Essential Oil Roll-On is a great way to give you a jolt of positive energy on a particularly busy day. This blend is ideal for promoting creativity and helps to provide a calming sensation in the mind and spirit.

Carrot Seed

Carrot Seed Essential Oil is derived from the seeds of the daucus carota sativa plant, (also known as Queen Anne’s Lace,) which is native to Asia. The oil has a warm, earthy, and slightly sweet aroma. It is highly valued for its rejuvenating and regenerative properties. Carrot Seed Essential Oil is rich in antioxidants and has been known to promote skin health by nourishing and moisturizing dry, damaged, and mature skin. You’ll often find Carrot Seed Essential Oil used in skincare products for its ability to improve the look of skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil is in many of our skincare products, including Luminous Infusion. It’s rich in beta-carotene, which may help improve the appearance of dark spots and sun damage, giving you a more even, radiant complexion. Additionally, you’ll find Carrot Seed Essential Oil in our Clear Skin Cream, as well as our Jasmine Fine Line Cream. Another use? To help relieve the feeling of abdominal discomfort, try combining Carrot Seed with Hi-Oleic Safflower Oil, Peppermint, and Bergamot Essential Oils. Rub into the affected area.

Cajeput

Cajeput Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the melaleuca cajeputi tree, which is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. The oil has a fresh, camphorous, and slightly sweet aroma. For centuries, Cajeput has been well-known for its properties to assist in calming the appearance of infection. It’s best known for its history as an antidote to infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and virals. To this day, Cajeput can be found in blends and applications concerning these issues. Cajeput Essential Oil is commonly used to alleviate respiratory issues, such as coughs, colds, and sinus congestion, due to its ability to promote better breathing.

You’ll find Cajeput Essential Oil is our best-selling product, Deozein Natural Deodorant in our original scent. Along with Cajeput Essential Oil, you’ll find natural mineral salts, Dead Sea Salts, seaweed extract, and Babassu Oil that work together to curb the bacteria that cause body odor, without inhibiting the body's natural ability to expel toxins and regulate body temperature. For a better nail and cuticle appearance,  try our Nail and Cuticle Elixir. Simply massage 1 drop directly into each nail bed or skin affected at least 3-4 times a day.

Palmarosa

Palmarosa Essential Oil is derived from the cymbopogon martinii plant, which is native to India and other parts of Asia. The oil has a sweet, floral, and slightly herbaceous aroma and has similar properties as Cajeput. Palmarosa Essential Oil is commonly used in skincare products to promote the look of healthy skin, as it helps to balance sebum production, hydrate the skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Holistically, Palmarosa encourages adaptability and feelings of security, while centering and comforting the heart. This oil is a good choice for those who are resistant to change and have difficulty letting go of the past.

If you’re looking to enhance romantic feelings, our Love Essential Oil Blend is for you. Along with soothing Palmarosa, you’ll also experience Ylang Ylang, Rosemary, Ginger Root, and Cardamom combined for a special love potion that heightens feelings of security, promotes self-esteem, warms the spirit, and energizes and enhances sexuality. A light, fresh scent instills a sense of peace and tranquility in the spirit. For the appearance of healthier, calm skin, you’ll find Palmarosa in our Soothing Infusion. Your complexion will be left looking even-toned and feeling super soft. After cleansing and toning, mix 4-7 drops of Soothing Infusion with 7 sprays of Sea Tonic and massage into the face, neck, and chest.

What are your other Essential Oil must-haves in your medicine cabinet? Let us know in the comments!