If you haven’t already boarded the essential oil train, it’s time to get on. Essential oils are fantastic herbal remedies that can help heal your body, inside and out. Different oils can also influence the way you feel, emotionally and mentally. For example, essential oils are used in aromatherapy to help calm the mind or cleanse nasal pathways.
There are many uses for essential oils and picking which ones to use is entirely up to you. You have to figure out which oils are going to benefit what you are trying to address. For instance, someone with dermatitis or psoriasis might turn to tea tree oil, while a congested person might use eucalyptus oil in a diffuser. Since there are so many different essential oils and myriad ways to use them, we’ve compiled our 5 favorite ones and listed their benefits.
Lemon Oil
We are crazy about lemon water, but let’s face it: you aren’t always going to have a lemon on you. This is where food grade lemon essential oil can come in handy. Mix 1-2 drops in about 10 ounces of water as a lemon water substitute. This helps to alkalize the body and improve your complexion. You can put it in a diffuser at home to promote positivity, or drop a few drops in your trash to combat the smell.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, has powerful medicinal properties. You can make a natural cleaner, use it topically to sooth skin conditions, or even cleanse your yoga mat with it. If you have a rash, for example, pour 10-15 drops of tea tree oil in a warm bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes as a natural remedy.
Lavender Oil
Lavender has a very calming scent, which can benefit you if you are trying to induce a deeper sleep. One of the most widely used essential oils, lavender can be used in many ways. You can place a couple drops on the underside of your pillow for peaceful sleep, or place 3 drops on a cotton ball and place it in your closet to naturally repel moths.
Peppermint Oil
Before we list the benefits of peppermint oil, we have to tell you that you must dilute it in another oil (like olive, carrier, or coconut oil) if you are going to use it on your skin. If you need a natural energy boost, place one drop in your morning tea, but make sure the oil is food grade. Dilute one drop of peppermint oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil and apply this to your temples to naturally relieve stress. You can also make the same dilution and apply it to your stomach, if you have digestive discomfort.
Sandalwood Oil
While this oil can be on the pricier side, it can last you a very long time. Dilute one drop of sandalwood oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil and apply it to your neck to boost your mood. You can also place 1-3 drops in a warm bath to promote overall happiness.