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IF YOU WANT TO START using essential oils but don’t know where to start, there are 5 oils that I recommend to start with that will cover all your needs. Those oils are Peppermint, Oregano, Lemon, Lavender, and Tea Tree Oil.
Why these oils?
Well, these oils can pretty much take care of your basic needs. In fact, I basically order these five oils routinely before other buying other oils. Let me tell you what I use them for:
5 Must-Have Essential Oils
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil has many health-promoting properties. Peppermint is a great digestive, helps the respiratory system, promotes good circulation, and is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It also smells good and makes a superb air and breath freshener.
But, did you know that peppermint oil is a natural repellent for mice, spiders, mosquitoes and bugs?
Deter Mice: Place cotton balls with peppermint in areas around your home where mice like to congregate. Mice do not like peppermint.
Repels spiders and ants: Place peppermint oil on a cotton ball or cotton pad and place in areas where you find spiders and ants.
Tick removal: Soak some peppermint oil on a q-tip then dab on the tick. Look for the tick to withdraw its head and then remove it.
Peppermint Bug Spray
- Add 10 to 15 drops of peppermint essential oil into a spray bottle with 8 to 12 ounces of water.
- Spray around door frames, windows, small cracks, corners of the ceilings and bathrooms.
Oregano
Oregano Oil is a very versatile herb, which is not only a strong antifungal but also provides many other health benefits and it treats many types of disease and symptoms. As an antifungal it is extremely effective, just like raw crushed garlic.
Oregano oil is a powerful antioxidant, and it helps clean your teeth and serves as a natural remedy for bad breath and gingivitis.
Homemade Toothpaste
Recipe: (Makes the equivalent of one tube)
6 Tbsp. Organic Coconut Oil (Soften but not melted)
4 Tbsp. Baking Soda
20 Drops of Oil of Oregano
20 Drops of Peppermint Oil
Directions:
1. Begin by leaving the coconut oil in a warm spot to soften. Mix it with the baking soda until smooth.
2. Add the oils and stir to combine.
3. Divide up the paste into small jars. Keep in a warm spot or use a small spoon to scoop onto your toothbrush
Lemon
Lemons are antioxidant powerhouses, containing twice as much Vitamin C as the average orange as well as several unique citrus phytochemicals which have been studied for their potential to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases.
Chock-full of limonene and citric acid, lemon oil is an excellent anti-bacterial, de-greasing, deodorizing, and disinfecting household cleanser as well. Lemon is a popular choice also due to its citrusy, uplifting scent that just makes things smell clean.
Kitchen/All Purpose Cleaner
Make a multipurpose cleaner by filling a spray bottle with water, adding 2 T. castile soap and 10-20 drops lemon essential oil. Or, if you prefer a vinegar mixture, mix 1 part water with 1 part white vinegar and add 10-20 drops lemon essential oil. Both are great all purpose cleaners, but if the smell of vinegar bothers you, go with the first recipe.
Lavender
Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is the most versatile of all essential oils. Most commonly known for its relaxing effects on the body, therapeutic-grade lavender has been highly regarded for the skin. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises and skin irritations. The fragrance is calming, relaxing and balancing – physically and emotionally.
These properties makes it perfect as a sleeping aide. Put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse oils while you sleep at night or in the family room while you’re reading or winding down in the evening. Also, can be rubbed topically behind your ears for the same benefits.
Lavender Pillow Spray
Ingredients
- One 2 oz or 4 oz glass spray bottle
- A pinch of epsom salt
- 10-15 drops Lavender essential oil
- Distilled or filtered water
Instructions
- First add the pinch of salt and essential oil to your glass spray bottle.
- Then top off with water.
- Give it a shake to mix it up.
- Spritz on your pillow each night to promote relaxation and better sleep or use as a linen spray.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree, also known as melaleuca, is well-known for its powerful antiseptic properties and ability to treat wounds. Tea tree oil (TTO), the volatile essential oil derived mainly from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia.
Homemade Neosporin
Ingredients
1/2 c. coconut oil
2 oz. (2 1-oz. bars) beeswax
Tea tree oil
Instructions:
Combine beeswax and coconut oil in a small sauce pan and melt over low heat. When mixture is completely melted, add 15 drops of tea tree oil.
Pour the melted beeswax mixture into the container of your choice. A wide mouth 8-oz. jelly jar is the perfect size.
Of course, after you get the hang of these oils, there are so many more wonderful essential oils out there!
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