Your candles could be killing you. 

Candles, scented sprays, and cleaning products are terrible for our health, releasing formaldehyde, phthalates, and other carcinogens into the air.

How can you keep your home smelling and feeling fresh without toxic chemicals? The answer lies in essential oils. 

Read on to learn more about these powerful plant-based compounds and essential oils for beginners. 

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are oils extracted from plants found in nature. They can come from plant leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, and barks. 

For centuries, humans have used these plants for medical or culinary purposes. These compounds are called essential oils because they are the plant’s highly concentrated “essence.” 

How to Use Essential Oils

The uses of essential oils are endless. Many people claim that essential oils have health benefits. You can also use them to clean your home and provide a pleasant scent. 

Add to a Diffuser 

Diffusers release a small amount of essential oil into your home’s air. Several kinds of diffusers are available, but the most popular are reed diffusers and ultrasonic diffusers.

Reed diffusers are jars filled with a carrier oil and essential oils, like this fresh linen diffuser oil. A bamboo rod pulls the oils up to evaporate from the rod. Reed diffusers require no electricity, but they can be messy. 

Ultrasonic diffusers usually require a wall outlet. To use the diffuser, fill the reservoir tank with water and add a few drops of essential oil. The diffuser will pump essential oil mist into the air.

Clean Your Home 

Most cleaning supplies are full of toxic chemicals. Using essential oils, you can make your all-natural cleaning products. 

Lemon is a popular essential oil for cleaning. You can use lemon essential oil to make non-toxic kitchen and bathroom scrubs, leather polish, and all-purpose cleaners. You should never apply essential oils directly to wood furniture or floors, as it can ruin the varnish.  

Apply to Skin

To give yourself an aromatherapy boost, try topical application of essential oils. Before putting any essential oil on your skin, dilute it with a carrier oil, like one of the following: 

• Jojoba oil
• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Avocado oil
• Grapeseed oil

Applying essential oil directly to the skin can lead to redness and irritation. You may also end up smelling stronger than you’d like. Diluting the essential oils makes them safer and easier to apply.

Essential Oils for Beginners

Before using essential oils in your home, determine which oils will be safe for your family and pets. Each essential oil has special healing properties and purposes. The following are some of the best essential oils for beginners to build your collection. 

Lavender

Lavender is the most popular essential oil on the market, excellent for calming anxiety and creating a relaxing environment. Lavender is generally well-liked by people and non-irritating to pets. Lavender essential oil is commonly used in linen sprays, bedroom diffusers, and hot bubble baths. 

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil has stress-relieving properties, especially when combined with lavender or peppermint. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and analgesic properties. Eucalyptus is commonly used for treating colds and opening the airways.

Peppermint 

Peppermint is another essential oil in every fan’s collection. When diffused in the home, peppermint increases productivity and relieves stress. Like eucalyptus, it is great for treating congestion and relieving pain. 

Lemon

Lemon essential oil can make you feel happy and energized. It can also address nausea, reduce stress, and encourage weight loss. Lemon essential oil is commonly used in natural cleaning products and makes a great scent for kitchens and living areas. 

Rosemary 

This essential oil gives any home a fresh walk-through-the-garden scent. Rosemary also improves focus, memory, and immune system health. In some studies, rosemary has even been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. 

Only the Essentials 

Starting your non-toxic transformation can feel overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to play with different oil combinations to find what works for you and your lifestyle. 

Now that you’ve mastered essential oils for beginners, are you ready for more healthy home tips? Check out our other articles on home and real estate!

Jane