Essential Oils

best essential oils

Best Essential Oils

The best essential oils are sourced carefully from various plants worldwide and processed naturally, so the oils retain their natural scent and medicinal properties. Each oil is suitable for therapeutic use, relaxing evening rituals, and home fragrance, including skincare and massage practices when used correctly. Our natural essential oils are carefully made and packaged in small amounts. At Serene Tree Apothecary, we think wellness, daily rituals, and the strength of natural products are rooted in tradition and guided by nature.

Essential Oils in a window

What Makes an Essential Oil the Best?

Not all essential oils are of the same quality. The best essential oils are not determined by branding or big promises. They are determined by the integrity of how the plant was grown, how the oil was extracted, and how the brand presents itself through transparency.

When choosing the best essential oils, look for those that are:


  • 100% pure and unadulterated
  • Clearly labeled with the botanical name
  • Steam distilled or cold pressed
  • Free from synthetic fragrance or fillers
  • Sourced naturally from the land and plant
reed diffuser by a bed

Best Essential Oils for Sleep

  • Lavender: Widely regarded as the best sleep promoting essential oil. Studies show lavender can increase slow wave sleep, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and improve overall sleep quality.
  • Ylang Ylang: Known to help reduce heart rate and blood pressure, creating a calming environment.
  • Vetiver: Earthy and grounding; especially useful if your sleep issues stem from overthinking or high stress.
  • Clary Sage: May reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and promote relaxation

How to Use Oils for Sleep Safely

  • Diffusion: Add a few drops (typically 3–6) to a diffuser 30–60 minutes before bedtime
  • Topical (diluted): Mix with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut) a common ratio is about 2–3 drops per teaspoon of carrier and apply to wrists, neck, or chest.
  • Pillow/ linens: A drop or two on your pillowcase can help you inhale relaxing scents as you drift off.
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Best Essential Oils to Diffuse

Aromatherapy oils you can use in any diffuser:

Essential Oils For Relaxation

  • Lavender: Calming and soothing; ideal for unwinding or before bedtime.
  • Ylang Ylang: Known to help reduce heart rate and blood pressure, creating a calming environment.
  • Frankincense: Earthy and grounding supports meditation and serenity.
  • Clary Sage: May reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and promote relaxation

Essential Oils For Focus & Energy

  • Peppermint: Refreshing and invigorating; boosts focus and clears the mind.
  • Lemon: Bright and uplifting; perfect for an energizing atmosphere.

Essential Oils For Clean Wellness Support

  • Eucalyptus: Opens airways and refreshes the space
  • Tea Tree: Herbaceous and purifying; good for air quality.

How to use Essential Oils

frankincense and lavender

Anti-inflammatory Essential Oils

Frankincense: Supports joint comfort, muscle recovery, and skin inflammation. Commonly used for chronic inflammation and stiffness
Lavender: Anti-inflammatory and calming. Helps reduce skin redness, irritation, and muscle tension.
eucalyptus and peppermint

Essential Oils for Cough & Congestion

Eucalyptus: An effective oil for respiratory congestion. Helps open airways. Best for: chest congestion, sinus pressure, productive coughs
Peppermint: Contains menthol, which helps cool and open breathing passages
diffuser with lavender and eucalyptus

Essential Oils for Headaches

Essential oils can be a gentle, natural way to ease tension, reduce discomfort, and promote relaxation when headaches strike. Whether your headache. Peppermint Oil/ Lavender Oil/ Eucalyptus Oil/ Frankincense Oil
How to Use Essential Oils for Headaches. Diffuse: Add 5–8 drops to a diffuser for gentle, ongoing relief Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to temples, neck, or shoulders Inhalation: Add a few drops to a tissue or inhale from cupped hands
tea tree blossoms

Best Essential Oils for Skin

Tea Tree: Strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. Helps reduce acne and prevent breakouts. Can soothe itchy skin and minor irritations.
How to Use Essential Oils for Skin: Dilution: Mix 2–3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil (like jojoba, coconut, or almond). Topical Application: Apply to target areas, avoid eyes and sensitive mucous membranes. DIY Skincare: Add to moisturizers, serums, or face masks for enhanced benefits.

Essential Oils FAQ

Signs Essential Oils Are Expired

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  • Change in smell: The oil smells rancid, sour, or just “off.”
  • Some oils may darken or become thicker
  • Skin irritation: Expired oils may be more irritating if applied topically.

How to Extend Shelf Life of Essential Oils

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  • Store in dark glass bottles
  • Keep away from heat and sunlight even brief exposure can degrade oils.
  • Tightly cap bottles after use to prevent oxidation.
  • Store in a cool, dry place; some people even store delicate oils in the fridge.

Quick Tips for Keeping Essential Oils

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  • Store in dark glass bottles
  • Essential oils don’t “go bad” like food, but they lose potency and therapeutic benefits over time
  • Citrus oils are the most volatile best used fresh for diffusion and topical use.
  • Wood and resin oils like sandalwood, cedarwood, and frankincense are extremely stable and can last a decade or more if stored properly.

Is Peppermint Oil Safe for Dogs?

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  • Strong, concentrated oil: Dogs have sensitive noses and respiratory systems; inhaling peppermint oil can irritate their airways.
  • Can cause toxicity if ingested: Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, low blood sugar, tremors, or lethargy.
  • Skin irritation: Direct contact can burn or irritate a dog’s skin