11 Unusual But Effective Ways to Use Essential Oils
There are countless uses of essential oils. To many people, these oils are transformative to health and wellness. To others, essential oils remain a fad. With all the uncertainties, it is important to remain educated about the scientific research about the oils. To fully grasp the uses and efficacy of essential oils, it is important to understand what they are and how they work. With the right information, you will be able to see how these oils impact your body and overall health.
Essential oils – What are they?
Every plant comes with a unique essence or flavor. This property can be extracted from individual plants using various methods. Unique scents and flavors extracted from plants are therefore called essential oils. Every plant is unique and to this end, every essential oil will have individual characteristics. There are several methods used to extract the oils. The best ones include cold pressing and steam distillation. There are other methods of extraction that involve the use of chemicals, but the oils obtained this way can not be considered pure. Choosing pure, preferably cold pressed or steam distilled oils is better if your are concerned about the substances you are putting on and into your body.
How essential oils work
The most notable use of essential oils is aromatherapy. This is where the oils are inhaled either directly or as part of another treatment such as a massage or while bathing. People who swear by aromatherapy say that their whole health outlook is improved, with the practice helping to enhance mood or behavior. Some people find that certain oils can stimulate memory, while other use them to help control heart rate and breathing as part of a mindfulness routine.
Most common essential oils to find and their uses
Before looking at the 11 most unusual uses of these oils, it is good to know some of the most popular options to find in the market.
Lemon
Lemon is great for people who have headaches or need an energy and mood boost. It is also a great option for tackling digestive issues.
Rose
Rose is an instant mood booster and can reduce tension. If you are always moody and anxious, you may want to consider this essential oil.
Lavender
Lavender has been found to be excellent for those dealing with stressful situations or stress in general.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an excellent antimicrobial and is often used to keep infections at bay.
Jasmine
Jasmine has been observed to reduce depression while improving libido.
Bergamot
If you battle with skin conditions like eczema, bergamot could be your you. You can also consider coconut oil for quick wound healing and skin moisturizing benefits.
Unusual but effective ways to use essential oils
The list of essential oils and their uses is endless, here are some of the weirdest uses of these oils that are effective.
Curb cravings for dessert effectively
If you are like most people, you adore and cherish your dessert. However, the love for sweet delicious treats can put you in hot water. Many people are not able to overcome their cravings and end up overeating the wrong things. This has certainly created or contributed to the weight problem in society. It is possible to use essential oils to deal with your cravings for dessert or sweet treats. The key lies in tricking your brain effectively. Whenever the craving kicks in, consider some frankincense or ginger essential oil. Diffuse them in your space and enjoy the sweet aroma. For this to be more effective, look for a healthy drink or snack and consume it while enjoying the sweet aromas. At the end, you will have tricked your brain and done your body a favor. This is an easy challenge for anyone to try. This unusual use of essential oils is highly effective if you persist.
Tackle a variety of pest problems
From fleas to mites, mice and flies, your home is prone to a wide array of pests. If you have been using commercial pest solutions without an end to your problem, it is time to consider essential oils for pest control. This option is not as toxic as the alternative and it works naturally to eradicate pests. For those with houseplants, pests such as mites and aphids are common. By diffusing some peppermint or mint essential oil near the plants, you will drive away the unwanted visitors. You can make an essential oil spray using water and lemongrass essential oil to drive away fruit flies. You should spray around the affected areas including cracks and crevices where the pests can hide. Keep your pantry free from pests by placing some cotton balls soaked in lemongrass and peppermint essential oil. If you have not tried this approach, give it a go and see how well it works.
Essential oils for your dishes and fruits
After buying your fruits and vegetables, it is important to clean them effectively. One great way to do it is using grapefruit essential oil. This oil can remove the wax and even chemicals on the fruit’s surface. This way, you will be consuming clean, healthy fruits. For dull dishes, add some lemon essential oil to your dishwashing soap and enjoy shiny and striking dishes. This method will also keep streaking at bay. Also, this essential oil can help rejuvenate your dish sponge. It cleans it completely and two drops are enough before tossing it onto the dishwasher.
