First off, I want to start with a disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this article are fully my own and are not intended in any way to represent or reflect the views and opinions of other distributors, consultants, companies, franchises, etc.

A while back I started searching for something that would help me sleep and be healthier overall but without having to reach for a bottle of pills. That's when I started to explore the world of essential oils. After researching and talking to family and friends, I got my starter kit with Young Living and my journey with essential oils officially began.

Don't get me wrong, I'm fully aware that oils can't fix everything for me. For anything involving brain chemistry, my meds for example, and severe pain that doesn't respond to OTC pain killers I'll still go for my prescriptions, but for everything else I'm trying to avoid reaching for a pill bottle.

Without further ado, let's look at what I would consider to be the most essential of the essential oils. I'm going to try to stick to single oils, but any blends will be the ones from Young Living that I use the most.

1. Lavender

Lavender is the bread and butter of essential oils. Stressed? Use lavender. Trouble sleeping? Use lavender. Blisters, scrapes or raw skin? Use lavender. Skin concerns? Use lavender. You get the point, lavender can be used for just about anything. Not only is lavender super versatile and useful, it also smells great! It's a gentle fragrance, not too overpowering. If you're wanting to test the waters before fully diving in to the world of essential oils, lavender is a perfect place to start!

2. Tea Tree

Tea Tree, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is another extremely versatile oil. I primarily use it for blisters or skin irritations, but you can also use it for bug bites, cuts, scrapes, cold sores, earaches, etc. It can also kill mold! Tea Tree has both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-cancer benefits. Tea Tree oil is another key oil to have in your arsenal when trying out essential oils.

3. Thieves

Holy moly, thieves! Thieves is one of my absolute favorite essential oil blends. Young Living's Thieves oil is a blend of clove, rosemary, cinnamon bark and eucalyptus radiata along with other essential oils known for properties to defend and protect. Thieves is great for immune system support and when diffused can help eliminate airborne bacteria. Thieves is also a great cleaning agent. In fact, Young Living has an entire line of Thieves cleaning products as well as Thieves cough drops. Talk about another versatile oil!

4. Lemon

Lemon has a very purifying and invigoration scent. I normally use lemon oil in my water to help with cravings and weight loss. Lemon oil also helps with sore throats, coughs, as well as nausea and upset stomachs. Plus, lemon oil is an anti-microbial and can be used as a natural disinfectant!

5. Stress Away

Young Living's Stress Away blend is probably one of the oils I use the most. Young Living's blend contains Copiaba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Ocotea and Lavender. Stress Away is great for anxiety (go figure) and creates a very peaceful and pleasant environment. You can also add it to water to help clam your nerves that way!

Well, there you have it - my top 5 essential oils that are crucial for anyone looking to start their own journey with essential oils. Now, if you will please excuse me, I'm off to do more research and see what other awesome oils are out there!