Top 3 Essential Oils Every Home Should Have
Essential Oils have become synonymous with healthy living. People are tired of chemical laden products are are waking up to the fact of the direct impact these chemicals are having on our health. With Essential Oils, you can create many products you use on a daily basis that are chemical free and often, cost less to make than purchase.
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I know what some people think when they hear “essential oils.” I have told others about essential oils and the first thing they say to me is “they are too expensive.” The next thing – “I don’t think they work.” What if I told you that:
- a) they don’t have to cost a fortune. There are quality oils on the market other than the top known brands.
- b) I am here to tell you they DO in fact work.
Now this is where the tricky part comes in – the FDA does not actually endorse or regulate oils. In fact, they have recently cracked down on large oil manufactures and enforced the guidelines of what they could claim oils could do. Let me start off by saying I am NO fan of the FDA. I won’t get into the politics here and now. All I can say is, without a doubt, I know oils have made me feel better and I have used them on my family with success, as well. I know I would much rather rely on something that is all natural rather than a drug that the FDA considers “safe.”
What are Essential Oils?
Essential Oils are is a liquid botanical product created from plant and fruit extracts. It is a highly concentrated form, and that is why all oils should be used with caution. Many civilizations throughout history have used oils as a means of healing and overall health. Many modern day products contain some of the same elements as essential oils – citrus, peppermint, clove, etc.
One of the most popular products on the market may be Vick’s Vapor Rub. That smelly stuff you rub on your chest to help with congestion is basically made from oil of eucalyptus. So you see, essential oils are already a large part of your life whether you know it or not.
Are Essential Oils are Good for You?
I think only you can determine what is good for you and your family. Although essential oils are natural, natural doesn’t always mean safe. Oils should never be used on children under 2 years of age. Keep in mind that oils are plant based and plants can be dangerous, too. So please, always do your research when it comes to oils and who/how/what/when you should use them.
*** disclaimer: oils work differently for all people. Just because one oil works for me or someone else does not mean it will work for you. I am not advocating that oils are cure alls. Do your own research and always use oils with caution.
Top Three Oils for Beginners
When I first started out, I decided to work oils into my life slowly. I would start with 3 oils and go from there. I am so happy I made that decision. Now I have a drawer full of different oils I use for different reasons. Sometimes I create my own toothpaste, my own mouthwash, deodorant and Body Scrubs. Sometimes I use them with carrier oils like coconut oil or olive oil to use directly on my body. For instance, I use Lavender on my babies to help them sleep better. Here are the top three oils I recommend you begin with:
1.) Lavender
I think Lavender is one of the most useful oils of all times. For years, I thought lavender was basically used in perfumes and soaps and maybe potpourris. The first time I heard about Lavender Essential Oil I was totally confused. Then I did some research and was simply blown away by what I found out. So I ordered some and whoa! My life changed. Lavender Oil has been known to help with the following:
- Add a few drops to your shampoo and conditioner and homemade soaps.
- Use in homemade beauty products like body scrubs.
- Create chemical-free room refreshers.
- Rub on the bottom of your feet to help induce sleep, or spritz on lavender water for a pleasant linen spray.
- Rub Lavender Oil into your temples or on the back of your neck to help alleviate nausea tension and stress from headaches.
2.) Peppermint Oil
For years, I have suffered from headaches and migraines. I have been using peppermint oil on my temples and if I catch them in time with the oil – I don’t have to take any additional meds. Because it has antibacterial qualities, its great for uses in homemade oral products. Here are some common uses for Peppermint Oil:
- Helps reduce stomach ache.
- Soothes digestive tract (similiar to spearmint gum, etc)
- Refreshens bad breath.
- Improves mental focus.
- Helps clear respiratory tract.
- Helps with the stress and symptoms of headaches.
3.) Thieves Oil
Thieves oil is actually a powerful combination of some concentrated oils such as clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary. These oils are combined to create a very aromatic oil that has a rich, spicy aroma. Thieves oil gets its name from 15th century French thieves who formulated this smell. Today, its one of the most popular oils on the market because of it’s various health uses. For instance, whenever I fly on a plane or travel where there is a large group of people such as a theme park, I will add a few drops of oil onto a kleenex or clean cloth and inhale the scent because it promotes a healthy immune system. Here are some other common uses and benefits:
- Purifies the air.
- Works great in the laundry – add some to your laundry detergent.
- Great as an antibacterial – add to your hand soaps.
- Use as a household cleaner. Add a few drops in a bottle with white vinegar as a great cleaning solution.
- Gargle with Thieves. Add a few drops to water and gargle to boost your immune system.
- Use a few drops in a carrier oil such as coconut oil to massage on your chest for an irritating cough.
These are only three oils I have on hand and just a few of the many ways I put them to use. There are so many oils besides these basics…there are combinations of oils that combine several oils into one that work on a certain level of function such as Calm and Peace by Young Living. Like I said, start with a few basics and go from there. I think you will soon appreciate that a natural way of living is so much better for you and your family. I just want to leave you with one final bit of info – always, always use therapeutic oils, and I prefer organic. Don’t trust just any oil to your health. xxoo, Barb
Here are some of the Oils I Use:
100% Organic, Therapeutic Lavender Oil
100% Organic, Therapeutic Peppermint Oil
100% Organic, Therapeutic Thieves Oil
100% Pure Organic Coconut Oil (use as a carrier oil)
Amber Bottles and Oil Droppers (for making your own mixes)
Roller Ball Bottles for Essential Oils
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I love using herbs, especially lavender! We are currently out of Thieves. ‘Better get some before flu season. 😉 This is a great post! Pinning -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
View CommentAbsolutely. Thieves is a must. We send our babies to school every morning with a sniff of Thieves. I am thinking of making them Oil Necklaces or bracelets they can “sniff” with Calm and Peace. Get your order in. 🙂
View CommentLove this post. I use lavender every day to calm myself down. I suffer from blues sometimes. But as long as I am on a positive everything is fine. I think it really helps me stay grounded, so does blogging.
View CommentMaria
Maria I love lavender too and have learned to order extras so I don’t run out. Thanks for stopping by today. Barb
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