Desert Island Essentials: 13 Essential Oils I Can’t Live Without
When I’ve said, “Oh! That’s on my desert island essential oil list!” in response to someone mentioning one of my favorite essential oils, they often ask why and what else is on my list. And so, by request, I’ve put together my Desert Island Essential Oils list.
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My Desert Island Essential Oils
People who know me will likely laugh because Black Pepper essential oil is at the top of this list. However, this is just a happy happenstance, because this list is in alphabetical order. (I seriously tried to get this down to just 10—I might need to make a part 2!)
It’s important to note that I didn’t pick these for their first aid benefits or specific “desert island needs.” These are just my favorite essential oils…at the moment!
Under each essential oil you’ll also find my recommended supplier(s) for that oil. I hope you’ll enjoy learning a bit about each of them.
The 13 Desert Island Essential Oils
Black Pepper
- Botanical Name: Piper nigrum
- Plant Family: Piperaceae
- Plant Part: Dried peppercorns
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aroma: Spicy, warm, fresh, peppery, dry
- Energetics: Warming, stimulating, restorative, releases energy blocks
- Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, digestive support, circulatory stimulant, muscle relaxant
- Primary Chemical Constituents: β-Caryophyllene, d-Limonene, α-Pinene, β-Pinene, δ-3-Carene
- Color: Clear to very pale greenish yellow
- Shelf Life: 3-4 years
- Potential Applications: Muscle and joint aches, digestive issues, poor circulation, fatigue
- Blends Well With: Intense floral oils, spice oils, wood oils, conifer oils, herbal oils, can enhance most blends
- Notes: Although a spice oil, Black Pepper is not “hot” and is actually quite gentle on the skin. While black pepper itself contains piperine, the chemical that helps improve absorption of turmeric, Black Pepper essential oil does not.
Recommended Suppliers
- Black Pepper essential oil (Piper nigrum):
- Aromatics International, organic💛
- Plant Therapy, organic (Direct and Amazon).
Black Pepper for Overworked Muscles
Whether you’ve spent hours at play or working in the garden, your muscles and joints may complain! Use this Overwork Pain Relief inhaler with Black Pepper, Frankincense, Sweet Basil, Rosewood, and Sweet Orange.
Black Spruce
- Botanical Name: Picea mariana
- Plant Family: Pinaceae
- Plant Part: Needles and twigs
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aroma: Coniferous, woody, earthy, sweet notes, softly balsamic
- Energetics: Grounding, strengthening, balancing, moves stagnant energy
- Therapeutic Properties: Respiratory support, muscle relaxant, stress relief, immune support
- Primary Chemical Constituents: Bornyl acetate, Camphene, α-Pinene
- Color: Clear
- Shelf Life: 3-4 years
- Potential Applications: Muscle pain, respiratory congestion, fatigue, stress, grounding
- Blends Well With: Frankincense, Lavender, Black Pepper, conifer oils, citrus oils, medicinal oils (like Tea Tree and Eucalyptus), herbal oils
- Notes: Always test before use when asthma is present. If breathing is opened, Black Spruce is okay to use.
Recommended Suppliers
- Black Spruce essential oil (Picea mariana):
- Aromatics International, organic💛
- Plant Therapy, organic (Direct and Amazon).
Black Spruce for Balance in Thought & Emotion
This Balance Synergy essential oil diffuser blend combines Black Spruce, Black Pepper, Grapefruit, and Cedarwood for an energetic synergy that promotes balance and harmony.
Blood Orange
- Botanical Name: Citrus x sinensis sanguinelli
- Plant Family: Rutaceae
- Plant Part: Peel
- Extraction Method: Cold pressed
- Aroma: Sweet, citrusy, fruity
- Energetics: Uplifting, refreshing, calming
- Therapeutic Properties: Mood boosting, digestive support, skin brightening, stress relief
- Primary Chemical Constituents: d-Limonene, β-Myrcene
- Color: Deep yellow-orange to reddish-orange
- Shelf Life: 1-2 years
- Potential Applications: Depression, anxiety, digestive upset, dull skin, stress
- Blends Well With: Lavender, Frankincense, mint oils, spice oils, other citrus oils
- Notes: The Blood Orange is a version of the Sweet Orange. The deep red color of the pulp and sometimes peel is caused by anthocyanins, pigments that develop in response to cool nighttime temperatures.
