Essential Oils - Uses, Benefits and more

While essential oils have been around for hundreds of years, their popularity has increased over the past few decades because of their applications for home and health. The appeal for these naturally-occurring substances is that they are plant-based and, with an appropriate carrier oil, have a multitude of safe uses.

Getting enough sleep is a common problem across the world. Daily stressors, like work and family concerns, keep people from falling asleep easily and maintaining restful sleep for several hours. Diffusing essential oils that help you sleep in the bedroom or applying to the skin can improve sleep quality and how long you rest. Try lavender, Roman and German chamomile, valerian, orange blossom, and sandalwood oils for better sleep.

Tea tree oil uses and benefits are numerous. Tea tree is one of the most versatile essential oils. Also known as melaleuca, this oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which make it perfect for all types of skin conditions and dandruff. In the home, tea tree oil is an excellent cleaner and disinfectant for the kitchen and bathroom. In the yard, you can repel bugs and use it as a fungicide for your plants.

Flies are one of nature’s most annoying creatures. It’s bad enough to endure them outside, but it is intolerable to deal with them in the house. For the best way to get rid of flies in the house, there are many recipes for homemade flypaper and funnel or jar traps that work effectively. Keeping your home clean will also reduce fly populations inside. Planting basil outside is another way to repel flies, as they don’t like the smell. Add a pot or two to your kitchen for added protection.

There are many different peppermint essential oil uses, too. This essential oil not only smells heavenly, but it has a variety of uses. An antimicrobial oil, peppermint relieves motion sickness and nausea, reduces ADHD symptoms, addresses muscle and joint pain, clears sinuses, gets rid of headaches and nail fungus, treats many skin conditions, helps the hair, and repels bugs.