Essential oils, also known as ethereal oils, are liquid compounds derived from plants. The word essential is used to denote that the oil contains the essence of the plan’s fragrance. Essential oils have been an inseparable part of alternative medicine and aromatherapy for ages, but they are used for many other purposes as well. Keep reading to find out about twenty different uses of essential oils, how to stash them and when to avoid them.
1. Get Rid of Bruises
Use arnica essential oil blend to get rid of bruises. Arnica is an herb that is used for pain relief and bruising thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica essential oil can also reduce swelling because it increases blood circulation. You can apply it directly on the bruised area few times a day for best results. Arnica oil shouldn’t be taken orally because it can cause severe health problems.
2. Quick Headache Relief
Peppermint and lavender essential oil blend can give you an instant headache relief. You can blend essential oils yourself if you cannot find the desired mix. To get rid of an annoying headache, blend peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus oils. Apply this remedy on the back of your neck, below the nose and behind the ears and gently rub it into your skin.
3. Effective Insect Repellent
You can use citronella and basil essential oils as effective insect repellents. Add a few drops of citronella blend in organic coconut oil and apply it on your skin to keep the mosquitoes away.
4. Safe Cleaning Product
Stay away from aggressive chemicals and blend your own natural disinfectant. Use tea tree and eucalyptus oils to make a powerful, but toxic-free cleaning product. Use ethanol to dilute a few drops of the oils and then mix it with water.
5. Pleasantly Smelling Bathroom
A clean citrus scent is very pleasant for the bathroom. Lemon essential can also be used to make a powerful disinfectant spray.
6. Stain Removal
Lemon essential oil has another very useful trait. You can use it to remove stains. Before you throw your t-shirt in the washing machine, apply lemon essential oil over the stain. You will be amazed with the result.
7. Carpet Refresher
To refresh your carpets, mix a few drops of geranium, lavender or peppermint oil with baking soda and spread the mixture all over your carpet. Leave it for about 10 or 15 minutes and then clean it with a vacuum cleaner.
8. Fresh Linens
With a piece of cloth, dab a little amount of your favorite essential oil and place it in the cabinet where you keep your clean linens.
9. Relaxation
Fast paced life can be exhausting. Essential oils can help you relax and ease tension. Add chamomile or jasmine to your bath and enjoy the soothing effect of these essential oils.
10. Stay Awake
The first thing that usually pops to mind when talking about essential oils is relaxation and sleep. However, some of them are very energizing and can help you stay awake when you are feeling tired or completely burn out. Sniffing rosemary oil will give you that much needed energy boost and will improve your focus and productivity.
11. Sore Feet
After a long and busy day your feet may become sore. A good remedy for your tired feet is peppermint oil blend. Soak your feet in warm water in which you’ve added few drops of peppermint oil. Peppermint contains menthol which has a cooling effect and is a proven pain reliever.
12. Boost the Immune System
Having strong immune system and good respiratory health is now more important than ever. Luckily, there are plenty of essential oils for immune support. Oregano oil can significantly boost your immune system and help ward off infections and colds. Use it to massage your feet, inhale it or use small doses orally.
13. Detox
Use ginger essential oil to detox your body. Add a few drops to your bath and soak for half an hour.
14. Treat Muscle Pain
Marjoram oil is famous for its healing properties. It is used to sooth anxiety, but it is also an excellent remedy for sore muscles and tension. You can use marjoram oil to relief period cramps as well.
15. Tension Relief
These stressful times can build up a lot of tension in your life. Relieve tension by gently massaging lavender oil into your temples and the back of the neck.
16. Glowing Skin
Lemongrass oil can give your skin radiant appearance because of its anti-inflammatory properties and it will also minimize the pores. You can add a drop or two to your facial cream and apply it on your face.
17. Luscious Hair
Chamomile essential oil will make your hair soft and shiny. Mix a few drops in carrier oil and use the mixture to massage your scalp.
18. Healthy Nails
You can blend your own nail strengthening serum by mixing two drops of lavender essential oil and a teaspoon of rosehip oil. Use tea tree oil instead of lavender if you have a nail infection.
19. Combat Dark Eye Circles
Erase the dark circles under your eyes with chamomile oil. Dilute the chamomile oil in coconut or jojoba oil to make it safe for skin application and apply it under your eyes.
20. Lose Weight
Essential oils can also be used to aid your weight loss journey. Some of them are excellent energizers that can boost your strength and others are great appetite suppressants. Inhale rosemary oil to improve performance at the gym or sniff lavender oil to reduce cravings for high calorie foods.
How to Store Essential Oils
Proper storing of essential oils is important because it prolongs their ‘shelf life’. Essential oil blends are volatile compounds and must be kept in dark and cold places. Make sure that you always tighten the lid to avoid oxidation.
When to Avoid Essential Oils
Avoid using essential oils on open sores and mucous membranes. Before using an essential oil blend, make sure that you are not allergic to any of the substances. Avoid using undiluted essential oils on your skin because they can cause burns and rashes. Consult your doctor before taking them orally especially if you are pregnant.