Recommended Suppliers
- Blood Orange essential oil (Citrus x sinensis sanguinelli):
- Aromatics International, organic
- Plant Therapy, organic (Direct and Amazon)
- Edens Garden, sustainable (Amazon).
Experience Joy with Blood Orange
Frankinshine combines the richness of Blood Orange with 3 types of Frankincense essential oil and Cedarwood Atlas for an aromatically uplifting essential oil blend.
Clary Sage
- Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Part: Leaves and flowering tops
- Extraction Method: Steam distilled, Absolute
- Aroma: Herbaceous, woody, sweet, earthy
- Energetics: Uplifting, soothing, calming, eases cyclic thinking
- Therapeutic Properties: Antidepressant, antispasmodic, relaxant, balancing
- Primary Chemical Constituents: Linalyl acetate, Linalool, Germacrene D
- Color: Clear to very pale yellow
- Shelf Life: 4-5 years
- Potential Applications: Menstrual discomfort/PMS/menopausal, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, muscle spasms
- Blends Well With: Lavender (synergy), Frankincense, Sandalwood, citrus oils
- Notes: Steam distilled Clary Sage is commonly used in aromatherapy. The absolute, which is deep olive green and solid, is more often used in perfumery.
Recommended Suppliers
- Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea):
- Plant Therapy, organic (Direct and Amazon)
- Aromatics International, organic.
Be Brave with Clary Sage
When the Sun and Moon cross paths, energy is magnified. Learn how to harness the power of a Total Eclipse and get 3 essential oil blends, each with different intentions—Be Brave, Grounding Transformation, and Creative Flow.
Coriander
- Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
- Plant Family: Apiaceae
- Plant Part: Seeds
- Extraction Method: Steam distilled, CO2
- Aroma: Herbaceous, warm, slightly woody, floral notes, a bit of spiciness
- Energetics: Calming, warming, balancing
- Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, digestive support, stress relief
- Primary Chemical Constituents: Linalool, α-Pinene, γ-Terpinene, Camphor
- Color: Clear to pale yellow
- Shelf Life: 3-4 years
- Potential Applications: Digestive upset, muscle and joint pain, nervous tension
- Blends Well With: Spice oils, floral oils, citrus oil, wood oils
- Notes: The CO2 version has a richer, more robust aroma than the softer steam distilled Coriander essential oil. Coriander makes a lovely fixative in natural perfumery.
Recommended Suppliers
- Coriander essential oil (Coriandrum sativum):
- Aromatics International, organic
- Plant Therapy, sustainable (Direct and Amazon).
A Sweet Synergy of Essential Oils
This synergy of Coriander, Tulsi, Spearmint, Sweet Basil, and Fennel promotes mental calming and cleanses negative and stagnant energy. Experience the healing power of linalool with this Sweet Synergy blend!
Fragonia™
- Botanical Name: Agonis fragrans
- Plant Family: Myrtaceae
- Plant Part: Leaves and branches
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aroma: Fresh, bright, slightly spicy, citrusy, and herbaceous
- Energetics: Balancing, harmonizing, restorative
- Therapeutic Properties: Immune support, respiratory support, stress relief, emotional balancing, antimicrobial, analgesic,
- Primary Chemical Constituents: 1,8-Cineole, α-Pinene, Linalool, α-Terpineol
- Color: Clear to very pale yellow
- Shelf Life: 4-5 years
- Potential Applications: Respiratory congestion, emotional support, immune system boost, air purification, jet lag
- Blends Well With: Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon, spice oils, herbal oils, conifer oils
- Notes: Fragonia is the only trademarked essential oil. It has a nearly perfect ratio of chemical constituent families; this ratio is known as the aromatic “Holy Trinity.”
Recommended Suppliers
- Fragonia essential oil (Agonis fragrans):
- Aromatics International, organic💛
- Plant Therapy, sustainable (Direct)
- Edens Garden, sustainable (on Amazon).
Fragonia for Cognitive Support While You Sleep
Featuring 2 of my Desert Island essential oil picks—Fragonia and Blood Orange—this diffuser blend provides cognitive enrichment while you sleep! Get the recipe.