Keep your shoes and laundry smelling fresh
We all agree that the odor emitted by dirty shoes is disgusting. Some people have a chronic shoe odor problem because they do not address the problem effectively. If you have this issue, washing your shoes is not enough, you have to target the bacteria and fungi that are responsible for the foul smell by disinfecting your shoes with tea tree essential oil. Use a cotton ball infused with two drops of the oil and rub the inside of your smelly shoes. In addition to killing microbes, this action will also deodorize the shoes. This is certainly a natural and easy method to deal with the problem. You can also add your favorite oils to laundry. Just place a few drops in the dryer and you will be good to go. The freshening effect of the oils is certainly commendable.
Soothe your piercings and tattoos
Ear piercings or other kinds of piercings need special care so that they can heal properly. Finding a natural method to care for them is best. The good news is that some diluted tea tree oil works like a charm. Using a carrier oil such as coconut, apply the oil around the piercings and enjoy the difference. You will keep infection and inflammation at bay. If you have gotten a new tattoo, you can speed up the healing by using these oils as well. A combination of tea tree oil and coconut oil is ideal, like a formulation you might find in an essential oil roller. Apart from the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory merits mentioned above, the oils will also keep the skin well moisturized and this will also speed up the healing process. If you are planning to get a pedicure, using some tea tree oil beforehand will help kill any germs encountered at your local beauty joint.
Curb nausea naturally
There are many causes of nausea including stomach problems, pregnancy, or even bad odors. When this feeling hits you, you can reach for some peppermint essential oil to inhale. This scent is able to cancel nausea and provide some good relief no matter where you are. Another great essential oil that works wonders for nausea is lavender oil. Compare the two and see what works for you best. If you want a longer acting effect, put some oil on your chest or neck. If you are pregnant, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on how to use these oils.
Polish leather
Keeping your leather surfaces looking sharp is critical. You can use lemon essential oil to get the right effect. This oil works to maintain the leather while preventing splitting. All you need is a cloth soaked in the oil to wipe your leather regularly. You will be amazed at how shiny the results are. Lemon oil can also be used for your stainless steel items for amazing results.
Deodorize your rooms while your vacuum
Alluring scents of fresh essential oils are magical to say the least. You can deodorize your rooms every time you vacuum using your favorite oil scent. All you have to do is soak your preferred oil into some cotton balls, then add them to your vacuum cleaner bag. When you vacuum, you will be delighted to leave an excellent signature of your chosen scent.
DIY fabric softener
Softening your fabrics at home does not have to be an expensive affair. You can make your own softener using some essential oil. You can do this by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a cup of white vinegar. This simple recipe will give you a great fabric softener that will not harm your fabrics.
Make a healthy homemade shampoo
Often times, using shampoo can be a double-edged sword. Many products have harsh chemicals that weaken your hair. Thankfully, you have an option to create a shampoo at home using essential oils. This way, you can say goodbye to the harmful side effects of commercial shampoos. There are several ingredients you will need including rosemary oil, lavender oil, coconut milk and aloe vera gel. A combination of all the above makes an excellent shampoo that will not damage your hair.
Whiten your teeth naturally
Many people essential oils for teeth whitening. This option will not erode teeth enamel in the long term unlike commercial options. In fact, in addition to having a brighter smile, your dental health is safeguarded thanks to the antibacterial properties of oils like coconut. You can make a natural but effective toothpaste from bicarbonate of soda and a few drops of mint. Make a mouthwash from a mixture of a few drops of lemon or mint essential oil and coconut oil. Remember, the quality of oil you choose to buy matters greatly, Utama Spice is a leading natural aromatherapy brand and we offer only 100% pure essential oils.
Thanks for all of the ideas for using essential oils other than the most obvious, diffusing. Some of them I will definitely try. I like the pest management and leather cleaning tips.
i never knew there were so many uses for oils..thank you so much for the information and i will be trying some new things <3
I would love to try all of these great ideas!
