Essential Oils in Everyday Life: How We Use Lavender, Citrus, Eucalyptus and More to Support Body and Mood

What Are Essential Oils? Benefits, Uses & Safety

Evergreen guide for our community at Megan’s Pantry

Essential oils (EOs) are naturally occurring aromatic compounds steam‑distilled or cold‑pressed from plants. Because they’re concentrated, a drop carries the plant’s characteristic scent and many of its volatile compounds. We use them primarily for aromatherapy—to create a calm, uplifting environment—and in topical DIYs with proper carrier oils and dilution.

Important: We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils. Enjoy them through diffusion, inhalation, or properly diluted topical use. (One exception on our site: in our Autumn Spice Tea and our Floral Zen Tea we use a tiny touch of orange essential oil as a natural flavor within a whole‑leaf tea blend, which is formulated specifically for brewing.)

How Aromatherapy Works for Mood: The Simple Science

When you inhale aroma molecules, they interact with receptors in the nose that send signals to the limbic system—the part of the brain involved in emotion, memory, and mood. It’s why lavender can feel calming, eucalyptus can feel clarifying, and citrus oils (like orange or grapefruit) can feel energizing. We don't believe it is a coincidence that God gave us these receptors. We are intended to use these to find wellness in His goodness.

The Essential Oils We Use at Megan’s Pantry

Below are the core oils you’ll see in our Signature Essential Oil Blends and Essential Oil Candles, plus where you’ll find them on our site.

Lavender

• Why we love it: Soothing and serene; a favorite for winding down in the evening.
• Find it in: Serenity diffuser blend (Lavender + Eucalyptus).
• Try it for: Quiet reading time, post‑bath calm, or a gentle bedtime atmosphere.

Eucalyptus

• Why we love it: Fresh, spa‑like clarity; pairs beautifully with lavender and rosemary.
• Find it in: Serenity (with Lavender) and Peace (with Grapefruit + Rosemary) diffuser blends.
• Try it for: Morning shower steam or mid‑day mental reset.

Sweet Orange

• Why we love it: Bright, sunny, and mood‑lifting.
• Find it in: Joy diffuser blend (Orange + Grapefruit), Autumn Spice Tea (as a touch of orange essential oil in the tea blend), and our citrus‑forward candles.
• Try it for: Creating an inviting kitchen or workspace.

Grapefruit

• Why we love it: Sparkling and crisp; a cheerful counterpart to sweet orange.
• Find it in: Joy diffuser blend (with Orange) and Peace (with Eucalyptus + Rosemary).
• Try it for: A pick‑me‑up during afternoon slumps.

Rosemary

• Why we love it: Herbaceous focus; traditionally associated with clarity.
• Find it in: Grace diffuser blend (with Palmarosa) and Peace (with Eucalyptus + Grapefruit).
• Try it for: Study sessions or planning days.

Palmarosa

• Why we love it: Soft, rosy‑green; lends a balancing, elegant note to herbals.
• Find it in: Grace diffuser blend (with Rosemary).
• Try it for: Quiet mornings, journaling, or creative work.

How to Use Essential Oils & Candles: Easy Diffuser Routines

Always diffuse in a well‑ventilated space and follow label guidance. For skin, dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, fractionated coconut) at ~1–2% for daily use.

1) Diffuser Routines

• Unwind: 6–8 drops Serenity in a diffuser 30 minutes before bed.
• Joyful Morning: 6–8 drops Joy while you prep breakfast.
• Focused Work: 6–8 drops Grace during study or planning time.
• Peaceful Reset: 6–8 drops Peace after errands to freshen your space.

2) Candle Ambiance

Our essential oil candles scent gently (without heavy synthetics) while you read, host friends, or enjoy dinner. Try:

Autumn Spice Candle for a warm, spiced glow.

Joy Candle for a bright, citrus lift in living areas.

3) Tea + Aroma Pairings

🍊 Autumn Spice Tea + Joy diffuser blend for an uplifting afternoon.

🪻 Relax Tea + Serenity for a calming evening routine.

🌺 Island Hibiscus Tea + Peace when you want a breezy, restorative mood.

Essential Oil Safety: Dilution, Pets & Pregnancy

Dilution: For everyday skin use, 1–2% (about 6–12 drops per ounce of carrier oil). For children or sensitive skin, consult a qualified professional.

Pets & Pregnancy: Check with your healthcare provider/veterinarian before diffusing around pets or using oils during pregnancy.

Storage: Keep bottles tightly closed, away from heat/light, and out of reach of children.

Gratitude for the Gifts of Nature

We give thanks to God for the plants that inspire every blend—the lavender fields, citrus groves, bright rosemary, and gentle florals. It’s a privilege to craft products that help align our daily lives with the peace and well-being He intends for us. We’re grateful to share these gifts with you and your home.

Shop the Collection

Signature Essential Oil Diffuser Blends (2 oz) — Serenity, Joy, Grace, Peace

Essential Oil Blends — Half‑Ounce Sets — curated minis for gifting and travel

Essential‑Oil Candles — including Joy and Autumn Spice

Whole‑Leaf Teas — Autumn Spice, Relax, Island Hibiscus, English Breakfast

FAQs: Essential Oils, Diffusers & Candles

Q: How many drops should I use in my diffuser?
A: Start with 6–8 drops per medium-sized room. Adjust up or down based on your space and sensitivity.

Q: Can I apply essential oils directly to my skin?
A: Always dilute in a carrier oil. For daily use, a 1–2% dilution (about 6–12 drops per ounce of carrier) is a common guideline.

Q: Are essential oils safe for pets or during pregnancy?
A: Some oils can be problematic. Consult your veterinarian or healthcare provider before use, ensure good ventilation, and never confine pets with active diffusion.

Q: Do your candles use essential oils for scent?
A: Yes, our candles are scented with essential oils for a gentler, true‑to‑plant aroma.