Frankincense
- Botanical Name: Boswellia carteri
- Plant Family: Burseraceae
- Plant Part: Resin
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation, CO2
- Aroma: Warm, resinous, woody, slightly citrusy
- Energetics: Grounding, calming
- Therapeutic Properties: Anti-inflammatory, immune support, skin healing, stress relief
- Primary Chemical Constituents: α-Pinene, d-Limonene, β-Myrcene
- Color: Pale yellow to light amber
- Shelf Life: 2-3 years
- Potential Applications: Meditation and spiritual, skin aging, muscle and joint inflammation, respiratory congestion, stress
- Blends Well With: Citrus oils, spice oils, wood oils, floral oils
- Notes: You will find several types of Frankincense essential oil. Always note the botanical species name as each of the oils has its own fragrance and therapeutic properties. Frankincense can be used in natural perfumery as a base and aromatic fixative. Most Frankincenses are steam distilled for essential oil; the CO2 is less common. Frankincense hydrosol is wonderful for skin care.
Recommended Suppliers
- Frankincense Carteri essential oil (Boswellia carteri):
- This is a precious species, threatened by over-harvesting, choose your supplier wisely
- Aromatics International, organic💛
- Plant Therapy, organic (Direct or Amazon).
- Frankincense Sacra essential oil (Boswellia sacra):
- Aromatics International, wildcrafted
- Edens Garden, conventional (Amazon).
- Frankincense Hydrosol (Boswellia carteri):
- Aromatics International, organic
Frankincense Calms the Beast
This Fearless Fourth blend was created to help my dog, Kiko, remain calm during the 4th of July celebrations. It features Frankincense, Black Spruce, and Lavender along with Atlas Cedarwood and Sandalwood.
Lavender
- Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Part: Flowering tops
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aroma: Floral, sweet, herbaceous
- Energetics: Calming, balancing
- Therapeutic Properties: Relaxing, sleep support, skin healing, pain relief, anxiety reduction
- Primary Chemical Constituents: Linalool, Linalyl acetate
- Color: Clear
- Shelf Life: 4-5 years
- Potential Applications: Insomnia, stress, anxiety, burns, cuts, skin irritation
- Blends Well With: Almost everything, especially citrus oils, floral oils, resin oils, and wood oils
- Notes: Several species of Lavender are used for making essential oils. True Lavender is Lavandula angustifolia. Spike Lavender is Lavandula latifolia. Lavandin, Lavandula x intermedia, is a hybrid of True Lavender and Spike. Each of these species has a different aroma and therapeutics. Even within the same species of Lavender, the aroma of the essential oil can vary depending on where its cultivated. Lavender hydrosol is a beautiful aromatic on its own for linen and air sprays, facial toner, cooling sun-kissed skin, and so much more.
Recommended Suppliers
- Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia):
- Aromatics International, organic artisan (grown and distilled in Montana)
- Plant Therapy, organic (Direct and Amazon)
- TIP: Plant Therapy’s Lavender Hydrosol (Direct and Amazon) is lovely for skin care and general aromatherapy.
- Spike Lavender essential oil (Lavandula spicata):
- Aromatics International, organic
- Edens Garden, sustainable (on Amazon).
- Lavandin essential oil (Lavandula x intermedia):
- Lavender Hydrosol (Lavandula angustifolia):
- Aromatics International, organic, artisan, Montana grown
- Plant Therapy, conventional (Direct and Amazon).
My Love Note to Lavender
Like many, my introduction to essential oils was through Lavender. The oil made an impact on my life, so much so that I wrote a book about this amazing plant and all her gifts!
Lavender: Lavender Recipes & the Plant Behind the Oil is available at:
- My Etsy Store (signed paperback, US)
- Amazon (paperback & Kindle Unlimited, international).
Lemon Myrtle
- Botanical Name: Backhousia citriodora
- Plant Family: Myrtaceae
- Plant Part: Leaves
- Extraction Method: Steam distilled
- Aroma: Fresh, lemony, sweet-tart, bright, rich
- Energetics: Uplifting, calming, rejuvenating
- Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, respiratory support, anxiety relief, anti-fungal, immune support, airborne antimicrobial
- Primary Chemical Constituents: Geranial and Neral (aka Citral)
- Color: Clear to pale yellow
- Shelf Life: 2-3 years
- Potential Applications: Muscle and joint pain, air deodorizing, anxiety, focus, green cleaning
- Blends Well With: Citrus oils, wood oils, mint oils, floral oils, Fragonia
- Notes: Lemon Myrtle may interact with specific CYP2B6 medications. Due to the high level of citral in Lemon Myrtle, when making a topical application, use no more than 4 drops (0.7%) in 1 ounce lipid carrier—skin sensitization may be reduced by combining with an essential oil high in d-limonene.
