Essential oils are truly a gift from nature, and because they are derived from easily grown-plants, they can be found in a range of everyday products. If you're eager to learn more about them, the following list of essential oils can be used as a point of reference for your own home uses.
Bergamot. Bergamot essential oil has a refreshing, citrusy aroma. Its effect on mood is uplifting and calming, making it a wonderful choice for reducing stress and anxiety. The bright scent of bergamot is also known for promoting a sense of positivity and balance.
Chamomile. Chamomile essential oil has a gentle, soothing fragrance with a hint of sweetness. When it comes to mood, chamomile creates a calming, tranquil experience. This scent is often used as a sleep aid and tension reliever.
Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus essential oil exudes a fresh, invigorating scent that may remind you of a clean-smelling forest breeze. Its aroma has a cooling effect on the mind and body, offering relief from mental fatigue while promoting clarity. The powerful fragrance of eucalyptus can also help clear congestion, boosting respiratory health.
Grapefruit. This essential oil has a vibrant citrusy aroma, smelling a lot like ripe, juicy grapefruits. It uplifts moods, making it an excellent choice for clearing away feelings of sadness and fatigue. The revitalizing scent of grapefruit can promote a sense of optimism and playfulness.
Jasmine. This essential oil has a rich, sweet, floral fragrance that comes across as exotic and a bit alluring. It can be both intensely calming and mood-lifting, making it an excellent choice for reducing anxiety.
Lavender. This popular essential oil has a fresh, floral scent with soothing herbal notes. It's often used as a calming, comforting scent, making it a great choice for relaxation and stress relief. The gentle scent of lavender can also be used to create a peaceful ambiance.
Lemon. Lemon essential oil has a bright, citrusy aroma that instantly uplifts the spirits. Invigorating and refreshing, this scent can boost focus and mental clarity. The sunny scent of lemon can also help create a positive outlook and a sense of renewed energy.
Lemongrass. It has a strong, citrusy scent with earthy undertones. Lemongrass is revitalizing and purifying, making it an excellent choice for reducing feelings of tension and exhaustion.
Orange. The familiar scent of this essential oil has a sweet, robust citrus aroma that can be cheerful and comforting. Because the scent is uplifting, it's often used to create positive energy. Orange oil can also inspire creativity.
Peppermint. Peppermint is one of the most popular essential oils, which has a fresh, minty aroma with a noticeable cooling sensation. It can be invigorating and energizing, making it a good choice for boosting focus and alertness. The crisp scent of peppermint can also help alleviate tension.
Rose. This oil has a luxurious, romantic floral scent that can be soothing, creating a sense of peaceful harmony. Rose can also be heartwarming, boosting feelings of self-love, compassion and tenderness.
Sandalwood. Rich and woody, this essential oil's aroma includes sweet, earthy notes. The serene scent of sandalwood can promote a sense of inner peace and spiritual connection.
Tea Tree. This essential oil has a fresh, medicinal scent with herbal undertones. When used for aromatherapy, its effect on mood is cleansing and invigorating. The purifying scent of tea tree can also help support clear breathing and a healthy immune system.
Ylang-Ylang. This essential oil has a sweet, exotic floral aroma that is euphoric and uniquely uplifting. This luxurious scent can also be used to create a relaxing, romantic atmosphere.
Popular Ways to Make Use of Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for generations in a variety of ways and we're going to share some of the most popular uses.
Please be mindful of following safety measures when using these oils at home. It’s important for safety to keep your collection of essential oils out of the reach of children and pets. Also, be sure to never use undiluted essential oils on the skin or hair and prevent the oils from coming into contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that utilizes the aromatic properties of essential oils to promote relaxation, reduce stress and enhance feelings of overall well-being. The aroma of the oils is directly absorbed by the olfactory system, influencing the limbic system, which plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, memory and hormones.
You can enjoy the benefits of at-home aromatherapy using a diffuser. Ultrasonic diffusers are a popular distribution method for at-home aromatherapy sessions. Once you select your preferred essential oils for the diffuser, add a few drops to its container, turn it on and relax as it automatically disperses the scent into the air. Some diffuser designs even include colored lights to further enhance your enjoyment of enticing fragrances.
Essential Oils for the Skin
Essential oils have long been used as ingredients for face and body creams, lotions, face masks and tonics. However, it's important to be selective to ensure you use only the best essential oils proven to be beneficial for the skin.
Here are some suggestions:
Balance Oily Skin
Some types of essential oils can be beneficial for oily skin. Tea Tree oil, with its powerful antimicrobial properties, can help control excess oil and combat acne-causing bacteria. Bergamot is another oil that is proven to be good for achieving a balanced skin tone.
Moisturizing and Nourishing
Many essential oils are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, making them ideal skin moisturizers. Oils such as rosehip and lavender help the skin retain much-needed moisture. This results in leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. These oils can be used in homemade facial and body moisturizers or mixed with carrier oil (jojoba, fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed, etc.) for direct application.
Growing Hair
Among the essential oils most often used to stimulate hair growth are castor, argan and tea tree oils.