Essential Oils to Use Every Day for Better Health

Need a natural mood boost? 

Something to calm your mind? Invigorate your senses?

Or just help with cleaning the bathtub? 

There’s an essential oil for that!

From the zesty to the herbaceous, the woody to the floral, essential oils have been rousing our olfactory glands for some five thousand years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were among the first to recognise essential oils for their aromatic and therapeutic properties and make them a part of their everyday lives. Various oils were used in religious ceremonies, as perfumes, in beauty rituals, and for their medicinal benefits. 

Medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine later used essential oils to help balance energies and promote overall well-being. The various uses for particular oils have been passed down throughout history, and they are still very much a part of holistic approaches to health and wellness.

Essential oils are natural, fragrant oils obtained by distilling raw plant material, usually by steam. They’re known as “essential” because they contain the essence of the plant’s scent. There are at least 150 individual oils, each with its own unique properties. 

Whether you’re an aspiring aromatherapist or just looking to add some uplifting fragrances to your daily routine, you can’t go wrong with Lavender oil, Lemon essential oil, tea tree Oil, and eucalyptus oil. Let’s dive into their many benefits and uses!

Lavender Oil

By far the most well-known of all essential oils, Lavender essential oils are celebrated for their gentle, calming properties. Extracted from the fresh purple flowers of the lavender plant, lavender has a clean, sweet fragrance that many people find helpful for supporting relaxation. It’s also one of the most popular essential oils for sleep.

You might be surprised to know that lavender has an enormous range of uses. Inhaling its soothing aroma can be great for managing stress and worry. Simply add a few drops to your oil burner or a handkerchief, and breathe in gently when needed. Adding lavender oil to your bath can make for a relaxing soak before bed. 

Lavender can also be used to clean your home. Make your own natural cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water, then adding about 1ml (30-40 drops) of lavender essential oil. Pour into a spray bottle. Great for breaking down that soap scum in the bath!

Lemon Essential Oil

Zesty and refreshing lemon essential oil is a natural energy booster. It’s great for lifting the spirits, especially in the home or office. Add a few drops to a vaporiser when you feel a creative slump coming on, and you might just be pleasantly surprised! 

Lemon essential oil is also known for its cleansing properties (which is why so many household cleaners are citrus-based!) Like lavender, it can also be used as a non-toxic cleaning solution or as a room deodoriser. 

Here’s an easy recipe for making your own room spray: 

• 30 drops lemon essential oil
• One teaspoon witch hazel (unscented)
• Distilled water

Add the lemon oil to a 60ml glass spray bottle, then add the witch hazel. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water. Replace the spray cap and shake well before each use.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil may be native to Australia and New Zealand, but it’s known and used all over the world. This pungent, pine-y oil is known to kill harmful bacteria and fungi, which makes it a useful addition to any first aid kit or household cleaning supplies. 

Tea tree oil can also be used to help balance oily skin and to soothe skin conditions such as acne, insect bites, and other minor irritations. Some people also find tea tree oil beneficial for supporting healthy scalp and hair. If you’re prone to itchy, scaly skin on your feet and in between your toes, tea tree oil could be your new best friend! Soak your feet in warm water with a few drops of tea tree essential oil to help keep your feet looking and feeling fresh.  

Tea tree is also a natural insect repellent. Most bugs don’t like the strong aroma, which is why you’ll often see tea tree included in plant-based insect repellent formulas. 

It’s safe to use tea tree oil topically as long as you dilute it properly. To do that, mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with 2-3 tablespoons of carrier oil, such as almond or coconut.

Remember: everyone’s skin reacts differently, so be sure to carry out a patch test before applying to your skin. 

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil has a distinctive aroma that many of us will associate with good ol’ Vicks Vaporub! Indeed, this invigorating fragrance can help to clear a stuffy nose and soothe minor chest irritations. It’s a good one to use in steam inhalation to support calm breathing and help manage congestion from colds and sinusitis. To make a steam inhalation, add one or two drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Place the bowl on a bench, close your eyes, and hold your head over the bowl. You can drape a towel over your head to intensify the vapors. Take slow, deep breaths for several minutes, or until you can feel your nasal passages clearing. Just take care not to open your eyes, as the eucalyptus vapors can be irritating. 

Eucalyptus is also great with laundry! As a natural grease-buster, it’s a tried-and-true remedy for removing sweat and oil stains from clothing. Simply apply 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil directly to the stain and rub in with a cloth, then leave to absorb for about half an hour. Wash as usual, and ta-da! 

You can also blend different essential oils to create your own unique fragrances. A combination of lavender, lemon and eucalyptus makes for a fresh, rejuvenating scent that works well in a vaporiser. Or experiment with your own blends! Bargain Chemist has a huge range of essential oils to get you started. While you’re there, grab one of our very popular vaporisers to make the most out of your oils. 

Please note that individual experiences with essential oils may vary, and it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health conditions or sensitivities.