50 uses of Essential Oils

1. For Scent-Sational smelling towels, sheets, clothes, etc., place a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a small piece of terry cloth and toss into the clothes dryer while drying. Add 5 drops of essential oil to ¼ cup fabric softener or water and place in the center cup of the wash. 

2. Potpourri which has lost its scent can be revived by adding a few drops of essential oil. 

3. Add a few drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air freshener. 

4. Another easy air freshener is to add a few drops of essential oil to a pan of water and simmer on a stove or in a potpourri pot. 

5. To enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two of oil into the hot melted wax as the candle burns. 

6. To dispel household cooking odors, add a few drops of Clove oil to a simmering pan. 

7. For tired, aching muscles or arthritis, mix 1 part Cajeput, Sage, and Basil oil to 4 parts Jojoba or other vegetable oil and use as a massage oil. 

8. Ease headache pain by rubbing a drop of Rosemary/Lavender oil onto the back of your neck. 

9. To blend your own massage oil, add 3 drops of your favorite essential oil to 1 oz. Jojoba or other skin-nourishing vegetable oil. Don’t make too much. 

19. Add 10 drops of essential oil to a box of cornstarch or baking soda, mix very well, let set for a day or two and then sprinkle over the carpets in your home. Let act for an hour or more, then vacuum. 

11. To make a natural flea collar, saturate a short piece of cord or soft rope with Pennyroyal or Tea Tree oil, roll up in a handkerchief and tie loosely around the animal’s neck. (Our warning: be very cautious about using any essential oil w/ pets, cats should not come into contact with essential oils at all, and tea tree can cause shock symptons if it gets on the skin of animals, I'm not sure about the pennyroyal, please research this for yourself.)

12. Smelly feet or shoes can be remedied by either dropping a few drops of Geranium essential oil directly into the shoes or by placing a cotton ball dabbed with a few drops of Lemon oil into the shoes. Athlete’s foot? Tea Tree oil is great. 

13. Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place in your vacuum cleaner bag. Lemon and Pine are nice. Rose Geranium helps with doggy odor. 

14. To fragrance your kitchen cabinets and drawers, place a food scent dabbed on a cotton ball in an inconspicuous corner. 

15. If mice are a problem, place several drops of Peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them in problem locations. 

16. The bathroom is easily scented by placing oil-scented cotton balls in inconspicuous places or sprinkling oils directly onto silk or dried flower arrangements or wreaths. 

17. Apply true Lavender oil and Tea Tree oil directly to cuts, scrapes or scratches. 1 or 2 drops will promote healing. 

18. Homemade soaps are pleasant and offer therapeutic effects when scented with essential oils. Use Ida's Handcrafted Soaps which contain pure essential oils. 

19. Homemade sachets are more fragrant when essential oils are blended with the flowers and herbs. 

20. An essential oil dropped on a radiator, scent ring, or light bulb will not only fill the room with a wonderful fragrance, but will also set a mood such as calming or uplifting. Don’t put essential oil in the socket! 

21. A few drops of your favorite oil or blend in the rinse water of your hand-washables makes for pleasant results. 

22. Anise oil has been used by fishermen for years. Use a drop or two on the fingertips and hands before baiting up. Anise covers up the human scent that scares the fish away. 

23. Essential oils or blends make wonderful perfumes. Create your own personal essence! 25 drops to 1 oz. perfume alcohol. Let age two weeks before using. 

24. To dispel mosquitoes and other picnic or barbeque pests, drop a few drops of Citronella oil in the melted way of a candle or place a few drops on the barbeque hot coals. 

25. 1 drop of Lemon essential oil applied directly to a wart is an effective means of elimination. Apply the essential oil daily until the wart is gone. 

26. Rosemary promotes alertness and stimulates memory. Inhale occasionally during long car trips and while reading or studying. 

