7 essential oils you need in your life
Growing up, my mom used essential oils but I never knew why or what they were for. Throughout college I’ve met many people who use them and I’ve learned more and more about their amazing benefits. I use essential oils regularly so I wanted to share with you my favorites and why I use them.
Frankincense
Frankincense has a calming and relaxing scent. The health benefits can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, disinfectant, astringent, digestive, diuretic, sedative, tonic (and many more) substance.To benefit from its antiseptic and disinfectant properties, it can be burned or diffused and, if you like the taste of it, you can add a little bit to coconut oil and swish it around to fight cavities, toothache and oral infections. Its astringent quality reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars, and acts as a coagulant, helping to stop bleeding from cuts and wounds.
Purification
Purification is a blend of Citronella and Lemongrass oils, giving it a fresh and uplifting scent. Some of the most popular ways to use Purification are: diffuse for fresher indoor air, homemade deodorant and carpet cleaner, adding a couple drops to laundry detergent and homemade bug repellent.
Lavender
Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good oil to use topically for blemishes, bug bites or other swelling wounds. Studies have shown lavender to induce and improve sleep, increase cognitive function before tests and relieve stress and anxiety. When used in the form of vapor or applying directly to the neck, chest and back, lavender oil is effective in soothing throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma and bronchitis. It can also be added to lotion or a carrier oil for a massage to relieve joint or muscle pain.
Thieves
Thieves oil has a quite fascinating history and is a blend of five oils: clove, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus and cinnamon bark. Thieves is known to sooth osteoporosis, improve digestion and neutralize bacterial and viral pathogens.To benefit from its antibacterial and antiviral properties, you can mix it with a few other ingredients to make a home cleaner. You can also diffuse it to get a fresh, inviting smell. It can be ingested to improve digestion, aid in weight loss and reduce fever, or it can be used topically by mixing it with a carrier oil for skin health.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil has antimicrobial properties and is known to clear the respiratory system and relieve tension and headaches. I have used peppermint oil many times to fight chronic migraine by rubbing it into my temples and to fight sinus congestion by breathing it in and rubbing it on my skin above my sinus cavities. It can also relieve stomach aches through ingestion and sore muscles topically.
R.C.
R.C. is most commonly known for fighting respiratory infections, providing immune system boosts, fighting inflammation and pain, easing sleep, lowering stress levels and detoxifying the body. It’s made of high concentrations of Cyprus, Eucalyptus and Spruce oils and, when diffused during cold and flu season, can help prevent you from getting sick.
Lemon
Lemon is best known for its ability to cleanse toxins from any part of the body, stimulate lymph drainage and rejuvenate energy. One study found that breathing in the scent of lemon essential oil improved neurological activity that promotes the breakdown of body fat. It can be used as a teeth whitener, air freshener, facewash and cream (although, it can cause photosensitivity so avoid using it on your face before going outside), thirst quencher and stomach and nausea relief. It’s also a great homemade dishwashing ingredient as it can fight the tough stains, sticky residue and burned excess food.
Special thanks to my friend Randa for helping me put this together. If you are interested in purchasing any essential oils, you can message me or you can email her directly at: randa.nasereddin@yahoo.com!
Pictures courtesy of YoungLiving.com
