I love essential oils. I used them to purify the air in my home, in my facial and skincare routine, in my household cleaning products and even in my toothpaste and mouth rinse.
Some of you may be just starting to explore what they are about and how they can be used. While others may have just purchased their first bottle or set and are not sure what to do next. It can be overwhelming trying to figure it all out, so I wanted to share a few tips on how to begin using essential oils in your everyday routines. Even if you are a seasoned essential oils user, there might be some new ideas that can help you.
DIFFUSE THE ESSENTIAL OILS
Diffuse lemon and peppermint in the morning or mid-afternoon for quick pick me up. Diffuse lavender essential oil when getting ready for bed as a way to calm down and relax for a good night’s rest. Combine lemon, lavender and peppermint essential oils when feeling sick to help with respiratory support. Diffusing intermittently provides the most benefit, usually 30-60 minutes on and then 30-60 minutes off is sufficient. Check the directions of the company you purchase essential oils from for their recommended diffusing time or contact them directly to find out.
GENERAL HOME USE
Make a room or linen spray with rose, lavender or clove essential oil to freshen linens, rooms or closets. Or use lavender essential oil to spray in bedrooms or on sheets to help with relaxation and encourage sleep. To make: in a glass spray bottle add 15-30 drops essential oil of choice, 2 TBSP witch hazel or vodka and 1/4 cup distilled water. Shake to mix and shake before each use.
Make a natural all purpose cleaning spray. Add a mix of 20-30 drops of tea tree, thyme, clove, oregano, eucalyptus and lavender essential oil with 30 ounces of distilled water in a glass spray bottle for all purpose cleaning and disinfecting. The above mentioned oils are not only antibacterial and antimicrobial, but also anti-fungal. Shake to mix before each use. Use for sinks, countertops, floors and anywhere else you would use a multi-purpose disinfecting cleaner. Be careful if using lemon or grapefruit essential oils on natural stone surfaces, such as granite, as the citrus essential oil can cause etching.
IN THE KITCHEN
Make a fruit and vegetable spray to clean and disinfect using lemon essential oil. Add to a glass spray bottle 1/4 cup white or apple cider vinegar, 3/4 cup distilled water and around 10 drops of lemon essential oil. You could also create your own blend using different types of citrus essential oils, such as lemon, lime and grapefruit. It is best to store in a glass bottle since some plastic material can be disintegrated by lemon essential oil.
IN THE BATHROOM
Besides cleaning your bathroom with the all purpose cleaner, you can add oils to your personal care products. Adding a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner is an easy way to use essential oils to make your bathroom feel like a spa. I love using a few drops of lemon essential oil in my shampoo. It is invigorating and makes my hair shiny and soft. Also, adding lavender essential oil to a bath
is a great way to unwind after a long day.
IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM
When doing laundry, add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the laundry soap dispenser after you add your laundry detergent to the washing machine. The lemon essential oil will lightly scent and freshen your laundry as well as help to keep the washing machine drum clean.
However you decide to include the amazing powers of essential oils into your life, have fun, and one important thing to remember when purchasing essential oils is to be sure to buy only 100% therapeutic grade, organic oils.