Essential oils are growing in popularity. Learning how to use them for relaxation and health benefits can be fun and easy. The four different oils described below will cover different aspects of skincare. I started using them in high school, and I haven’t regretted it since!
Although I’m not against traditional medicine, and I truly admire anyone who makes a groundbreaking scientific discovery, I often find myself drawn to natural remedies. As a teenager, I had bad acne and skin issues. After different treatments, I got rid of most of it. For those nasty pimples, I’ve started using tea tree oil. Seeing the results made me consider adding essential oils to my skincare routine and daily lifestyle. As years passed by, I realized I needed to learn what other benefits they have, and find the best combination for me. Below are the top four essential oils that have changed my life, and I hope learning about them can change yours too!
1. Oregano Oil.
Oregano oil is considered a multi-use oil, and because of the many properties it has, such as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, it can be used in many ways. Oregano oil is my go-to oil for clear skin.
I’ve only recently started using it. I’ve read that it contains carvacrol, which helps fight acne. Although I don’t have acne anymore, like everyone else I still get a pimple every once a while. I apply it locally and leave it there till next morning. Oregano oil is also recommended as a treatment for infected hair follicles like Folliculitus or even ingrown hairs. I gave it a try, and was surprised by the really positive results. It didn’t happen overnight, but after a few weeks I noticed a difference.
For a healthy immune system and to fight off winter cold and flu viruses, you can also take a dose of oregano oil. Oregano oil can be ingested in small 500 mg dose amounts. I haven’t tried this yet, but since the temperatures are already dropping, I’m going to use it as a precaution. Essential oils can be used in many different ways, and investing in a diffuser to create a healing mist for inhalation is a popular treatment. Just a couple of drops of oregano oil can be diffused to prevent or lessen flu symptoms, or you can inhale the steam from a few drops of the oil in boiling water. If you don’t want to invest in a diffuser, a cheap alternative is to boil hot water. Just put a few drops of your chosen essential oil in and then inhale the steam.
Lastly, a few drops of oregano oil can be rubbed into your gums to fight infection. It’s also beneficial for skin infections and wounds, oregano oil can be applied topically. It’s been known to ease burning and itching symptoms.
2. Tea Tree Oil.
Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It has an amazing variety of topical uses and can be used as an antiseptic and anti-fungal topical application, but it is highly toxic so it cannot be ingested.
I’ve tried it for pimples (because studies showed to have the similar results as a dose of benzoyl peroxide) but I quickly learned that there are other useful uses, like fighting skin infections and fungus.
Tea Tree Oil can be used to treat wounds and a variety of infections when applied topically. Propionibacterium acnes that can cause inflammation in hair follicles can be successfully treated with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil contains wonderful soothing remedies for burning and itching that can aid in the treatment of infected hair follicles.
To freshen and purify the air in your home or office you can diffuse tea tree oil. Tea Tree Oil, also known as Melaleuca, has antiviral and antifungal properties that help to clean the air around you. You can diffuse Tea Tree Oil by itself using 3 to 4 drops in your diffuser, or try a blend of oils with tea tree oil, lemon, peppermint and eucalyptus to freshen the air.
3. Lavender Oil.
For skincare, Lavender Oil is considered a top choice. When creating skincare products most essential oils require dilution with a carrier oil like grape seed oil, coconut oil and almond oil. Combining one ounce of aloe vera oil with ten drops of lavender oil makes a very effective sunburn remedy and rapidly heals dry skin.
I love using lavender oil for its relaxation benefits. I enjoy taking long baths. I add a few drops of lavender oil in the water, I notice I’m less tense after a lavender bath and I sleep better those nights. Lavender also helps your muscles after an intense workout. But make sure to use it with another oil (sesame or almond oil). The carrier oils protect your skin and are helpful in dispersing the essential oil in the bath water. Some recipes for essential oils in the bath suggest mixing the oils with milk to help the oils disperse more effectively in the water.
Lavender oil can be used topically, and a couple of drops can be applied to the soles of the feet for a night of peaceful rest and recuperation. Lavender oil should be an essential part of your collection of oils. It’s been known to help with stress, headaches, mood lifting and immunity support.
Lavender oil is my favorite oil to use for its calming and sedative effects. If you’re having trouble sleeping and are not a fan of baths, try diffusing a few drops of lavender oil in your favorite diffuser right before bed. Lavender oil can be blended with other oils for even more uses. If you want to learn more lavender oil remedies and combinations check out this essential oil website.
4. Geranium Oil.
Geranium oil, like lavender, has many uses for skin care. This oil dates back to the Egyptians, who used this beneficial oil to create beautiful, flawless skin. A few drops of the oil can be added to a scent free moisturizer and used day and night to create glowing, youthful skin.
Mostly, I use Geranium oil for wounds, rashes or other skin problems. It helps cuts and wounds heal faster, and is helpful in treating scars. Also, it has antibacterial properties which means your wounds won’t get infected.
Geranium Oil has a sweet floral scent derived from this beautiful flower native to South Africa making it the perfect oil. to combine with other floral oils such as ylang-ylang or lavender to create a scented bath oil. Geranium Oil can help with emotional wellness and reduce fatigue making it an excellent oil to diffuse for a calming sedative effect whenever you need to relax or even right before bed. It .
Essential oils are gathering attention. Beauty-gurus and celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Robin Roberts are preaching about their benefits. I started using essential oils because I was embarrassed by the state of my skin, but now I use them in my everyday life for a variety of reasons. I still use them for healthier skin, but I also learned that even my feet need some pampering. I realized I needed to take my time and enjoy a few moments of relaxation. A hot bath or a few drops of oil on my pillow can change my mood in a short period of time.
Since I started using essential oils, I sleep better, I feel better, and my skin looks a lot better! Given some time I’m sure you can find essential oils can make a difference in your life too.
For more on Essential Oils and Health, check out the articles below!