There are a lot of natural products on the market today that make some pretty extraordinary claims. Essential oils have been used and studied for many years. Here are ten proven household uses for essential oils.
1. Disinfect Air and Surfaces
With rising concern about using potentially harmful chemicals around people, essential oils are becoming a go-to solution for disinfecting surfaces. There is evidence they can kill bacteria, viruses, and other microbes as effectively as some prescription antimicrobial agents. Some popular choices include thyme, rosemary, oregano, and clove oil.
2. Relieve Pain
From headaches to sore muscles, essential oils have been used to treat pain. Peppermint, lavender, and clary sage are popular for their positive pain-relieving properties. Favorites for treating pain from the Young Living essential oils catalog include their specially formulated PanAway and Deep Relief blends.
3. Calm Anxiety
Whether you live with an anxiety disorder or you just have a lot going on right now, using essential oils for aromatherapy may offer relief from symptoms. While most studies have focused on oral solutions of the oil’s therapeutic compounds, a review of available information appears to indicate that aromatherapy or topical applications are also effective.
4. Help You Fall Asleep
Sleep is crucial to your overall health and wellness. It is the time where your body gets to reset important functions, repair damage that was done throughout the day, and recharge systems to prepare for the day ahead. If you are having trouble falling or staying asleep, aromatherapy or topical use of essential oils like lavender or chamomile may be able to help.
5. Calm Upset Stomach
Nausea, upset stomach, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can quickly interrupt your regular schedule. Using ginger or peppermint essential oils may help to soothe digestive upset and get you back to feeling yourself.
6. Increase Focus
For times when you are struggling to focus or concentrate on a task, uplifting oils like ylang-ylang, frankincense, bergamot, and other citruses may offer assistance. Either add them to a diffuser to create a positive and productive space or apply a small, diluted amount onto your temples for a more personal effect.
7. Fight Infection
Essential oils are a first aid kit staple. Use rosemary, clove, or lavender essential oil to avoid infection and encourage healing of minor scrapes, scratches, and cuts. Just like with pharmacological solutions, some oils are more effective at treating certain types of infections than others. Because of that, it may be a good idea to keep a diluted mix of several popular antimicrobial oils at the ready for wide-ranging coverage. Lavender oil is one of the few that can safely be applied topically without dilution, so it should be on the top of your list.
8. Repel Insects and Spiders
If you are trying to keep insects form your home, there are several essential oils that have been shown to effectively deter them from visiting. Both basil and citronella essential oils can be diluted and sprayed on clothing or surfaces to repel flying insects like mosquitos and gnats.
Peppermint oil dropped on a cotton ball can deter ants and spiders from visiting your cabinets. If you are concerned about mice, peppermint may also work to discourage their visits. However, it isn’t likely to address a current infestation.
9. Suppress and Quiet Coughs
Peppermint oil is also widely known for its ability to affect the sensation of temperature on the skin. The resulting cooling sensation can help calm irritated airways and reduce coughing associated with it. Try putting a drop of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and inhaling the scent for relief from a persistent cough.
10. Reduce Swelling
Inflammation in muscles or around injuries can be successfully treated with several different essential oils like thyme, clove, and eucalyptus. It appears to be the antioxidant properties of the oils that treats inflammation.
Research is ongoing, but it suggests that essential oils show promise for many household and medical uses. The next time you are dealing with one of these issues, consider turning to essential oils for a safe and natural solution.