I love learning about the different oils and what to use them for
I never thought of some of these, especially the laundry
Love this: Keep your shoes and laundry smelling fresh
Thanks for these. Never would have thought of a lot of them!
I am definitely going to try lemongrass for fruit flies this summer. They are a problem towards the end of summer here.
My favorite is Lavender
Thank you for the tips! =)
There’s some great ideas here! Who knew?
Was recently introduced to bergamot – didn’t know it was good for the skin!
I never knew of these other benefits of using essential oils. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for all the info and tips.
I definitely need the lavender to help with my stress level. I have used tea tree oil for toenail fungus and it really works.
I need so many of these oils I think I could really benefit from them đź’›
I love all these tips will be using them thanks for sharing
I love learning what all I can use essential oils for. Thank you!
I’m definitely going to try peppermint essential oil for keeping pests away.
I didn’t know you could use essential oils for so many different things. Thank you for the useful tips
I have heard of most of these. I also would add using it to shampoo carpets to leave a nice scent.
Did not know about the different uses for oils!
Very informative! I learned so much!
Oh wow I never even thought about most of these. The vacuum is my favorite because I would never have thought do that and I bet it helps tremendously!
I’ll have to try lemon oil on my shoes to keep them shiny.
Very informative article for someone just beginning to learn about essential oils. THANKS!
I love all these ideas, my mom and myself are just now getting into them. They really work!!! Thank you so much !
Well written and informative article! Thank you!
I didn’t know you could use Bergamot for eczema. Awesome tip!
Oh Man! Very interesting! Thank you for sharing……I’m definitely going to try a lot of those!
I love essential oils, but truly learned a lot from this. Totally going to start cleaning my produce with grapefruit. Thanks for the great info!
Very informative and interesting
Nice products
Thank you for all the info loved it all now time to shop
I use oils all the time and would love to win.
These are such great ideas. I have to try that fabric softener using tea tree oil.
This is really helpful now I know what to do with my essential oils that I got as a gift.
I have been using alot of Peppermint and Lavender in my home due to a virus that hit us causing us to have sick tummies, the peppermint helped with the nausea.
Jasmine is my all time favorite relaxing smell.
Awesome ideas thank you so much for sharing keeping my fingers crossed 🤞 would love some new oils so I could test out some of these great ideas
Interesting article, thank you!
So I have done a couple of these… I inhaled peppermint for morning sickness and it helped. I also love using them on my dryer balls. I did not know that I could use essential oils to get rid of plant mites and deal with mice! I definetly will give it a go! Thanks for the ideas.
These are some great ideas. My mother only uses oils and her place always smells great. I would love to try these methods and also keep my home smelling great. Thank you.
Love using spices in unique ways
Nice pi ece
Like all the tips for using oils
I love the benefits of these oils !
I need lemon for headaches. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Never knew lemon worked for headaches
I have had advanced arthritis since I was 25. I am 56 now and trying to relax is very difficult. I love aromatherapy, it lets my mind wander and I can think of good things in my life. I am right out now so I hope I win.
Thank you for the tips!
I knew a few of these but many of these are ideas are new. I love the fabric softener and curbing my sweets!
Interesting read learned a lot
Thanks!
Love oils!! Great tips.
lavender is my fav
After reading this article I was compelled to fill my diffuser using the oils I have. I do need a couple you recommend so I put them on my shopping list. Thanks for the reminder!
I think rose will be one of my favorites
I love essential oils!
So many great ideas. Thank you for sharing.
Essential oils have completely changed my life! Every morning, I make a peppermint blend to wake me up, and I use a lavender mix at night. They are amazing! I love all these tips on using them for things you would never think of, like cotton balls in the pantry! Save money on pest control! One more little tip is if you have tummy troubles, take some frankencinse and put it in a capsule and swallow it. Don’t put much! You only need a drop or two, but they really help! They’re natural probiotics! Thx for all the amazing tips! I am addicted to essential oils! xoxoJJ
I love trying different essential oils and learning more about them.
Love to try essential oils they sound so beneficial
This was great to learn different ways I can use my oils! Thanks!
