4. Frankincense
Not just for baby Jesus! This essential oil is one of the oldest known to man and is derived via extraction from one of four species of a rather hardy, wild-growing tree. Arid woodlands along the vast Arabian Peninsula, stretching into Egypt are where these trees are found, making the resin highly sought after throughout the whole of the world, from the furthest west reaching corners of Europe, too faraway China in the east.
Spiritually, religiously and culturally, the essential oil is of great significance to a great many people, but how is it useful in the home? A stress-reducing relaxant with anti-inflammatory properties, frankincense is also an excellent complement to virtually every other essential oil you can think of, making it the ideal base note in diffusers. Scars can be faded and wounds healed faster with the topical application of the oil, proof that at least one of the Three Wise Men was well in the know about his essential oils.