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3 Benefits to Essential Oils
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3 Benefits to Essential Oil
Although they're readily available online and in stores today, the use of essential oils is nothing new. The ancient Egyptians are often credited with developing essential oils for medicinal purposes, beauty care, and aromatics.
An essential oil is concentrated oil obtained from a plant—usually from steam distillation—that retains the characteristic fragrance of that plant. There are nearly 100 types of essential oils available and each offers its own unique benefit and scent.
If you've been wondering exactly what you can use essential oils for, here are three ideas to get you started.
1. Air Freshener/Deodorizer
Many people resort to sprays and candles made with artificial fragrances to sweeten their home's smell. Although no studies have been done about the effects of long-term exposure to these products, a National Academy of Sciences study found that 95 percent of the chemicals used in artificial fragrances are derived from petroleum, which can potentially cause health problems. Essential oils are a natural alternative to using chemical-based scents, as they get their smell directly from a plant.
A popular way to freshen up a room is to place essential oil into a diffuser. However, essential oils can help neutralize odors in your cars, shoes, fridge, and any other area that has trapped lingering smells.
To make stinky footwear smell like it's brand new,
🗹Try adding a few drops of lemon or peppermint essential oil to a teaspoon of baking soda,
🗹 Whisk well,
🗹 Sprinkle the powder inside your shoes or sneakers.
🗹 Let it sit for 24 hours
🗹 Then shake the powder out.
Tea tree essential oil is also a great choice for freshening shoes as it has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. You can make a larger batch of deodorizing powder and keep it in a small bowl on the top shelf of your fridge to help remove food odors.
To create an all-natural car freshener,
- Place a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball,
- And clip it to the air vents inside your vehicle with a clothespin.
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| Artificial fragrances to sweeten the home. |
2. Sleep Aid
Certain essential oils can help relax you and enable you to fall asleep faster and enjoy better quality sleep. Is the sandman has been elusive, try sniffing lavender essential oil or adding a few drops to a homemade moisturizer that you can apply to your hands or feet before turning in for the night.
Several studies have found that sniffing lavender essential oil is effective at reducing anxiety which means it will help calm your mind so you can enjoy a more restful sleep.
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| Lavender essential oil is effective at reducing anxiety. |
3. Insect Repellent
Luckily for us, many pesky insects such as mosquitoes loathe the fragrance that certain essential oils give off. If you've been searching for an insect repellent that contains no harmful ingredients and smells nice, then try wearing an essential oil the next time you have yard work, go hiking, or attend a picnic or BBQ. Laboratory and field studies have found that essential oils are at least 90% effective at repelling insects for several hours.
Lemon, citronella, eucalyptus, and peppermint will help ward off mosquitoes. Ticks will avoid rosewood, grapefruit, oregano, and juniper. You can even mix a few of these oils in a spray bottle with a little witch hazel, and spray it on yourself when you venture outdoors. They can also be combined with virgin coconut oil to create a soothing moisturizer that will keep bugs at bay.
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| Stock Up On Essential Oils |
Stock Up On Essential Oils For a Variety of Uses
Essential oils are perhaps one of the most versatile natural ingredients you can keep on hand at home for a variety of uses. Have fun experimenting with different types of essential oils to determine which scents you enjoy the most.
Inveigle Magazine is dedicated to helping readers enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle with tips on fashion, beauty, relationships, and more. Check out our lifestyle posts to learn more about keeping your home looking and smelling nice.
Author: Krista is a freelance writer from California that regularly covers sleep health and lifestyle topics. She is always looking for ways to better herself and has a passion for helping others create a balance in their lives.
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