Our Favorite Essential Oils: How to Use Them and Their Benefits

There’s no doubt about it, essential oils are having a moment. And for good reason—these powerful little bottles can do everything from improving your mood to relieving headaches. But with so many different oils and blends available, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are our four favorite essential oils and how to use them.

Lavender

Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils for a reason—it’s incredibly versatile. It has a calming and relaxing effect on the body, making it perfect for use in a diffuser or as a massage oil. You can also add a few drops to your bathtub for a relaxing soak.

Lavender oil can be used to relax both the body and mind, making it perfect for winding down before bed. It is also known for its ability to soothe skin irritations and heal cuts and scrapes and can be used to soothe irritated skin and calm digestive issues.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is another favorite. It has a refreshing, cooling effect on the body and is often used as a natural headache remedy, making it a great pick-me-up when you’re feeling low energy. Peppermint oil is also known for its ability to improve digestion and relieve nausea. You can add a few drops to your water or tea, or massage it into your stomach area.

Peppermint oil can also be helpful in relieving headaches, nausea, and indigestion. For an energizing boost, add a few drops of peppermint oil to your diffuser or apply it topically to your temples and wrists.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil has a refreshing, minty scent and is known for its ability to clear congestion and ease breathing. It’s also effective in relieving muscle pain and tension. You can add a few drops to your diffuser or apply it topically to your chest and back.

Eucalyptus oil is also perfect for clearing congestion and easing respiratory issues. This powerful oil can also be used as a natural insect repellent—just add a few drops to your diffuser or apply topically to exposed skin.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is another great essential oil with countless benefits. It’s an antimicrobial and antifungal powerhouse, and is often used to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis and can also be used as a natural deodorant or household cleaner.

You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite lotion or shampoo to help treat scalp conditions like dandruff. You can also add it to your diffuser or apply it topically to acne-prone areas.

Rosemary

Rosemary oil has a refreshing, herbaceous scent that is perfect for use in a diffuser. It’s also known for its ability to improve circulation and boost cognitive function. You can also add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner to help improve scalp health. Adding a few drops of rosemary oil to your diffuser can also help improve circulation throughout your body.

How to Diffuse Essential Oils

There are lots of different ways to diffuse essential oils, and the method you choose will depend on personal preferences and the type of diffuser you have. The most important thing is to make sure you are using pure, high-quality oils and following the manufacturer’s instructions for your diffuser. Here are a few popular methods for diffusing essential oils:

Candle diffusers

Candle diffusers are great for small spaces and can be used with any type of oil. Simply place a few drops of oil on the wick of an unscented candle and light it. The heat from the candle will help to disperse the fragrance of the oil into the air.

Electric diffusers

This type of diffuser uses ultrasonic waves to create a fine mist of oil and water. This is a great option if you want to cover a larger area with your chosen scent.

Reed diffusers

Reed diffusers work by absorbing oil into thin rods or reeds, which then release the fragrance into the air. Reed diffusers can be used with any type of oil and make a great decorative addition to any room.

Heat diffusers

As the name suggest, heat diffusers use either heat or cold to help essential oils evaporate into the air. This is a great option if you want to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy without using a diffuser.

If you don’t have a diffuser, you can also add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam—this way you’ll still get the benefits of the oil without damaging it or spending any money.

How to Use Essential Oils Topically

Essential oils can be used topically for a variety of different purposes. The most important thing to remember when using essential oils topically is to always dilute them with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil. This will help to prevent skin irritation and sensitization. Here are a few ways you can use essential oils topically:

• To treat acne, add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite lotion or shampoo and apply it to your skin.
• To soothe muscle pain, add a few drops of lavender oil to your favorite lotion or cream and apply it to the affected area.
• To boost cognitive function, add a few drops of rosemary oil to your diffuser or apply it topically to your temples and forehead.
• As a natural insect repellent, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your diffuser or apply it topically to exposed skin.
• To treat dandruff, add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite shampoo or conditioner and apply it to your scalp.

The Bottom Lines

There are endless ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils—it just takes a little experimentation to find what works best for you. With so many different oils and blends available, there’s something for everyone. So why not give them a try? You might be surprised at how much you love them.

Have you ever tried using essential oils? What are your favorite ways to use them? Let us know in the comments below!