27. Selling your home? Fragrance sells! Fill the kitchen area with the aroma of spices, such as Clove, Cinnamon and Vanilla. Simmer a few drops of essential oil s of Cinnamon, Nutmeg and other spices. Geranium oil sprinkled throughout the home creates a warm, cheerful and inviting mood. Add Cinnamon oil to furniture polish and wipe down the wood. 

28. Add essential oils to paper mache for a lovely aromatic art piece. 

29. Infuse bookmarks and stationery with essential oils. Place drops of oil on paper and put them in a plastic bag. Seal and leave overnight to infuse the aroma. Send only good news in a perfumed letter. 

30. Neck pillows, padded and decorative hangers make more memorable gifts, simply by putting a couple of drops of essential oil on them before giving. 

31. Overindulge last night? Essential oils of Juniper, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Lavender, Carrot, Fennel, Rosemary and Lemon help soften the effects of a hangover. Make your own blend of these oils and use a total of 6 – 8 drops in a bath. 

32. Essential oils of Vetivert, Cypress, Atlas Cedarwood, Frankincense and Myrrh all make wonderful firewood oils. Drop approximately 2 – 3 drops of oil of blend of your choice on a dried log and allow time for the oil to soak in before putting the log on the fire. 

33. Flies and moths dislike Lavandin oil. Sprinkle it on the outside of your window frames. 

34. Place 1 or 2 drops of sleep-enhancing oils, such as Chamomille, Lavender, Neroli, Marjoram or Hops on your pillow before retiring for a restful sleep. 

35. When moving to a new home, first use a water spray containing your favorite essential oils and change the odorous environment to your own. Do this for several days until it begins to feel like your space. . 

36. Ideal scents for the bedroom are Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender or Lemon. 

37. 1 drop of Lemon essential oil on a soft cloth will polish copper with gentle buffing. 

38. When washing out the fridge, freezer or oven, add 1 drop Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Mandarin or Orange essential oil to the final rinse water. 

39. For burns or scales, drop Tea Tree oil directly onto the affected area. (Our note: Lavender essential oil works wonders for burns, too!)

40. Place 1 drop of Peppermint oil in ½ glass of water, sip slowly to aid digestion and relieve upset stomach. 

41. Use 1 drop Chamomile oil on a washcloth-wrapped ice cube to relieve teething pain in children. 

42. 6 – 8 drops Eucalyptus oil in the bath cools the body in summer and protects it in winter. 

43. Add 1 drop Geranium oil to your facial moisturizer to bring out a radiant glow in your skin. 

44. Place 1 or 2 drops of Rosemary on your hair brush before brushing to promote growth and thickness. 

45. When flu is going around add a few drops of Thyme to your diffuser or simmer in a pan on the stove. 

46. To bring fever down, sponge the body with cool water to which 1 drop each Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Lavender oils have been added. 

47. The blend of Lavender and Grapefruit oil is good for the office. Lavender creates a calm, tranquil atmosphere while Grapefruit stimulates the senses and clears up stale air. 

48. A blend of Geranium, Lavender and Bergamot alleviates anxiety and depression. Use in a room diffuser or add 6 – 8 drops of this blend in the bath. 

49. A wonderful massage blend for babies is 1 drop Roman Chamomile, 1 drop Lavender, 1 drop Geranium diluted in 2 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil. 

50. 1 drop Peppermint oil diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil rubbed on the back of the neck helps to relieve headaches. 

Source- From Scented Thymes newsletter, published by Janell Squires & Jeanne Rose.

Make ur Bath Blissful!

Luxuriate in the richness of spa-like baths right at home. All you have to do is reach out to your kitchen cabinet.
Confession time: when running late in the morning, my bath is often the first casualty. I either rush through it or—when it is really cold—simply skip it! As I spoke to experts, I was convinced that I needed to do some major re-thinking on this. Our skin excretes 30% of the waste products...just imagine the residue that stays behind on the skin’s surface! And yet, a nice refreshing bath is important not only from the hygiene point of view, but if done the right way, it can boost your mood and make your skin glow with health!
You heard it right. You can transform your bathroom into a spa by these small, easy changes.


