4 essential oils to add to your collection

essential oils with herbs and flowers
(Photos: Envato Elements)
From beauty products to natural cleaners, essential oils are coming into the spotlight, and we are here for it. اضافة اعلان

Whether you choose to anoint your pulse points with a few drops of chamomile or infuse your bath water with lavender, essential oils are guaranteed to take your wellness routine to the next level.

Luckily, if you are nervous about dipping your toes into the deep end, there are a multitude of choices to consider, meaning there is something for everyone. All you need to do is identify your personal needs and, chances are, there are at least three heavenly-scented options to choose from.

Another inviting aspect of essential oils is the different ways they can be incorporated into everyday life. If you are uncomfortable with applying them directly onto your skin, you can mix them into other products, diffuse them into the air, or use other methods of dilution.

With the many product choices, the last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed or, even worse, impulsively buy the bottles that are not right for you. Here are a few game-changing essential oils to spice up your personal collection depending on your needs.



De-stress with lemon

Modern day society is no stranger to lemon-scented products: we come across them every day in the form of drinks, toiletries, and cleaning goods. Lemon as a scent and taste has been unofficially yet universally linked to lightness, freshness, and cleanliness, which is why you should consider optimizing its benefits.

Instead of grabbing artificially lemon-scented or flavored products, opt for an organic essential oil which has strong antibacterial, astringent, and antiseptic properties. When diluted, lemon oil can do wonders for the skin thanks to the highly concentrated terpene, d-limonene, which helps decrease the appearance of wrinkles, promote blood circulation, as well as repair and tone the skin.
All you need to do is identify your personal needs and, chances are, there are at least three heavenly-scented options to choose from.
Skin benefits aside, the smell of lemon in essential oils has also been linked to positive mood changes. According to one study, lemon oil vapor was reported to have an anti-stress effect.

Methods of use:

Sip on a calorie-free pick-me-up by infusing a glass of cold water with a few drops of lemon oil.

Freshen up your laundry by sneaking in five drops during the rinse cycle. This is highly recommended for towels.

Add a few drops to your overnight moisturizer for radiant-looking skin.

Place cotton balls soaked in lemon oil in your fridge, bathroom cabinets, and bins around the house for an odor-combatting and energizing scent.



The versatile ‘universal’ lavender

Lavender oil paved the way for all the other essential oils we know and love today. Dubbed the “universal oil”, it is a great starting product for skeptics and newbies. Not only is characterized by its calming scent that lulls you to sleep, it also contains generous amounts of linalool, eucalyptol, linalyl acetate, and camphor — which are complicated, scientific names for components that give this oil the following properties: anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anesthetic, immune boosting, antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial.

It also helps heal burns and insect bites in addition to being a great remedy for thinning hair, eczema, and pimples.

Methods of use:

Combine three drops of lavender oil with three drops of a carrier oil of your choice (we recommend olive or almond oil) for the perfect massaging blend.

Fill up your bathtub and add five drops of lavender oil for a relaxing soak. Those who have dry skin are advised to add a tablespoon of olive oil for the best results.

Add five drops of lavender oil to a diffuser bowl filled with water for a calming spa-like experience.



Combat the sniffles with eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is known and loved for its gentle fragrance, medicinal properties, and purification abilities. It is recommended to use this essential oil preceding flu season and, now a modern bathroom staple, in the shower.

Studies have shown that using eucalyptus in the shower can reduce flu symptoms, asthma, and sinusitis. Founder and formulator of JBK Wellness Labs, Jenelle Kim, told Homes and Gardens that “the steam from the shower naturally releases the eucalyptus plants’ essential oils,” making for “an amazing remedy when you’re feeling under the weather”. She explained that the oil “works by loosening the mucus in the sinus passages, allowing for better airflow. This will help suppress a cough as well.”

Methods of use:

Tie a handful of eucalyptus branches to your shower head to reap the benefits with every use.

To relieve congestion, add one to two drops to a bowl of hot water, lean over the bowl with a towel draped over the back of your head, and breathe in the fragrant steam.

Blend a few drops with a carrier oil (olive or almond) for massaging your chest and back to ease difficult breathing.



Cleanse and heal with tea tree

Not only is tea tree oil great for fighting acne, it also works miracles for your hair and scalp. This oil cleans and repairs hair without the harmful chemicals found in most store-bought shampoos and conditioners. It is also the perfect remedy for itchy and flaky scalps as it eliminates the dead skin and scales that build up with time.
A rule of thumb regarding aromatherapy diffusers is to not keep them on for over one hour; somewhere between 15 and 60 minutes is best.
Tea tree’s other benefits include its ability to soothe the redness and itchiness of allergic reactions; help manage natural face oils that cause breakouts; prevent, soothe, and repel insect bites; and speed up the healing process of minor cuts and scrapes. It can even be used as a mouthwash due to its antibacterial properties.

Methods of use:

Using a cotton bud dipped in tea tree oil, dab any pimples before going to bed and let it work its magic overnight.

Mix one to two drops into a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds every time you brush your teeth.

Apply a few drops directly onto the skin or limit your use to specific areas with rashes, insect bites, or cuts.

Combine a few drops of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil in a diffuser for calming air purification.

Before you stock up your cart

It is always important to speak with your dermatologist or physician before making any purchases. Seek out advice in order to make the best choices for your skin and body. Be cautious and always do an initial patch test when trying out a new essential oil — or any skincare product.

A rule of thumb regarding aromatherapy diffusers is to not keep them on for over one hour; somewhere between 15 and 60 minutes is best. Also, essential oils should never be burnt directly as their chemical structure can be damaged when exposed to heat. Therefore, always dilute a few drops in water before lighting any candles.

Last but certainly not least, make sure you are buying reliable products as the market is full of counterfeits. Quality is key, so invest in organic and pure essential oils to avoid health complications.


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