Essential oils on a budget? Really?
Ever heard…
Oils are too expensive!
I could never afford those!
That’s not a very big bottle is it?
Have you ever had any of these thoughts?
Have you been holding back from using your essential oils because of the cost?
Are you saving them for a special occasion, rainy day or for when you really need them?
Well, I’ll let you in on a secret. Essential Oils don’t work if you leave them in the box or on the shelf. And the important question is “What price do you put on your health or the health of your family?” For me prevention is better than cure and every essential oil I use is a harmful chemical I don’t use.
If you’re worried about how much they cost, then here are the best affordable essential oils under $20 and how you can use them to ensure you get the maximum benefits out of every drop. We all love to save money where we can, don’t we?
How to get the most out of your essential oils?
I’m going to let you in on a secret.
There are an average of…
250 – 300 drops of oil in a 15 mL bottle & 75 – 100 drops of oil in a 5 mL bottle. This depends on the viscosity (how thick the oil is). When trying to work out the cost per drop of an essential oil I usually divide the bottle price by 250 drops for a 15mL or 75 drops for a 5mL bottle.
And the thing about Young Living essential oils is that they are super potent. If I am trying out a new DIY recipe I have found on Pinterest I always halve the number of drops they recommend (unless they’re a Young Living user). This is because most essential oils are not as pure or potent as Young Living essential oils. So you need significantly less YL oils to get the same (or better) results as with most other brands. Why? You can learn more about what makes Young Living essential oils different here.
Diluting essential oils helps them go further
A lot of essential oils you buy in shops have already been diluted with carrier oils like jojoba (these will say something like 3% on the label to indicate how much of the pure essential oil is in the bottle). But, beware because they could have nasty chemicals like propylene glycol added to extend the actual essential oil and make them cheaper. The companies producing the latter don’t usually tell you what other ingredients are in the bottle, so it’s a case of buyer beware. These chemicals are often skin and lung irritants and become even nastier chemicals if heated.
I prefer to buy pure essential oils that haven’t been diluted as they have many more uses and then I can choose which carrier oil I want to dilute them with, if necessary.
Even though Young Living’s essential oils are pure and many can be used neat (straight out of the bottle) I prefer to dilute them for two reasons:
- Dilution means a single drop of essential oil in a good quality carrier oil can be dispersed over a greater surface area of your body. If you have a tight muscle in your thigh you can massage 1 drop of Panaway essential oil in a tbs of V6 Carrier oil over the entire muscle for relief. Whereas, if you used Panaway neat (straight out of the bottle) you would need a lot more drops to cover the entire muscle.
- Essential Oils are fat (lipid) soluble and can get absorbed into the body faster if they are in a carrier oil (hence the name carrier). Essential oils dissolve into oil, not water and even though our bodies are made up of a lot of water they have to get through the fat layers under our skin before they get into our bodies. Carrier oils such as V6 Vegetable Complex, Almond oil, Macadamia Oil, Jojoba, Grapeseed etc are all great ways to dilute essential oils and ensure that the essential oil molecules get into our bodies faster, so they can start working quicker.
You can learn more about diluting essential oils here.
Diffusing essential oils is a great way to save money
I only use pure essential oils in my diffuser as the ones which have been diluted with a carrier oil can often clog up the ultrasonic plate and void the warranty on your diffuser if it stops working.
And less is more. We think that in order for essential oils to work we have to put in more drops. This isn’t exactly true. Diffusers are designed to turn essential oils into a microfine mist which we inhale. These tiny molecules get into our bloodstreams and start working within a few minutes.
Some people ask, “If I don’t put in more drops, why can’t I smell it after a while???
That’s not because it’s no longer working, it is often because your nose has acclimatised to the aroma. BUT it is still working. This is why you will often see in essential oil reference books a suggested time for diffusing essential oils. This is the optimal time to get the result you are looking for. Sure most of us pop our diffuser on in the morning or before bed and let it run until it turns off because it has run out of water. However, if you’re looking to save money, try setting a timer and diffusing your oils for shorter periods of time. Best of all, it might save you $$$ on your electricity bill too.
Best Essential Oils on a budget under $20
There are a few single essential oils that are soooo incredibly awesome value. Not only are they under $20 but their benefits are immense. Even if you only diffuse these essential oils on a daily basis you’ll find you feel healthier, happier, more focussed and have improved sleep.
They are:
Cedarwood Essential Oil 15mL
Wholesale Price $19.75 that’s 8 cents a drop
Cedarwood Essential Oil is a natural deodoriser. Use to freshen the air in your home while creating a calmer and more relaxing environment.
It also good for SLEEP!
Uses for Cedarwood Essential Oil
- Diffuse 4-6 drops at night or add one drop to the bottom of each foot for a more restful night’s sleep.
- Add 20 drops to your shampoo/conditioner bottles for healthier, shinier hair. Guys love the extra benefits Cedarwood gives their hair.
- There is a reason my Grandma used to put Cedar balls in her closets and pantry.
