To relieve stress, Jenna Dewan swears by lavender. Kerry Washington keeps a floral and citrus blend on her nightstand to unwind before bed. Essential oils are everywhere and more and more people are enjoying the benefits.
Known for their powerful healing abilities, essential oils have been used for centuries in numerous cultures around the world. These natural plant products are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The beauty of essential oils is that they serve multiple functions: aromatherapy, medicinal remedies, body care, cleaning products, and the list goes on.
Here are six ways to use essential oils in your daily life:
- Freshen up your trash can
Nothing is worse than the lingering smell of garbage in your kitchen. Even more frustrating is when you continue to replace the bags, but the stench remains. What gives?
Taking out the trash is only half the battle. What many of us forget is cleaning the inside of the bin as well. To deodorize, all you have to do is soak a cotton ball in your oil of choice, place it at the bottom underneath your garbage bag and bye bye odor!
The best essential oils for eliminating smells include lemon, tea tree and mint oils. These are anti-viral, anti-bacterial and germ fighting oils.
- Clean your gym bag
When was the last time you put your gym bag in the wash? (Be honest!) If you’re like most people, it’s probably not as often as you should.
To eliminate gym bag odors naturally, place 6 to 7 drops of essential oils on a rag. To be extra thorough, you can place rags in different pockets.
Another option is making a homemade spray. Fill a spray bottle with water, and for a fresh clean blend add 8 drops of lemon, lavender and peppermint.
Try this quick and simple solution – your nose (and your family) will thank you!
- Purify the air
Aromatherapy is essential oils true claim to fame. Diffusers are becoming increasingly popular as a way to boost mood, energize the body and relax the mind. And better still, essential oils can keep the air in your home fresh and clean.
Many of us don’t think about the quality of the air we breathe on a daily basis. You may be exposed to more pollutants and environmental toxins than you realize, which is why it’s beneficial to detoxify your living space.
Lemon, eucalyptus and tea tree oil are excellent natural purifiers.
- Deodorize your fridge
Forget to toss that tuna salad from two weeks ago? Or accidentally spilled spoiled milk? Similar to your trash can, a smelly fridge can be just as annoying.
The good news is you can make your own deodorizer using baking soda, essential oils, and a spice jar. Pour some baking soda into a bowl - the amount of baking soda you’ll use will depend on the size of your spice jar. Add 3 drops of any essential oil for every ¼ cup of baking soda. Mix together and pour back into the jar. Put it in the back of your fridge, and voila!
Recommended essential oils include lemon, orange, and peppermint.
- Scent your laundry
Take your laundry game to the next level with the scent-boosting powers of essential oils. During the wash, all of you have to do is add a few drops to your detergent. And while drying, you can place a few drops on the dryer sheet to amplify the scent on your clothes.
Citrus essential oils (lemon, orange, mandarin) are fantastic when it comes to eliminating dirt and odor, and adding a clean, refreshing scent.
- Floor cleaner
As the filthiest area of the home, floors need cleaning often. But a quick sweep with a broom alone isn’t going to cut. To get rid of the dirt and grime, you’ll need an effective cleaning solution.
For an all-purpose floor cleaner, combine two cups warm water with ½ cup white vinegar, three drops of dish soap (safe and non-toxic), and five drops of essential oils.
The best oils to clean your floors with are peppermint, eucalyptus and lemon.
Ready to make your life easier? Start by incorporating essential oils into your daily routine! With a wide range of uses, there’s something for everyone on this list.