Essential oils are often used with diffusers to make a room smell nice but you might be surprised to hear that there are other uses for them in the house. As a matter of fact, if you’ve been interested in natural remedies, you will find that essential oils actually play a huge role in treating various illnesses. So what are the uses of essential oils? Here are some that are worth mentioning.
- Deodorize refrigerators. With our refrigerator storing all kinds of food with various scents, it won’t be long before your refrigerator smells funky. A good way to get rid of the foul smell that has accumulated is to apply grapefruit, lemongrass, lime or bergamont essential oils after cleaning or you can add them with baking soda.
- Keep pests away. If you’re constantly dealing with mosquitoes and other pesky flying insects, try placing some lemongrass, peppermint, citronella, or lavender oil around your windows and doors. The scents of these essential oils are enough to keep these insects at bay.
- Remove pet odor. For those with pets, you know full well on how bad the smell of your dog or cat can be with the scent clinging to furniture, wood, and the like. A good way to neutralize the smell is to mix ten to twenty drops of Lavender, Lemon, or Geranium oil into a small spray bottle, add some apple cider vinegar, and mix them well. Spray on affected areas to remove the smell.
- Keep rodents and spiders away. Did you know that mixing peppermint essential oil with water and spraying it in windows and doors can keep rodents away? Add some of this mixture in cotton balls and place them in dark areas of the house where spiders may come so they won’t stay in your home.
- For relaxation. A stressful day can keep you from falling asleep but by adding some Lavender, Cedarwood, Chamomile, or Bergamot essential oil to your bath water, you can soak for some time to let the tiredness and stress melt away.
- Reduce menstrual cramps. Every woman feels menstrual cramps every month with the pain ranging from mild to severe. You’ve probably taken anti-inflammatories to keep the pain from blowing up. A good alternative is to mix one part Basil, Rosemary, or Sage with four parts carrier oil. Massage the mixture into your abdomen and cover the affected area with warm compress for around fifteen minutes. Do this several times until the pain disappears.
- Get rid of headache. Headaches can occur when you are stressed or sick but the good news is that you don’t have to rely on medication all the time because there is a natural solution to this. Try mixing two drops of Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Peppermint essential oil for every six drops of your chosen carrier oil. Massage the mixture into your temples, the back of your neck, behind your ears, across your forehead, and even under the nose to get relief.
- Disinfecting scrapes and cuts. Another use of essential oils is to disinfect wounds. Tea tree oil and lavender essential oils are good for this kind of work by mixing one part of essential oil with one part carrier oil especially for those with sensitive skin.
- Treat insomnia. Lavender and chamomile oils can help you get a good night’s sleep by sprinkling a few drops on your pillows and blanket. Add some oils to cotton balls and place them near your head while sleeping.
- Reduce tension. Tense muscles can cause discomfort but not when you massage a few drops of Lavender oil behind the jaw, over tense muscles, into your temples, and even behind your ears.
