Are your favorite fragrances killing you slowly?

The toxic synthetic fragrances that are placed into a variety of the products we use such as our candles, perfumes, cleaning and beauty products all have a major impact on the quality of our health and wellbeing. Breathing in these toxic sweet-smelling fumes has been the cause for a variety of imbalances to our body ranging from headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, nausea, neurotoxic symptoms, respiratory symptoms and hormonal imbalances.

If you still want to enjoy a sweet-smelling product without compromising your health, you may want to consider using essential oils. Essential oils are plant extracted oils that has been used for centuries. These essential oils have been used through aromatherapy, topically and internally (food grade only) to improve mood and overall health. We can use essential oils and really get down to the root cause of our health problems we are experiencing in our lives instead of just try to treat the symptoms. Here is a list of the top 5 best organic essential oils, their health benefits and how you can incorporate them into your life.

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                                                                                                 Peppermint Oil

                                                 Shop Amazon: Organic Peppermint Oil     

Peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils. This oil contains menthol which produces a cooling sensation. It is found in a variety of products ranging from chewing gum, toothpaste, cleaning and beauty products. This oil not only has a powerful aroma but contains a lot of health benefits

Health Benefits:

• Digestive system relaxer– The menthol that’s found in peppermint oil has a calming effect on the digestive system. The oil is helpful with those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can reduce stomach spasms, indigestion, bloating and nausea.
• Pain reliever– Peppermint oil headaches
• Insect repellent– help to keep spiders, ants, moth, flies and most pest at bay
• Promotes hair growth and reduce dandruff due to antiseptic properties of menthol.
• Supports oral health

How to use:

• Add a few undiluted drops in a diffuser or inhalation to help with congestion
• Massage diluted peppermint oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil to various parts of the body for a cool, soothing and relaxing sensation. Take care to stay away from eyes.
• Add a few drops to shampoo and/or moisturizing hair oil for a tingly scalp massage and to help clarify scalp and prevent dandruff
• Rub a few diluted drops of peppermint oil to the temples, forehead and back of neck when experiencing headache or feelings of tension

Caution:

• Essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying directly to skin
• Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid use of peppermint oil
• Avoid using on the chest and face of children and infants

                                                                                                   Lemon Oil

                                                         Shop Amazon: Organic Lemon Oil

Lemon essential oil is another popular oil that not only smells delicious but also provides a lot of health benefits and useful purposes that we can incorporate in our everyday life. This oil is cold pressed from the peel of the fruit and has a citrus aroma that will give you a positive shift in mood instantly.

Health Benefits:

• Mood Enhancer-Lemon oil helps to reduce anxiety and depression due to its ability to energize and uplift the mood
• Immune System Booster-Has powerful antioxidant properties and Vitamin C that helps to support the immune system
• Increased focus- Lemon oil helps to improve attentiveness and concentration on tasks
• Antiseptic-Has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that are useful to improve skin and as a natural nontoxic household cleaner
• Insect repellent– Lemon oil can repel insects such as mosquitoes and gnats

How to use:

• Add a few drops into a diffuser to give the home a clean fresh scent
• Use as a personal inhaler when ever you need to enhance your mood or increase focus
• Create nontoxic DIY home cleaners incorporating lemon essential oils. Check out my non-toxic DIY home cleaners here

Caution:

• Essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying directly to skin
• Can cause skin to be more sensitive to sun and increase chances of sunburn
• Maybe toxic to pets

                      Tea Tree Oil

                                                          Shop Amazon: Organic Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil, Also Known as Melaleuca oil, is a powerful oil extracted from the tea tree plant and native to Australia. This essential oil when used topically or aromatically can provide amazing health benefits including but not limited for its purifying and antiseptic properties.

