Essential oils are a great way to keep your home smelling fresh, but did you know that they also have some practical uses? Many oils have health benefits, and some can even be used in household cleaning and maintenance. Here are three ”essential“ essential oils, and how you can start using them!
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has a very fresh, clean smell without being overbearing or harsh. It has numerous health benefits, including fighting infection and reducing inflammation. It can also help with headaches, ear infections, and even bug bites! Simply massage some diluted eucalyptus oil onto your temples, neck, or chest – or diffuse it in your home – to get relief for a variety of symptoms. It is commonly used in bathrooms: Coupled with the steam from warm showers, it can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and help you breathe better.
Lavender
Lavender is an incredibly powerful essential oil. One of its greatest benefits is its ability to act as a sleeping aid, thanks to its natural relaxing and stress-relieving properties. Lavender has also proven to be a mood enhancer, and can help combat depression, stress, and anxiety.
Because lavender is known to have antioxidants, it is also a great oil to help with skin conditions such as breakouts and eczema. You can dilute it with a carrier oil (like argan oil) and add it to your skincare regimen to fight off acne. You can also try adding a few drops of lavender oil to your shampoo to promote hair growth.
Lemon
Lemon citrus oil can help relieve nausea, which is why it is often used by pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. Lemon oil has also been shown to help with digestive issues when applied topically to the abdomen.
Lemon oil is also highly useful in the home. Simply add a few drops to a spray bottle of water, and you’ve got yourself an all-natural disinfectant! This could be used for kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, or other surfaces in your home. Additionally, if you happen to leave wet clothes in the washer for a little too long and want to get rid of any musky scent, you can add a few drops of lemon oil to the load before drying.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to remember that essential oils tend to be very strong, and they should not be applied directly onto the skin without being diluted, especially on children or infants. Always research how to use oils properly and ensure they are high quality. Used correctly, essential oils can have some incredible benefits – aside from just smelling good!