1. Massage, massage and massageDermatologists and skin experts can’t emphasise this enough. A quick body oil massage, 10-minutes before your bath, has many benefits. It helps in exfoliation—removal of dead skin cells from the surface.
The physical act of massage boosts blood circulation and enables detoxifi cation. Increased circulation in turn reduces aches and pains and helps you destress.
A layer of oil prevents moisture from escaping the skin’s surface during a bath. This goes a long way in keeping the skin hydrated and itch-free. During the summer months use lighter oils, such as—coconut, eucalyptus or jasmine for a massage. Heavier oils, such as almond are best suited for winter days.
2. Bring on the goodness of essential oilsEssential oils give plants their fragrance. They contain vitamins, plant hormones and other natural elements. Many of us associate aromatic, essential oils with expensive spa treatments.

Bathroom must-haves1. Loofah or back brush : It is a must for proper exfoliation. Opt for a vegetable loofah.
2. Use a back brush for cleansing the back.
3. Pot pourri bags :These will keep the bathroom smelling fresh and nice.
4. Shower gel or body scrub - Choose them over regular soap as they are not harsh on the skin.
Body scrubs can be made at home as well
5. Pumice stone : Scrub feet regularly with a pumice stone during a bath. It is necessary to slough off the dead cells.
6. Essential oils
Always keep calming (lavender/sandalwood) and energising (lemon/peppermint/camphor) oils handy.
7. Aromatic candles
Keep a collection that addresses different moods—calming, energising or healing.
The truth is that this is not always the case and you can reap many health benefi ts when you use them at home. Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils for physical and emotional benefits.
The use of aromatic scents has been shown in many studies and in individual experience to have a very real, if temporary, effect on people’s feelings and moods. So, while we wait for science to prove conclusively if aromatherapy can lower your blood pressure, we’re more than happy to recommend a scented bath if it makes you more relaxed (or rejuvenated). And God knows how much we need that!

The right oil to use:
Different oils have different effects on our senses. Take your pick:
To rev up Try bergamot, camphor, cinnamon, peppermint, rosemary, lemon, geranium. They perk up your senses by increasing blood circulation and help you focus better. Start your day with a bath scented with their energy.
Calm down with jasmine, lavender, chamomile, sandal wood and ylang ylang. A perfect end to a tense, highstress day.
Aches and pains Lavender can help deal with migraine and also high blood pressure. Sandalwood essence helps relieve PMS symptoms.

Facial Masks

Aloha Honey Hawaiian Delight

- Makes 2 treatments - 

Ingredients

 1/2  ripe papaya

 1/2  cup fresh pineapple, diced

 2  Tbsp. green tea

 2  Tbsp. honey

  

Directions: Steep green tea in boiling water. Set aside to cool. Peel papaya wedge and remove seeds. In blender or food processor, blend papaya and pineapple until pureed. Pour into glass bowl and combine honey and green tea. Mix well. Apply to face with fan brush or finger tips. Recline and rest for 10 - 15 minutes. Remove completely with tepid water and soft facial cloth. Store in covered container in refrigerator for up to one week.

Cucumber Honey Eye Nourisher

- Makes 4 treatments - 

Ingredients

 1  Tbsp. aloe vera gel 

 2  tsp. cucumber, peeled with seeds removed 

 1/2  tsp. honey 

 1/2  tsp. chamomile tea 

  

Directions: Steep chamomile tea in boiling water. Set aside to cool. In food processor or blender combine cucumber, aloe vera and honey. Blend on low setting. Add chamomile tea. Blend until smooth. Apply gently under eyes using ring finger. Store in glass dish covered with plastic wrap in refrigerator for up to one week. Best applied chilled.

