Essential oils are great additions to your home. Whether you are using them for beauty, health or cleaning, they can benefit you in so many ways. These oils have been used for centuries and are well-known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Essential oils are aroma oils that are extracted from plants and flowers and have many different uses in our daily living. Keep in mind though, that some grades of oils are for therapeutic use only, meaning they cannot be used internally. Please make sure which grade of essential oil you have before its intended use and if you’re not sure, ask before you buy. Take care not to use essential oils directly on the skin as they may cause rash or sensitivity. Essential oils for topical use should always be mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut, olive or jojoba to name a few. Always test a small amount on the skin before using.
Following is a list of some of the most common essential oils and what their uses are.
Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia)
Lavender essential oil has been widely used in aromatherapy to ease depression and anxiety. It is the most common essential oil used today.
Lavender oil is used to reduce stress and aid in sleep. It is also well-known for its benefit to skin as a healing agent as well as helping to eliminate acne and other skin problems such as burns and mosquito bites. Try putting a little in your bath water next time, relax and enjoy!
Peppermint (Menthe Piparita)
A little Peppermint essential oil in a tea can help aid digestion and calm an upset stomach. Like Lavender, Peppermint is also great for the skin and brings the added bonus of repelling all types of insects. Insects don’t like the smell of Peppermint. Try a few drops around your doorways and windows.
Use a few drops of Peppermint mixed with a carrier oil to rub on the skin to soothe tired, achy muscles, refresh and cool down the skin, or, try soaking your tired, achy feet in a mixture of Peppermint oil and warm water. Add a bit of aloe juice or castile soap. Your feet will thank you!
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Tea Tree is well known and commonly used for its antibacterial benefits. There are so many uses for tea tree oil, it really is a must-have in the home. For healing, it can be used to treat minor cuts, burns, athlete’s foot and fungus and well as many skin and hair conditions. It is now being used as a natural alternative to chemical-filled lice remedies.
Shampoo containing Tea Tree oil is becoming more and more common because of its benefits to the hair and scalp. Tea Tree oil has been researched almost more than any other essential oil because of its high antibacterial qualities. This is one of the essential oils that should NEVER be taken internally. It is for topical use only.
There are so many kinds of essential oils and they all have amazing qualities. All in all, they make us healthier, happier and improve the quality of our lives and our homes. Whichever of these oils you choose to use, and however you choose to use them, it’s pretty much guaranteed that they will benefit you in some way.
Do you have a favourite essential oil? Let us know which one it is and how you use it.