Essential oils have been around for centuries. The ancient Egyptians used them as natural healing remedies among many other uses. But many of us are not only unaware of the numerous benefits of essential oils, but we also the many different kinds that exist. There are an overwhelming variety of essential oils out there, but if you are a newbie, there are 5 oils you should start implementing in your daily routine now.
Eucalyptus oil
This is my personal favorite for ultimate air freshness. The eucalyptus tree is an evergreen tree native to Australia. While it provides nutritional support for wildlife, the essential oils extracted from eucalyptus leaves have powerful health benefits.
Eucalyptus essential oil is highly effective for treating respiratory problems, particularly for those with asthma.
Using eucalyptus for asthma helps dilate blood vessels and allows more oxygen into the lungs. It also makes for a great air freshener.
How to use: Add a few drops into a spray bottle with water. You can use with your vacuum and even clothes dryer filters. The oil will help to freshen and sanitize the air in your home, furniture, clothes and carpets.
Tea Tree oil
Sadly, I suffer from a flaky scalp. After trying one expensive shampoo and another, I did my research on tea tree oil. Often referred to as a “medicine cabinet in a bottle,” I found that tea oil acts as an anti-fungal, killing the bacteria causing the over production of the skin cells creating hair flakes.
Tea tree contains soothing properties that help to calm the itching of a flare-up on your scalp and even skin. That’s right, even if you suffer from acne, tea tree should be your BFF. As a simple treatment, combine five drops of pure tea tree oil with two teaspoons of raw honey.
How to use: Gently rub the mixture onto your face, leave it on for about a minute, and then rinse with cool water.
Peppermint oil
A day or two after an intense workout may leave you feeling very sore. After a serious stretching session, apply some peppermint essential oil to your body for the ultimate cool down. Peppermint oil has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve muscle soreness and get you back in the gym in no time.
Another great use for peppermint oil is as a bug repellent. Ticks aren’t the only bugs that hate peppermint oil. Ants, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitos, mice, and even lice will be repelled as well. It’s a great pet safe option as well, so no harsh chemicals to expose your furry friends to.
How to use: Dip a cotton ball in peppermint oil and place in corners or bug problem areas of your home. This will keep the critters far far away!
Oregano oil
Believe it or not, oregano is not just for your spice rack. It’s the most beneficial and natural remedy for the cold and flu is oregano oil. Add a few drops of oregano oil to a bowl of boiling water, place a towel over your head and breathe in the powerful vapors for 5-10 minutes. The moist steam helps to loosen and drain mucus in the nasal passages and the antibacterial properties of the oil help to fight infections and relieve cold symptoms. I’ve also used oregano oil for sore throats.
How to use: Add a few drops of oregano oil to a glass of warm water and gargle with the blend. The antibacterial properties of the oil help to ward off bacteria and the anti-inflammatory properties help soothe an aching throat.
Lemongrass oil
When you need a mental lift and mood booster, Lemongrass essential oil is the way to go. Lemongrass oil has been proven to boost self-esteem, confidence, mental strength, and in some cases, even help to fight depression. You can also use lemongrass as a bug repellent, more so for mosquitos. I think this is the first summer where I can count my mosquito bites on just one hand.
How to use: Add 5 to 6 drops to your diffuser, or put a drop on your palms and inhale the scent. You can also put a drop on a cloth, or pillow for nighttime aromatherapy.