Health Benefits:

• Anti-fungal-Tea tree oil can be used to rid toe nail fungus and ring worm due to it anti-fungal properties
• Air Purifier– Tea tree has the ability to eliminate mold and purify the air of harmful bacteria
• Antimicrobial-Tea tree can be used to treat and clean wounds due to it antimicrobial properties
• Anti-Inflammatory– Tea tree can relieve any type of skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and acne
• Antiseptic -Tea tree oil used as an antiseptic and powerful household cleaning agent

How to use:

• Applying tea tree oil diluted with Manuka honey topically to wounds for a natural first aid ointment
• Applying a few drops of tea tree oil and baking powder as a natural nontoxic deodorant
• Use tea tree oil when facial steaming to reduce skin inflammation, oily and acne prone skin.
• Add a few drops of Tea tree oil to shampoo and/or hair oil to reduce dry flaky scalp and eliminate dandruff.
• Mixing tea tree oil with vinegar and spraying areas around the home that are prone to grow mold.
• Use a few drops of tea tree oil in a diffuser to purify the air and eliminate airborne bacteria. Diffusing tea tree oil also helps to relieve sinus congestion

Caution:

• Tea tree oil is generally safe for topical and aromatherapy purposes.
• Tea tree oil is toxic if ingested orally.

                                                                                                Lavender Oil

                                                 Shop Amazon: Organic Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is a natural essential oil that is extracted from the lavender plant. the lavender plant is a small flowering shrub that grows in the temperate climates around the world. lavender essential oil can be used in a variety of ways depending on what your intention is and this oil is one of the most versatile.

Health Benefits:

• Supports quality sleep, decrease insomnia and improve melatonin levels
• Relaxes the mood, helps with anxiety and depression.
• Antiviral and Antimicrobial. Lavender oil can be used as natural antiseptic. Studies have shown that this oil has the ability to inhibit the growth of a variety of microbes.
• Anti-inflammatory-Improves the appearance of dry and eczema prone skin
• Promotes thicker longer hair growth
• reduce menstrual cramping
• Reduction of colic symptom in infants

How to Use:

• Use lavender oil before bedtime. You can place a few drops in a diffuser just before heading to bed to create that calming relaxing environment.
• You can also try adding a couple drops of lavender oil to your bath water as well as adding to children’s bath to help unwind at the end of the day and promote sleep.
• You can add it to different types of skincare products. Try adding a couple drops to your moisturizers to help give your skin that extra nourishment
• Adding a couple of drops of Lavender oil to your shampoo or conditioners can help to soothe, cleanse and help support the appearance of healthy-looking hair
• You can use diluted lavender oil topically to the bottom of feet or to different areas of the body for its full health benefits

Caution:

• Essential oils need to be diluted before use. lavender essential oil is extremely potent so it could be too strong to apply directly onto the skin. I recommend that you use with a carrier oil such as almond oil or olive oil before applying topically.
• Can cause drowsiness. Its best to avoid using lavender oil while driving or operating heavy machinery or in situations where you need to be alert
• Safe for pregnancies and babies but if any allergic reaction is noticed make sure to see your doctor

                                                                                            Frankincense Oil

                                                   Shop Amazon: Organic Frankincense Oil

Frankincense is the king of all essential oils. This ancient oil has been used for thousands of years for its amazing therapeutic and healing benefits. Frankincense  has been known as the “cure all”.

Health Benefits:

• Helps to reduce Joint pain and arthritis due to it anti-inflammatory properties
• Supports oral health due to its antiseptic action that prevents bad breath, cavities and other oral infection.
• Relieves stress and anxiety due to its ability to calm the nerves and help with focus
• Supports healthy skin due to its antibacterial and astringent properties. Reducing acne blemishes and the appearance of large pores
• Cancer Fighting. Studies have shown that Frankincense oil has the ability to reduce inflammation and attack cancer cells directly.

How to use:

• Apply a few drops of diluted frankincense oil to skin can help to reduce pain in affected areas of the body
• Add a few drops of frankincense oil to a diffuser while performing yoga or deep meditation can help support spirituality and focus
• Add a couple drops of frankincense to moisturizer to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and aging skin

Caution:

• Dilute oil with a carrier oil before applying directly to skin to prevent inflammation, irritation and burning.
• Pregnant and lactating women should avoid as there is not enough reliable information for safety of use.
• May cause allergic reactions in some people. if any allergic reaction is noticed make sure to see your doctor