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6 Essential Oils and How to Use Them

6 Essential Oils and How to Use Them

Posted by Marie-Eve Maitland on 10th Aug 2018

If you follow us on social media you will have seen a few posts about my love for essential oils. Essential oils are, in truth, essential to me. I have a few in the house at all time... especially grapefruit, orange, lavender, peppermint, sage and a few others (yes I am a big fan).

Proper essential oils (i.e the real deal) are compounds extracted from plants, seeds, fruits and/or herbs and have numerous benefits on overall health. Essential oils have a strong scent and active ingredient and this is why only a few drops are usually needed. So a little goes a long way.

Below are my top 6 essential oils, their benefits and how I use them. 

Grapefruit

This is definitively my number one essential oil. I have at least 2 bottles at home at all time. Not only does it smell incredible but grapefruit essential oil is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can aid with weight loss by lowering cravings and hunger. Because of it's fruity clean smell, it's also been shown to increase happiness and reduce depression.

How to use

  • Add it to homemade face mask, coffee scrub and surface cleaner. 
  • Use as a perfume and dab a bit under your arm for a natural, clean, toxic free deodorant.
Peppermint

There's a reason we are often offered mint tea after a meal. It's because mint and peppermint have been shown to aid digestion and relieve trapped wind. The same benefit applies to the essential oil.  It can also be used to relieve joint and muscle pain.

How to use

  • Add it to fresh mint tea (only 1 drop will do, it's very strong)
  • Add to bins (food waste too) to improve the smell. 
  • Add it to homemade household cleaner as well.
  • Add a few drops to your bath alongside Epsom salt to relieve tension and muscle aches.
Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a very strong scent. My mother used to add it to our orange juice in the winter to ward off colds. I am not sure it's used for this but I rarely got a cold. Eucalyptus has been shown to help improve respiratory issues, relieve allergies symptoms and help to purify the body.

How to use

  • The majority of essential oil can be added to your steam cleaner (check with the manufacturer) and in the Evolution Organics office it's our favourite scent! 
  • Can also be added to your shower: add a few drops every now and again to fresh eucalyptus sprigs that you hang in the shower... the steam helps to diffuse the scent, heaven.
Oregano

Oregano oil contains powerful antioxidants and is known for its powerful anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti parasitic properties and has been used medicinally for thousands of years. North American Herb and Spice has got you covered with it comes to all your oil of oregano needs.

Oil of oregano has the following benefits:

  • Antioxidant powers
  • Immune system boost
  • Anti fungal
  • Anti parasitic
  • Could be anti viral
  • Anti bacterial

How to use

  • Take a few drops orally at the first sign of a cold. 
  • Take before a flight to ward off germs and stay healthy and well.
Lavender

Lavender essential oil is the most used essential oil in the world today. It's used in pretty much everything and the reasons are numerous. Lavender oil promotes relaxation, has calming properties and can help to reduce anxiety and stress. It can also help to heal minor burns and cuts because of it's microbial properties. And finally, it's also been researched as a natural treatment for Alzheimer.

How to use: A few drops on the inside of your wrist when things get crazy. Add it to bath and candles. Mix a few drop with a small amount of coconut oil and apply in the event of small burns & cuts to increase healing.

Tea Tree

Another amazing oil that is widely known and used in aromatherapy is tea tree oil. We sell a few on the website and at the moment Thursday Plantation sells one of the best. Tea tree oil can help to fight acne, treat eczema, dry scalp and has very strong anti fungal properties.

How to use

  • Dab on the occasional spot directly. 
  • Diluted in coconut oil add the mix to athlete foot, eczema and minor skin irritation. In my opinion, when it comes to tea tree oil try Thursday Plantation. Their range contains toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, blemish gel and athlete foot powder and the ratio is perfect.

Enjoy

Marie-Eve