10 Essential Oils Every Mom Needs (and how I use them every day)

Essential oils make mom life so much easier, and after 22 years of using them, I can honestly say I wouldn’t want to parent without them.

My love of essential oils started out of pure desperation.

Back in 2002, when my first baby was born, she was sensitive to everything—skin sensitivities, food allergies, you name it. Diapers were the first big battle. Every single brand I tried (and I tried them all) gave her horrible rashes.

So I switched to cloth diapers, and at first, her skin cleared up. But then I realized even my bleach-cleaned cloth diapers were bothering her. No matter how many times I rinsed, the lingering bleach smell meant one very uncomfortable baby.

I dug into researching natural cleaning solutions. That’s when I discovered tea tree essential oil—a natural disinfectant that worked to clean and disinfect without leaving and harmful or irritating residue. I started adding a few drops to my diaper laundry, and it worked!

That was my first taste of how powerful essential oils could be.

Fast forward two decades, and essential oils are an everyday part of our life. From natural cleaning to supporting emotional and physical health, these little bottles have been lifesavers through every season of motherhood.

If you’re just getting started, here are the 10 essential oils I think every mom should have in her home—and exactly how I use them.

1. Lemon – The Fresh Start Oil

Bright, fresh, and energizing, lemon oil is perfect for both cleaning and mood-boosting.

Add 1–2 drops to a tall glass of water for a refreshing, cleansing drink
Diffuse to freshen the whole house
Rub on sticky messes (like stubborn sticker residue)
Polish a whiteboard or stainless steel for a streak-free shine

2. Lavender – The Calm Everything Oil

Lavender is like an instant calm button for everything. It’s my go-to for stressful times, bedtime, and even soothing scrapes and sunburns.

Diffuse before bed to help everyone wind down
Add to a bath with Epsom salts for relaxation
Mix with coconut oil and rub on feet or the back of the neck for a calming effect
Apply diluted to minor skin irritations

3. Peppermint – The Pick-Me-Up Oil

Whether it’s tension, heat, or sheer mom exhaustion, peppermint is a lifesaver.

Breathe it in: Rub a drop between your palms, cup over your nose, and inhale
Add a drop to water for a refreshing drink (glass only—no plastic cups!)
Make a cooling spray for hot days: water + peppermint + spritz on your neck
Massage into sore muscles with coconut oil

4. Tea Tree – The First-Aid Oil

The oil that started it all for me! Tea tree is a must-have for all things natural cleaning and skin support.

Dab on blemishes (diluted if needed)
Add 10 drops to a water-and-vinegar spray for a non-toxic cleaner
Apply diluted to scrapes and cuts
Mix with baking soda for a scrub that makes sinks and tubs sparkle

5. Frankincense – The “Everything” Oil

The “king of oils” deserves a crown. It’s grounding, calming, great for skin, and supports overall wellness.

Add to your moisturizer for glowing skin
Diffuse with peppermint for an energizing boost
Apply to the back of your neck for stress relief
Breathe deeply with the 4-4-4 technique (inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4)

6. Oregano – The Bodyguard Oil

This one’s strong, but it’s powerful for immune support. (Always dilute heavily!)

Mix with coconut oil and rub on the soles of your feet during cold season
Diffuse with On Guard and Breathe for wellness support
Add ONE drop to spaghetti sauce for a rich, herbal flavor (seriously—one drop!)

7. On Guard – The Defender Blend

My family’s secret weapon against seasonal germs.

Rub on the bottoms of feet for immune support
Diffuse to keep the air fresh and clean
Use in a DIY cleaning spray
Make On Guard Apples (kid-approved!):
    1. Slice apples
    2. Soak in water + 2–3 drops of On Guard for 5 minutes
    3. Drain & serve—yum!

8. Breathe – The Congestion Buster

Perfect for stuffy noses and restless nights.

Diffuse at night for easier breathing
Rub diluted on chest or feet
Add a few drops to the shower floor for a spa-like steam

9. DigestZen – The Tummy Tamer

For upset tummies, this blend is pure magic.

Rub diluted on the belly for quick relief
Add a drop to your water or tea for digestive support

10. Deep Blue – The Sore Muscle Soother

This is my post-workout and long-day lifesaver.

Rub on sore muscles after a workout
Massage into achy feet after a long day of running around
Apply to the back of the neck for head tension

Why I Only Use doTERRA Oils

Over the years, I’ve tried all the brands—from health food stores to random online shops—and nothing compares to doTERRA’s purity and quality. Once I switched, I tossed all the others.

You’ve Got This

Essential oils are one of the simplest, safest ways to care for your family naturally. They’re easy to use, they smell amazing, and—maybe most importantly—they help you take care of yourself and your loved ones with confidence.

The empowerment I felt when I solved my baby’s diaper rash all those years ago has stuck with me. It was the first time I realized I didn’t have to run to an “expert” for every little thing. And I love that I can model that same empowered, natural approach to wellness for my kids.