I get more questions about essential oils than almost any other topic, probably because they’ve gained such immense popularity. Our family uses essential oils daily in our personal care products, homemade cleaners, and as natural remedies.
The five essential oils I use most often for my family are:
1. Lemon Essential Oil
We use lemon and other citrus essential oils aromatically by diffusing them in to the air. I also add 10-15 drops of lemon or orange essential oil to all of my homemade cleaning products for a fresh and clean smell without the chemicals.
Lemon has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antihistamine properties and it is great for dabbing on insect bites or in salves used on wounds. I also often add lemon or sweet orange essential oil to our homemade shampoo since the scent is energizing and there is some evidence that lemon can stimulate hair growth. I add lemon and orange to either my honey face wash or my oil cleansing blend for use at night.
We don’t use citrus essential oils for any homemade products that we will use on our skin during sun exposure as citrus can increase sun sensitivity.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is one of my favorite essential oils to diffuse as it is said to help increase mental clarity and is invigorating. I use it in my homemade remineralizing toothpaste and in homemade lotion recipes. It is also an ingredient in my homemade vapor rub.
When I’m not pregnant, I use it on my feet for nausea or upset stomach and on my neck for headaches. It is an ingredient in our homemade bug spray and I also add peppermint and lavender to a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to help cool sunburns (though we don’t usually get those anymore since adjusting our diet).
3. Lavender Essential Oil
I absolutely love the scent of lavender essential oil and diffuse it as an air freshener. It is said to help digestion, support skin health, stimulate hair growth, help mitigate the effects of stress and more.
I sometimes add a drop of lavender and lemon to bug bites or burns to cool the sting and use it with peppermint to calm a headache or sunburn. Lavender essential oils is also an ingredient in many of my homemade beauty products.
4. Oregano
I love that the smell of oregano reminds me of Italian food. I also love the natural antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties of oregano. It is important to note that oregano is very potent and should always be diluted for topical use. In times of bad illness, I diffuse oregano in to the air. I don’t do this often since it isn’t the most pleasant scent but it definitely works!
Oregano is anti-parasitic and a recent stool test I did showed I have no intestinal parasites! The majority of the population does have parasites, but I credit my external use of oregano essential oil and a diet high in probiotic-rich fermented foods to my lack of intestinal invaders.
I’ve used (or had a family member who has used) oregano effectively for:
- Getting rid of athletes foot (diluted with coconut oil)
- Diluted topically for killing ringworm
- Massaged on feet to help deal with intestinal parasites
- Diluted to help remove warts
- Diluted on sore muscles to speed muscle recovery
5. Disinfectant Blend
The use a specific blend called Germ Destroyer from my go-to brand of oils. Best of all, it is designed to be kid-safe so I don’t have to worry about safety. It contains spruce hemlock, marjoram, lavender, rosalina, and lemon. It smells divine and is naturally disinfecting.
I use it in everything from homemade cleaning spray to avoiding illness but my favorite uses are:
- On the soles of the feet to support the immune system
- In homemade mouth wash to support a healthy mouth
- When mopping floors (disinfects and smells great)
- Diffused for an air freshener
- To freshen air and fabrics in the car (here’s how)
Where I Get My Essential Oils
I have been using Plant Therapy as my source for essential oils because they are backed by Robert Tisserand and have a ton of solid information about how to use essential oils on their blog. I especially love their Kid-Safe Blends which make buying oils for use around a family so much easier.
Another excellent source for essential oils is Vibrant Blue Oils. They have very high quality, targeted blends designed to help a wide range of conditions. You can find out more about their products on this Wellness Mama Podcast episode. Their oils are blends designed to be used for a specific purpose and are therapeutic dose.
Note: Essential oils can be dangerous if used incorrectly. This post discusses some of the risks and other considerations when using them.
Do you use essential oils? Which ones do you use? Tell me below!
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