Essential Essential Oils
Coaxed from leaves, roots, tree bark, fruit peels, or flower petals, essential oils carry a plant's very life force. Combined in different ways, these highly concentrated oils contain potent natural compounds that can be used as medicine, for beauty and pampering, for perfumes and aromatherapy, and for household purposes such as cleaning, polishing, and disinfecting. Like plants, the varieties and uses are nearly limitless. But the alchemy of essential oils needn't be an esoteric mystery.

Although there are hundreds of oils, all you need are these four to create natural, indulgent spa treatments and healthy home recipes: calming lavender, uplifting lemon, revitalizing eucalyptus, and invigorating peppermint.