- Add 20 drops to a 120ml spray bottle of water and spray on clothes and skin to keep your outdoor time annoyance-free. Mix with Lemongrass, Clove, and/or Citronella for added benefit.
Cedarwood Wellness Essential Oil 15mL
Wholesale Price $19.75 that’s 8 cents a drop
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- To relieve fatigue and feelings of weakness;
- As an expectorant to clear respiratory tract mucous;
- To decrease symptoms of stress;
- Aids the body to cope with environmental stress;
- To support a healthy stress response in the body;
- To relieve mild tissue oedema; and
- As an antiseptic for minor cuts and abrasions.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Not to be taken. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional.
Jade Lemon Essential Oil 5mL
Wholesale Price $18.75 that’s 25 cents per drop
A lot of people ask, what is the difference between Jade Lemon essential oil and Lemon essential oil? The answer is interesting! While other types of lemons begin to release some of their oils aromatically as they ripen and turn yellow, Jade Lemon remains green throughout maturity, which allows the concentration of oil to gather within the fruit. The essential oil is only released after the fruit is picked. This gives the essential oil a much richer and fragrant scent! No wonder it smells so potent and sweet!
Below are some other fun facts and new ways to use Jade Lemon essential oil in your life:
- Young Living’s Jade Lemon is sourced from China, and it’s scientific name is Citrus Limon L. Var. Eureka.
- Jade Lemon Essential Oil is cold pressed from the rind of the Jade Lemon. These fruits are bright green in colour, contrary to the belief that lemons are usually yellow.
- In 2012, Gary Young traveled to Taiwan and visited with Dr. Ginn Lee who introduced him to many native plants and essential oils… Jade Lemon being one of them! Gary quickly fell in love with it’s sweet scent!
- Jade Lemon has high levels of D Limonene and Carvone. Both of these constituents have been heavily studied for their many benefits.
Uses for Jade Lemon:
- Diffuse! Personally, I love the diffusing just Jade Lemon, but combining it with a drop or two of Peppermint ALWAYS gets me compliments on the scent of my home. This is a combo I diffuse ALL THE TIME!
- Put a few drops on a cotton ball or rag to help remove stickiness or residue left behind from stickers or glue. I used to hate buying new glassware because of the pain and stress it took getting the sale stickers cleanly removed, until I came across this helpful hint!
- For you parents out there.. use Jade Lemon to help remove gum from hair or crayons/markers from walls! I haven’t had to whip out the Jade Lemon for these reasons in the last few years thank god…
- Mix with Citronella essential oil for a delicious scented outdoor annoyance free spray. This also works great in the new Aroma Globe portable diffuser.
Lemongrass Essential Oil 15mL
Wholesale Price $18.75 that’s 7.5 cents per drop
Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Used for everything – cleaning, cosmetics, sleep aid, stress reliever, muscle soother, and more.
- Apply 1-2 drops to a carrier oil to rub on tired muscles post-workout or to tired feet after a long, tiring day.
- Add 1 drop to your cleanser or moisturiser to help purify the skin to help give a deep cleanse.
- Great as a natural nail polish remover. Just apply drops to cotton balls and use to rub off your nail polish without the harmful chemicals or toxic fumes.
*Science Note – One drop of essential oil can contain hundreds of different compounds that all serve different purposes. Do a quick Google search on the terpene properties of Lemongrass essential oil and prepare to be amazed.
Lemongrass Wellness Essential Oil 15mL
Wholesale Price $18.75 that’s 7.5 cents per drop
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- To reduce symptoms and duration of headaches;
- As an analgesic to relieve pain;
- To relieve mild rheumatic aches and pains;
- To relieve the symptoms, severity of the common cold and flu;
- To decrease symptoms of head cold;
- To reduce body temperature;
- To reduce flatulence;
- To relieve symptoms of indigestion; and
- To promote and maintain healthy digestion.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Not to be taken. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional.
Lemon Essential Oil 15mL
Wholesale Price $18.75 that’s 7.5 cents per drop
We may refer to Lemon as an essential oil, but technically it’s an expressed oil as it is cold-pressed from the rind. It contains the naturally occurring constituent d-limonene. Google it to discover its amazing benefits, as I can’t go into all the details here.
Fascinating fact: it takes 75 lemons to make a 15ml bottle of Lemon oil.
Uses for Lemon essential oil
- Lemon is great for cleaning as it smells really fresh, particularly in the bathroom and kitchen.
- It helps to get rid of anything sticky, so it’s ideal for removing sticky tape, crayon etc.
- Put a few drops on your kitchen sponge to give it a fresh smell.
- Use 1 drop on newspaper and rub on glass to remove streaky marks.
- Diffuse for emotional issues such as anger, apathy, day dreaming, lack of concentration, despair, frustration, guilt, or jealousy.
- Use a drop on your third eye chakra for tranquility.
- Soothe or prevent dry skin on your feet by rubbing Lemon essential oil on the affected area daily.