Recommended Suppliers
- Lemon Myrtle essential oil (Backhousia citriodora):
- Aromatics International, organic (not currently available)
- Edens Garden, sustainable (Amazon)
- Plant Therapy, sustainable (Direct and Amazon).
Lemon Myrtle Brings a Sparkle to Laundry
Do you know which essential oils are safe to use on your wool dryer balls? Learn about dryer safety and get 3 dryer-safe essential oil blends, including my favorite Sun Drenched Flowers with Lemon Myrtle!
Pink Pepper
- Botanical Name: Schinus molle
- Plant Family: Anacardiaceae
- Plant Part: Berries
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation, CO2 extraction
- Aroma: Spicy, peppery, slightly sweet and woody
- Energetics: Warming, stimulating, refreshing
- Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, digestive support, circulatory stimulant, emotional balance
- Primary Chemical Constituents: α-Phellandrene, β-Phellandrene, d-Limonene
- Color: Clear to very pale green
- Shelf Life: 1-2 years
- Potential Applications: Muscle aches, digestive discomfort, fatigue, anxiety, stress
- Blends Well With: Frankincense, citrus oils, spice oils, floral oils
- Notes: Pink Pepper, also called Peruvian Pepper, is not a pepper at all! It’s actually a member of the cashew/sumac family. Pink Pepper essential oil can be used as a middle note in natural perfumery.
Recommended Supplier
- Pink Pepper essential oil (Schinus molle):
- Edens Garden, sustainable (Amazon).💛
Pink Pepper for Energy Cleansing
Use this mind and space Energy Cleanse blend to clear negative, stagnant, and blocked energy. It combines Pink Pepper with Tulsi, Tangerine, and Siberian Fir.
Rose Otto
- Botanical Name: Rosa damascena
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Part: Petals
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aroma: Floral, heady, powerful, peppery notes
- Energetics: Gentle, cooling, sensual, heart-centered, harmonizing
- Therapeutic Properties: Skin supporting, relaxing, emotional balance, analgesic, antidepressant
- Primary Chemical Constituents: Citronellol, Geraniol, Nerol
- Color: Very pale yellow-green
- Shelf Life: 3-10 years (depending on supplier)
- Potential Applications: Spiritual, shock and grief, skin care,
- Blends Well With: All oils
- Notes: Rose Otto is a precious essential oil. A less expensive and just as supportive option is Rose Absolute. Both Rose Otto and Rose Absolute are powerful in both aroma and therapeutics; often a single drop is all that’s needed. When cool, Rose Otto will solidify, but quickly returns to liquid when held between the hands. The smallest trace of Rose Otto can lift a blend whether for aromatherapy, natural skin care, or natural perfumery. Rose hydrosol is incredibly nourishing to the skin.
Recommended Suppliers
- Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena):
- Aromatics International, Otto, organic
- Plant Therapy, Otto, sustainable (Direct and Amazon).
- Rose Absolute (Rosa spp.):
- Aromatics International, Absolute, organic
- Plant Therapy, Absolute, sustainable (Direct and Amazon).
- Rose Hydrosol (Rosa damascena):
- Aromatics International, organic
- Mountain Rose Herbs, organic
- Plant Therapy, sustainable (Direct and Amazon).
More on Rose Otto
A single drop of this precious essential oil contains the essence of thousands of velvety aromatic Damask Rose petals, making Rose Otto one of the most luxurious and precious essential oils in the world! Learn more…
Spearmint
- Botanical Name: Mentha spicata
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Part: Leaves and flowering tops
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aroma: Sweet, minty, bright, powerful
- Energetics: Cooling, uplifting, calming
- Therapeutic Properties: Digestive support, anti-inflammatory, immune support, anxiety reduction
- Primary Chemical Constituents: Carvone, d-Limonene
- Color: Clear to pale yellow
- Shelf Life: 3-4 years
- Potential Applications: foot massage, lip care, digestive discomfort, tension, focus, muscle and joint pain
- Blends Well With: Lavender, Jasmine, sweeter citrus oils, herbal oils, vanilla
- Notes: Spearmint essential oil is a special favorite of mine for children. The hydrosol is incredibly refreshing and cooling on the skin. Pure fresh Spearmint hydrosol is delicious spritzed in water, iced tea, and lemonade (as is Peppermint hydrosol). Spearmint is also one of my favorite herbs for tea—try my Orange Mint herbal tea.