 Tips Benefits: Reduces puffiness, cools and refreshes contours under eyes.

Cucumber-Honey Toner

- Makes 1/2 cup - 

Ingredients

1   medium cucumber, peeled and cut into pieces

 2  teaspoons honey

  

Directions: Puree cucumber in a blender. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and set the sieve over a glass bowl or measuring cup. Pour the cucumber puree through the sieve and let it stand for 15 minutes for the juices to drip into the bowl. Pour the clear juice into a clean bottle and add honey.

To use, shake the bottle and saturate a cotton pad with the lotion. Sweep over face, neck and chest morning and night, and let it air dry (about 3 to 4 minutes). Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Facial Toner

  

Ingredients

 1  Tablespoon honey

 1  apple, peeled and cored

Directions: In blender, puree honey with a peeled, cored apple. Smooth over face; leave on 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Firming Face Mask

Ingredients

 1  Tablespoon honey

 1   Egg white

 1   teaspoon glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores)

 approx. 1/4  cup flour

Directions

Whisk together all ingredients and enough flour to form a paste (approximately 1/4 cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath

Ingredients

1  cup sweet almond oil, light olive or sesame oil may be substituted

 1/2   cup honey

 1/2   cup liquid soap

 1   Tablespoon vanilla extract

 Directions

 Measure the oil into a medium bowl, then carefully stir in remaining ingredients until mixture is fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using. Enough for four large luxurious baths.

Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water - then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.

Tips: Banish the winter blahs and dissolve away the harshness of the day by relaxing in a soothing bath. Honey is nature's silky moisturizer and guaranteed to sweeten your mood!

Gentle Honey Cleanser

Ingredients

 1/4  cup honey

 1  Tablespoon liquid soap

 1/2   cup glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores)

Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until they are fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle.Pour onto clean face sponge or soft cloth and gently rub onto face, wash away with warm water and pat face dry. 

Enjoy fresh radiant skin. Tips: This cleanser is simple and effective. The soap gently cleans, the glycerin prevents drying and the honey not only softens the skin, but its antimicrobial properties can help ward off breakouts. A touch of honey is all you need for healthy, glowing skin.

Green Honey Glow Mask

- Makes 2 treatments - 

Ingredients

4   cups fresh spinach

 1  cup fresh mint

3   Tbsp. honey

 1  piece (1-inch) ginger

 1  ripe banana

 2  egg whites

Directions: Rinse spinach thoroughly in colander. Cut and peel ginger, set aside. In food processor or blender combine spinach, mint and ginger. Blend on low setting. Add honey and banana and blend until liquid consistency. Add egg whites, blend until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Transfer to porcelain bowl or glass dish. On clean skin apply a small amount of Green Honey Glow to entire face and neck. Apply using a fan brush or finger tips. Allow to remain on skin for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and apply appropriate moisturizer. Store covered in refrigerator for up to one week.

 Tips: Benefits: Beautiful glowing skin that feels youthful and tight.

  

Hair Conditioner

 Ingredients

 1/2  cup honey

 1/4  cup olive oil, use 2 Tbsp. for normal hair

  

Directions: ney and olive oil. Work a small amount at a time through hair until coated. Cover hair with shower cap; leave on 30 minutes. remove shower cap; shampoo well and rinse. Dry as normal.

 Hair Shine

 Ingredients

  1 teaspoon honey

 4  cups warm water

  Lemon (for blondes)

  

Direction:  Stir honey into warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

  

Harvest Pumpkin Exfoliating Mask

- Makes 4 treatments - 

Ingredients

 4  Tbsp. pumpkin puree

 1  Tbsp. honey

 4  tsp. Cornmeal

 2  tsp. aloe vera gel

 2  tsp. pineapple, diced

 1  tsp. green tea

 1/2  tsp. sunflower oil

 6  drops frankincense essential oil (optional)

 4  drops cinnamon extract (optional)

