Amanda Turko
Essential oils have grown in popularity over recent years. These highly concentrated oils come in various scents, ranging from plants like eucalyptus and lavender to popular candle scents like lemon and cinnamon. Aside from simply making your home smell better, many essential oils also have health benefits.
Here are a few ways you can incorporate essential oils into your life, including some recommendations for which oils to try out and how.
Diffuser
One of the most common ways people use essential oils is in a diffuser. Fill the diffuser with water and add a few drops of your favorite scent. Lavender oil is great for creating a calming effect in any room. Any scent can be used in a diffuser; just be sure that your oils are pet-friendly before diffusing them in a home with animals.
Using Essential Oils on the Skin
Essential oils can even be used to treat the skin. Tea tree oil can help reduce the redness of acne, as well as helping to soothe and heal bug bites, and rosemary oil can be used on the scalp to help boost hair growth. Before using any essential oils on your skin, be sure to test a small patch on your body. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if any irritation occurs.
Bath Water
If you want to up the relaxation levels on your next bath, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your bath water before getting in. Not only will it help you unwind, it also can soothe muscles and relieve aches. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so be sure to add only a few drops.
Treating Illness
Some essential oils can be used to treat illnesses such as congestion and headaches. Keep a bottle of eucalyptus oil nearby when you are experiencing sinus issues like a stuffy nose, and peppermint oil is great for relieving headaches. Simply hold a bottle near your nose, inhale, and experience the effects of these natural remedies.
Insect Repellant
Have a bug problem in your home? Are gnats infesting your plants? Need to keep insects out of your garden? Peppermint oil is a safer remedy compared to chemicals and pesticides. Put a few drops of oil near windows or doors or anywhere insects enter your home to help deter them. For plants, fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of peppermint oil. Spray the leaves at least once daily and watch as your insect problem vanishes.
Disclaimer
Always be sure to watch carefully for any irritation or discomfort, and do not use essential oils to replace medical treatment. The information in this article should not be treated as professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for any questions or concerns regarding essential oils.
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