Essential oils provide us with amazing, natural fragrances; but these oils have many other uses as well. They can help with everything from dry skin to insomnia. So I’ve decided to create a list of my top five favorite essential oils and their lesser known uses.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are defined as a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant. Basically, it’s an oil that is derived from a plant, that still carries the essence of the plant with it, including the fragrance and it’s natural uses for a healthier body. Some essential oils can be used directly on the skin, while others cannot and certain essential oils should be avoided while pregnant. (See our previous blog post on essential oils to avoid while pregnant and breastfeeding.)
Why use essential Oils?
Essential oils have been used for hundreds of years as treatments for ailments and for their often therapeutic properties. There are so many essential oils available, each with different properties that can be used as natural remedies in lieu of traditional, chemical filled products.
5. Peppermint oil 
Peppermint oil is a very popular essential oil that is commonly used to ease headaches and migraines and clear congestion, however this oil is great for getting rid of an even bigger annoyance than those….Ants!
With the colder, wetter weather come the ants and unlike most humans, ants hate peppermint oil. A few drops of peppermint oil where you normally find ants, and you’ve got yourself a safe and natural way to get rid of ants without the harsh chemicals in your typical bug spray. A quick disclaimer on peppermint oil: Much like the ant’s, I am one of the unlucky few who has a sensitivity to peppermint oil, and can’t use it on my skin(although sometimes I still do and regret it later. It smells delicious.) When I use peppermint oil I get a burning sensation, and sometimes even a rash so I try to stay away from putting it on my skin. This, however is not typical of most people, but because it is one of the stronger more concentrated oils those with sensitive skin should be careful.
4. Rose Oil 
Rose oil is one of the essential oils that most people only associate with it’s use as a fragrance, it is used aromatherapy for it’s ability to relieve stress and promote happiness, but Rose oil has many other uses as well. It is a great way to treat acne. Rose oil has antiseptic and astringent properties which helps to kill the bacteria that causes acne. Don’t be fooled into thinking rose oil is just for smell. It has many other practical uses.
3. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is not only great as a perfume (a bit sweeter than lemon oil) it is also used as a natural remedy for a myriad of different ailments including high blood pressure, and depression. What you may not know is that Lemongrass oil is also a natural way to help reduce cellulite and varicose veins.
2. Tea Tree Oil
The first product I ever saw with tea tree oil in it was an acne face wash, and many of you have probably heard of its ability to help treat acne, and fade acne scars but maybe you didn’t know that using this essential oil on your pets can help protect them against fleas and ticks and even remove ticks once your pet has already caught them. Even better, this essential oil can be used to treat head lice, and if you have kids or are regularly around school age children, keeping this essential oil handy might just save you from that itchy scalp.
1. Lavender Oil
Not only is Lavender one of my favorite flowers, fragrances, and flavors (If you’ve never had lavender ice cream you are truly missing out. Trust me on this.) Lavender oil is also one of the most versatile essential oils around. As most people know, Lavender oil can be used for it’s relaxing properties, to help calm, or even aid in treating insomnia; but, it can also be used as an insect repellant. For those of you that seem to always have insect or mosquito bites and prefer not to use bug sprays that are loaded with harmful chemicals, Lavender oil might just be the perfect natural repellant for you. While I have come across a few different recipes for insect repellant using lavender oil, I’d opt for just a simple dab of Lavender oil to your pulse points. Extra Tip: If you already have those annoying, itch bug bites, Lavender oil also works great to soothe the itchiness and speed the healing process.
SALVE’s Essential Oils
Salve Naturals carries all of the essential oils mentioned above and many more. Tell us what your favorite essential oil is and your favorite use for it.
We’re in the process of developing some safe products for baby care. Stay tuned!
Check out our related articles:
Essential Oils to Avoid While Pregnant & Breastfeeding
How Substances Enter Your Body
How we Accumulate Toxins in our Bodies
Written by Nicolle Chase
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