Essential oils have been used for years in aromatherapy and have been proven to promote health. They’re used in home diffusers, massage oils, body washes and even for dietary purposes in your food to promote digestion. Whether you use them for their healing properties, or just to relax your mind at the end of a stressful day, essential oils provide many different uses. Here are some of our favorite essential oils and why we love them.
Lavender Oil
Ever have trouble falling asleep? Lavender oil is your remedy. By putting some of this on the bottom of your feet before bed or mixing it in with distilled water and spritzing it lightly onto your pillow, this essential oil is proven to help you fall asleep faster and easier. The oil increases deep sleep cycles and keeps you asleep, something that can be helpful to all you insomniacs out there. Lavender oil can also be used to rid bad shoe odor — just add a few drops!
Tea Tree Oil
By now, you’ve probably heard about the wonders of tea tree oil, especially when it comes to healthy skin. This oil is most commonly used by applying directly onto the skin in order to rid of blemishes, like acne. Using a cotton swab, dab a small amount of tea tree oil onto any problem areas. An extra tip: use Calendula oil to fade any acne scars you may have left.
Chamomile Oil
Whether it’s in tea or oil form, chamomile is great for improving digestion and promoting relaxation. It’s a natural antidepressant that is meant to calm your body and lift your mood. Add a few drops to a hot bath before bed, or rub some onto your shoulders, neck, and back to relieve any unwanted tension. Chamomile oil can also be added to your conditioner for softer, moisturized hair.
Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit oil is mostly used to rid of fatigue and keep you focused. It’s your natural alternative to that extra cup of coffee! It can also reduce painful menstrual cramps or headaches. By mixing grapefruit oil and coconut oil, you can massage the blend onto stretch marks or cellulite to reduce their appearance. As if those benefits weren’t enough, you can also use it as an antiseptic by adding it to household cleaners to keep that apartment or dorm clean.
Safety Tip
While they’re completely natural, essential oils are also very concentrated. They sell them in tiny bottles for a reason! Make sure to only use a small amount of any oil, especially when applying it directly to your skin. Most oils also need to be diluted prior to use. This is a safer way to use them, and you’ll also save money if you stick to adding just a few drops.
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