I have never thought of using it as fabric softner. I also just got into adding oregano oil to my pasta meals. When we wear it on our feet, my kiddos call it pizza feet 🙂
Never knew it could be used on fruit to clean and remove wax
Awesome l would love to try
great info
Love the smell of Jasmine
My favourite is tea tree oil. I use that all the time.
Great info
What a great and informative article. These essential oils are definately better to use than other cleaning products and medication which contain ingredients derived from more man made chemicals which generally have more harmful side effects for both individual health and the environment. Everyone should be using these essential oils instead of those other types of products.
Would love to try all of these great ideas and uses for oils!
Lavender is wonderful for helping children relax and get to sleep
I’ve read and heard about essential oils, and always wanted to try different scents.. Especially tea tree oil and lavender..
These are some great uses! I’ve never thought of many of these.
Thank you, this is great information.
WOW these are some great ideas!
The smells around me effect my mood so much, my home is my haven and I use oils so it smells just like a haven
Very good information, thank you! I live essential oils. They have so many great benefits and uses.
Yes! I could not live (or sleep!) without my lavender oil!
The part about curbing cravings sounded really intriguing.
good info
I would love to try these!
Never thought of using them with the vacuum. Looking forward t trying that.
The smells around me effect my mood so much, my home is my haven and I use oils so it smells just like a haven
Very unusual but amazing!
I didn’t realize they were good for pest problems. I use them in the bath as a roll on and in a diffuser
i use a variety of oils for aromatherapy purposes, but tea tree is one that i don’t use very much. with your helpful tips i look forward to trying it more often and ty for the chance 🙂
I like the aromas and health benefits of the oils.
I totally need to try some of these! Especially the one for pests.
I NEED SOMETHING TO HELP STRESS I AM GOING TO TRY IT THANKS
this is a awesome place thank you
So essential oil really has this much benefit. I never really know about that
Will definitely try this!
Amazing! I never knew about all of these amazing tricks!
Great article with some great ideas!!
Awesome ideas! Thank you for sharing. I’m definitely going to try some of these
I want to try them all so bad. I can’t believe all the benefits you can get from these
Super interesting tips, thanks for sharing!
What a treat it would be to win this!
Nice Info
I love all the things you can do with essentail oils! 🙂
Thank you for sharing all this useful information. I’m very new to using essential or and really want to learn what I can. It’s unbelievable how beneficial they can be. Very excited to become well educated on the matter.
Thanks for making it easy to know which oils are good for what. There are so many uses, I love them!
Yay! Oils!
Lots of helpful information
I have not tried essential oils but have heard great things about them
I love lavender oil
I’m always surprised of the versatility of essential oils.
My brother could use the tea tree in the smelly shoes.
I would love to try some of these awesome oils
Thank you for providing the benefits of a few essential oils.
Very informative!
Essential oils are changing my life. I only have a few but I’m noticing some nice effects. I hope to learn more everyday. This post has helped me do that…
I’ll be sure and use them when I vacuum. 🙂
I like using lavender oil and have used cypress oil in the past. I liked the suggestion re deodorizing while vacuuming and using mint oil with baking powder. For I’ll put a little lavender oil on a cotton ball for vacuuming (my hubby does that!)
I love how beneficial essential oils are!
Thank you for the article and the differing ways to use essential oils. I am new to using them, and I do find using the diffuser is an enjoyable experience.
Interesting article love to find out more about using essential oils
Great ideas, definitely give some of these try
This is a great article! There were a lot of these I wasn’t aware of what it could be used for.
Some useful information. I did try the essential oils for fleas though, and it didn’t work.
Going to try the ones for getting rid of pests, shoes, and deodorizing rooms.
Love this article!!! thanks for all the awesome information! loved it!
So many things i never knew thank you for all the amazing info and helping me with what oils are best for me.
great tips for using essential oils,
Will combine them all to become an Avenger.
A lot of good knowledge passed on here….I knew a few of them but most was learning for me….thank you
I love essential oils and use daily. They have so many benefits.