Recommended Suppliers
- Spearmint essential oil (Mentha spicata):
- Aromatics International, organic
- Plant Therapy, organic (Direct and Amazon).
- Mint Hydrosols (Mentha spp):
- Spearmint Hydrosol (Mentha spicata) from Aromatics International, organic
- Peppermint Hydrosol (Mentha x piperita) from Aromatics International, organic (also on Amazon)
- Both of of Aromatics’ mint hydrosols are excellent spritzed into chilled still or sparkling water!
- Spearmint Leaf (Mentha spicata):
- Elanen naturals, organic (on Amazon)
- Mountain Rose Herbs, organic
- Homegrown from seed from Seed Needs (on Amazon).
Make a Sweet Mint Lip Oil
Some of the most luxurious skin care products are lip oils, which explains why they’re sold for an arm and a leg. When you make your own you keep the luxury and your arm and leg! Get the guide!
Tulsi/Holy Basil
- Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Part: Leaves and flowering tops
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aroma: Sweet, pungent, herbaceous, clove-like notes
- Energetics: Energizing, stimulating, or calming, relaxing (adaptogenic)
- Therapeutic Properties: Adaptogen, analgesic, antispasmodic, digestive support, antimicrobial
- Primary Chemical Constituents: Eugenol, β-Caryophyllene, β-Elemene
- Color: Pale yellow to brownish
- Shelf Life: 3-4 years
- Potential Applications: Respiratory congestion, muscle and joint pain, immune support, stress, tension
- Blends Well With: Citrus oils, conifer oils, herbal oils, floral oils
- Notes: Also known as the “Queen of Herbs,” Holy Basil is revered in India as the avatar of the goddess Lakshmi (Tulasi). Because of the significant eugenol, Tulsi essential oil may interact with SSRI and MAOI medications. Always check the GC/MS for eugenol content. (What’s a GC/MS? Find out here.)
Recommended Suppliers
- Holy Basil/Tulsi essential oil (Ocimum sanctum / O. tenuiflorum):
- Aromatics International, sustainable
- Plant Therapy (not currently available).
Tulsi, the Adapting Energy Shield
Learn more about the adaptive energy of Holy Basil and make the Adapting Energy Shield essential oil blend that can be used in your diffuser, an aromatherapy inhaler, or in a topical cream or oil.
Now, think about it. Which 13 essential oils would you choose?
Recommended Reading
Catty, S. (2001). Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy. Healing Arts Press.
Pressler, C. (2024). Lavender: Lavender Recipes & the Plant Behind the Oil. momaromas. (Available at Amazon and Etsy).
Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Worwood, VA. (2016). The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. New World Library.
📌Essential Oils Pins
Favorite Suppliers for Essential Oils & Hydrosols
Preferred Essential Oil Suppliers
Each one of these favorite suppliers provides a wide selection of sustainably sourced, therapeutic, beautifully aromatic, pure essential oils, absolutes, and CO2 extracts. Browse their inventory and imagine the aromatic possibilities!
- Aromatics International for ethically wildcrafted, organically sourced, and Certified Organic essential oils and hydrosols (Mom’s AI favorites)
- Plant Therapy for Certified Organic and sustainably sourced, conventional essential oils and hydrosols (Mom’s PT favorites)
- Also at Plant Therapy on Amazon
- Edens Garden (on Amazon) for sustainably sourced, conventional essential oils (Mom’s EG favorites)
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is for educational purposes only.
All recipes provided are for personal use and are not designed for re-sale or large-scale manufacturing.
Please consult your doctor, naturopath, herbal practitioner, or other qualified health professional for medical advice and before starting any herbal regimen, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, have any existing medical conditions, or are taking any medications.
Chris P | Author, Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skin Care Formulator
Chris (“Mom”) enjoys formulating bespoke aromatherapy, skin care, and herbal products to support her family, pets, friends, and clients. She also loves experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. An avid reader, writer, and lifetime learner, Chris enthusiastically explores research rabbit holes and then writes about her discoveries.💚 (Learn more >>)