 Directions

 Steep green tea in boiling water. Set aside to cool. In blender or food processor puree pineapple and place in medium-sized mixing bowl. Add pumpkin, honey and aloe. Mix well. Stir in sunflower oil, green tea and cornmeal. Discard the remaining green tea. Add frankincense and cinnamon. Stir. Apply small amount of pumpkin mask to cheeks, forehead, chin and neck. Massage in circular motions gently buffing skin. Repeat. Apply more product as needed. Leave a thin layer of pumpkin mask on face and neck for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with tepid or cool water and pat dry with soft towel. Follow with appropriate moisturizer. Store remaining mask covered in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips Benefits: Pumpkin enzymes dissolve dead skin cells while the cornmeal sweeps them clean. Honey has antimicrobial properties as well as moisturizes and softens. The result is a beautiful glowing complexion. Use this mask as often as you like.

 Honey Cleansing Scrub

 Ingredients

1   Tablespoon honey

 2  Tablespoons finely ground almonds

 1/2  teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

Mix all ingredients. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

Honey Peanut Polish

- Makes 2 treatments - 

Ingredients

1   apricot

1   ripe pear

1/2   plum

 3   tsp. honey

 1/2   cup unsalted peanuts

  

Directions: In coffee grinder or food processor chop peanuts until almost powder consistency. Set aside. Using a blender or food processor combine apricot, pear and plum. Blend to gel consistency and place contents in glass or hard plastic bowl. Stir in honey and peanuts. 

On cleansed skin apply small amount of honey peanut polish. Starting at the cheeks, massage in light circular motions moving to forehead, nose, chin and neck, reapplying product where needed. Repeat. Product may be left on skin as a mask or rinsed immediately. Remove with tepid or cool water. Pat dry skin with soft towel and follow with appropriate moisturizer. Cover and store remaining polish in refrigerator.

 Tips: Benefits: Soothes dry, irritated skin. Also good for sensitive skin conditions

Honey-Almond Scrub

Ingredients

 8  whole unblanched almonds

 2  Tablespoons rolled oats, uncooked

 1  Tablespoon honey

 2  teaspoons yogurt, sour cream or lightly beaten egg white

  

Directions: Process almonds and oats in a blender until they are finely ground. In a small bowl, mix ground almonds and oats, honey and yogurt until blended. Pat scrub on face and neck; leave it on for up to 10 minutes for extra softening. Wet your hands and massage gently to exfoliate. Rinse off. Makes enough for 1 scrub

Honey-Kissed Lip Balm

- Makes 1-1/2 cups - 

Ingredients

1  cup sweet almond oil

 1/2   cup beeswax**

 2   Tablespoons honey

Directions: Place almond oil and beeswax in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until mixture melts. Whisk honey into beeswax mixture; stir well. Set aside to cool completely. When cool, pour into small containers with lids. Apply to lips as a moisturizer or on top of lipstick for extra shine. Makes about 1-1/2 cups.

*Sweet almond oil can be found at natural food stores.

** Beeswax can be purchased at craft and beekeeping stores.

Lavender-Honey Milk Bath

  Ingredients

 3  Tablespoons dried lavender flowers*

 1-1/2   cups whole milk, cream or combination

 1/3   cup honey

Directions: Process lavender flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together lavender powder, milk and honey in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes enough for 2 baths.

*Dried lavender flowers can be found in the spice section of gourmet and

Specialty stores.

Moisture Mask

 Ingredients 

2  Tablespoons honey

2   teaspoons milk

Directions: Mix honey with milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Morning Buzz Body Scrub

- Makes 1-2 treatments - 

Ingredients

 1/4  cup freshly ground coffee

 1/4   cup buttermilk

 2  Tbsp. wheat germ

 2  Tbsp. honey

 1  Tbsp. grapeseed oil

 1  egg white

Directions: In mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, honey, grapeseed oil and egg white, mix thoroughly. Slowly add coffee and wheat germ being careful not to clot or clump. Scrub should be smooth and creamy but with a slight grit. Allow to stand. Apply all over in shower or bath using a washcloth or body sponge to aid in exfoliation. Rinse completely. Towel dry and apply moisturizer. Chill remaining scrub if necessary.