- It’s another great essential oil for when I want to focus for long periods of time.
- I diffuse Lemon essential oil and add it to my homemade chest rub
Safety: Always use only as directed. Lemon is a photosensitive oil and so you should avoid exposure to the sun for around 48 hours after using it on your skin – or put it where the sun doesn’t shine!
Lemon Wellness Essential Oil 15mL
Wholesale Price $18.75 that’s 7.5 cents per drop
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- To increase mental stamina;
- To enhance mental alertness;
- To reduce nausea;
- To reduce the occurrence of nausea;
- To stimulate blood flow to skin;
- As an antispasmodic;
- To relieve flatulence; and
- To support healthy emotional balance.
Lime Essential Oil 15mL
Wholesale Price $19.75 that’s 8 cents a drop
Limes can be grown year-round and while their exact origin is uncertain, it is a common belief that limes originated somewhere is Indonesia or Asia. Lime essential oil has a sweet refreshing scent that can uplift your environment. Not only is lime a great option for your diffuser, but it also can support radiant looking skin. Many people love using Lime in their nightly skincare routine or in DIY lotions and creams but it is photosensitive (read more here).
Uses for Lime Essential Oil
- The most common way I use Lime is to add it to avocado to make guacamole or in Gin & Tonic. Believe me at 8 cents a drop it is heaps cheaper than buying fresh limes at the supermarket.
- Mix Lime & Rosemary with magnesium flakes or epsom salt for a relaxing bath soak.
- Diffuse this crisp citrus oil to bring a little bit of summer to your home. Pair Lime with other citrus oils, with herbaceous oils like Lavender and Rosemary, or with candle-inspired blends to add a lighter note to the fragrance.
Orange Essential Oil 15mL
Wholesale Price $17.75 that’s 7 cents per drop
Like Lemon, Orange is an expressed oil as it is cold-pressed from the rind. Known as liquid sunshine, Orange essential oil has a sweet and uplifting aroma that brightens any room and cleanses the air when diffused. This happy citrus oil pairs well with just about anything and is a wonderful addition to roller blends and DIYs.
Uses for Orange essential oil
- Breathe deep its bright, sweet scent to help you express creativity and bring joyous moments into your home.
- Massage muscles and joints after strenuous workouts.
- Perfect for oily skin types, add it to your skincare products to help smoothen the appearance of skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
- Clean your home by adding a few drops to your Thieves Household Cleaner.
- Diffuse to create a refreshing and uplifting environment.
Orange Wellness Essential Oil 15mL
Wholesale Price $17.75 that’s 7 cents per drop
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- To induce sleep;
- To promote refreshing sleep and healthy sleep patterns;
- To reduce the time to fall asleep;
- To relieve constipation;
- To relieve flatulence;
- To decrease the loss of appetite;
- To maintain and help regulate a healthy appetite;
- To reduce the symptoms and occurrence of mild anxiety;
- To aid in mind relaxation;
- To increase body relaxation; and
- As a nervous system relaxant.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Not to be taken. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional.
Spearmint Essential Oil 5mL
Wholesale Price $18.75 that’s 25 cents per drop
Spearmint essential oil can be diffused, used to freshen breath, or inhaled or applied topically for its cool and comforting aroma.
Uses for Spearmint Essential Oil
- Inhale Spearmint or massage it over your abdomen following meals or while traveling to enjoy its comforting aroma.
- Add a few drops to your shampoo, body lotion, or hand soap for a burst of sweet, minty scent.
- Diffuse it with Citrus Fresh or Tangerine for a fresh and uplifting aroma.
- Use instead of Peppermint for a softer aroma or with children under 3 years.
Essential Oil Blends under $20
Christmas Spirit Essential Oil Blend 5mL
Wholesale Price $17.75 that’s 24 cents per drop
With the combination of Orange, Cinnamon Bark, and Spruce, it will promote feelings of joy and peace. It’s worth using all year long!
Uses for Christmas Spirit
- Add 10 drops to the filter in your vacuum cleaner or combine with ½ cup of bicarb soda for a carpet freshener to keep your home smelling fresh.
- Put a couple drops of Christmas Spirit on a cotton ball and place near doorways or on the veranda to stay annoyance-free outdoors.
- Put a couple drops of Christmas Spirit on small wool/felt balls and sew together to make a snowman Christmas decoration for your tree that smells amazing.
R.C. Essential Oil Blend 5mL
Wholesale Price $17.75 that’s 24 cents per drop
Relax, revitalise, rejuvenate, and refresh all from one bottle! An affordable blend of 10 essential oils you need in your collection.
Uses for R.C.
- Apply a drop of R.C. to your chest and wrists every morning for an energizing and uplifting start to your day.
- Put a couple drops of R.C. in the diffuser to clear the air and make your space more comfortable when it’s humid, smokey or when the room feels stuffy.
- Keep this one stocked in your wellness cabinet by ordering one every few months throughout the year so you have enough on hand for the winter months to keep everyone breathing easy.
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