Essential oils are naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds that are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. Not only are they beautifully fragrant, but they’ve also long been used for food preparation, beauty treatments and health-care practices all over the world.
Here’s a brief review of our top three go-to essential oils, and a few great uses for each!
LAVENDER OIL
Lavender, the most versatile essential oil, has a long list of benefits. The fragrance is calming, relaxing and balancing, both physically and emotionally. Its refreshing and relaxing scent has balancing properties that also bring a sense of calm. Although this oil is most commonly known for its relaxing effects on the body, therapeutic-grade lavender does amazing things for the skin! We ALWAYS have a bottle of lavender in our purse; it’s like having your own personal first aid kit, perfume and pick-me-up!
Here’s how we use it:
- Use topically to relieve joint or muscle pain.
- Inhale to calm nerves and enhance relaxation.
- Aids with digestive discomfort.
- Use topically to heal burns, cuts, scrapes, skin irritations and bites of all kind.
- Use a few drops of lavender oil on a wet cloth in the dryer in place of highly toxic commercial dryer sheets.
- Putting a few drops on before bed also helps us to get a good night’s sleep! For sleep support, diffusing lavender throughout the night in addition to applying it to the bottoms of feet and ankles before bed will help to ease you into a restful slumber.
PEPPERMINT OIL
Peppermint, like lavender, is another incredibly versatile essential oil! Peppermint oil has a fresh aroma that’s energizing. Naturally refreshing, peppermint helps with mentally clarity, reduces fatigue and increases energy before a workout.
Here’s how we use it:
- This is our go to headache remedy. To relieve headaches, rub a few drop of peppermint oil on your temples, forehead, your sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck. You can also try placing 2-3 drops of oil in your hands, gently rubbing together, and then cupping your palms and inhaling deeply.
- Like lavender oil, peppermint oil can also be used topically to help relieve joint or muscle pain.
- Inhale peppermint oil when feeling fatigued or when your energy levels are low.
- For digestive issues, dilute in a carrier oil and massage into your abdomen.
- Place a drop of peppermint oil (make sure it is food-grade) on your tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold. Diffusing peppermint oil in your room can also help to relieve nasal congestion.
- Place 2-3 drops in your hands, then gently rub together. Cup your palms and inhale deeply to relieve nausea or travel sickness.
- Rub several drops of peppermint oil on the bottom of the feet to reduce fever.
LEMON OIL
Lemon oil is a third oil that we LOVE for its versatility. It can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces and packs a double punch as an incredibly uplifting and energizing scent for both mind and body. Important to note is that citrus oils should not be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light within 72 hours.
Here’s how we use it:
- Lemon oil acts to alkalize the digestive tract and is a great substitute for lemon water when you just don’t have real lemons. Using 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil in 8-10 ounces of water can be a great substitute for fresh lemon water. Make sure you buy food-grade organic lemon oil.
- Diffuse lemon oil in your home or at work and notice how its fresh and zesty aroma uplifts and energizes both your mind and body. It can also help to improve clarity and concentration.
- We use lemon oil to make air freshener by adding 12 drops to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. This air freshener works great in the bathroom, or in any room that may be in need of some freshening. This can also be used as a sterilizing countertop spray in your kitchen.
- Less well known, is that lemon oil makes a great spot cleaner. Use 1 - 2 drops of lemon oil to remove stubborn stains.
- Place 1-3 drops in trash cans and toilets as a natural deodorizer.
The next time you take a moment to (literally) smell the roses, or hike through a pine forest, remember to breathe deeply—you’re experiencing the amazing power of essential oils.
XOXO
Stray & Wander Team