Tips: Benefits: Rids the skin of dry patches and aids in circulation. Helps to reduce cellulite while it firms and tones. Leaves skin smooth and supple.

 Rose Oil & Honey Facial Mask

 Ingredients

 2   Tablespoons honey

 2  Tablespoons sweet almond oil

 5   drops essential oil of rose

 1   drop vitamin E oil

Directions: Mix honey, sweet almond oil and essential oil of rose.

Massage onto clean face and neck with fingertips. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat dry to reveal a fresh, soft complexion. 

Tips: Rejuvenate and replenish your skin. Sweet almond oil, which is light and easily absorbed, softens and nourishes skin. Honey as natural humectant, moisturizes, leaving even tired skin incredibly smooth.

 Rosemary Honey Hair Conditioner

Ingredients

 1/2  cup honey

1/4  cup warmed olive oil, 2 Tablespoons for normal to oily hair

 4  drops essential oil of rosemary

 1  teaspoon xanthum gum (available in health food stores)

 Directions: Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight fitting stopper or lid. 

Apply a small amount at a time to slightly dampened hair. Massage scalp and work mixture through hair until completely coated. Cover hair with a warm towel (towel can be heated in a microwave or dryer) or shower cap; leave on to nourish and condition for 30 minutes. Remove towel or shower cap; shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water. Dry as normal and enjoy shinier, softer and healthier hair the natural way.

  

Tips: The extremes of heat and cold we endure throughout winter can make even the greatest of hair look and feel like straw. This nourishing conditioner blends honey for shine; olive oil for moisture and essential oil of rosemary to stimulate hair growth.

 Rosemary Honey Sorbet Mask

- Makes 2 treatments - 

Ingredients

2   Tbsp. bentonite or kaolin clay*

 1  Tbsp. chamomile tea

1   Tbsp. green tea

 1  Tbsp. honey

 5  drops rosemary essential oil

 3  drops arnica oil

  

Directions

 Steep chamomile and green tea separately - set aside to cool. In rubber mixing bowl blend bentonite clay, chamomile tea and green tea into cake batter consistency. Discard any remaining tea. Blend in aloe vera and honey. Add rosemary and arnica essential oils and slowly stir until all ingredients are completely mixed. Using fan brush or fingers, apply mask to clean face and neck. Allow mask to set for 15-20 minutes. Remove with tepid water and facial sponges. Pat dry and apply appropriate moisturizer.

 Tips: Items are available in most health food stores or herb shops or by going online.

Benefits: A soothing mask to help relieve puffiness and pre-menstrual skin irritations. Also good to help boost skin hydration levels.

Simply Sweet Honey Face Scrub

- Makes 4 treatments - 

 Ingredients

 4  medium-sized strawberries

 1   small cactus fruit

1/4  cup oatmeal, uncooked

 3  tsp. sugar

 3  tsp. honey

 2   tsp. green tea

Directions

Wash strawberries and remove stems. Peel cactus fruit and discard skin. Slice in quarters, set aside. Using food processor or blender combine oatmeal, strawberries, cactus fruit, green tea and honey. Mix until pureed. Place in glass or rubber mixing bowl. Stir in sugar until completely mixed. Apply small amount to cheeks, forehead, chin and neck. Using finger tips and circular motions work product into skin. Repeat. Apply more product as needed until entire face and neck are covered. May be left on skin for 10 minutes mask or removed immediately. Rinse completely using tepid or cool water. Store remaining scrub in covered container in refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips

Benefits: Exfoliates and softens while it moisturizes and brightens dull dry