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In my last post, I talked about my personal favorite oils and blends. This post will cover 10 popular essential oils (single oils, not blends), and what they can be used for.
Scent: warm and spicy, often used in holiday blends
Uses: cleaning, aching joints, relief of occasional toothache (adults only)
NOTE: only use a max dilution of 0.5% for topical applications, do not use with children under age 2
Eucalyptus(Eucalyptus globulus)
Scent: medicinal, clean
Uses: respiratory problems, congestion
NOTE: Do not use with children under age 10
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
Scent: woody, a bit spicy
Uses: anti-aging, may reduce the appearance of scars, immune support
Scent: citrusy, a bit sweet
Uses: mood booster, brightens dull skin
NOTE: Grapefruit essential oil is phototoxic and can cause severe sunburn or blistering when exposed to the sun. If using this oil topically, do not expose your skin to UV light for 12-18 hours after application.
Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia)
Scent: floral, fresh, sweet
Uses: promotes relaxation, relief for bruises, cuts, and itching
Scent: citrus, fresh
Uses: cleaning, immune support, mood booster
NOTE: Lemon (cold pressed) essential oil is phototoxic and can cause severe sunburn or blistering when exposed to the sun. If using this oil topically, do not expose your skin to UV light for 12-18 hours after application. Steam distilled lemon (pictured) is preferred for topical use, since it is not phototoxic.
Scent: intense, herbal
Uses: cleaning, immune support
NOTE: Do not use with children under age 2
Scent: fresh, cool
Uses: headaches, congestion, promotes energy
NOTE: Do not use with children under age 6
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Scent: sweet
Uses: promotes relaxation, eases soreness
Tea Tree(Melaleuca alternifolia)
Scent: clean, medicinal
Uses: skin care (acne), disinfectant
In Part 5, I will go further into safety information about using these oils around children and pets.
Check out all of the posts in this Essential Oil Basics series:
- Part 1 – What are Essential Oils?
- Part 2 – Using Essential Oils
- Part 3 – My Favorite Essential Oils and Brands
- Part 4 – 10 Popular Essential Oils and their Uses
- Part 5 – Essential Oil Use for Children and Pets
Disclaimer: The information contained on The Practically Green Mom represents the choices I have made to take charge of my own health and that of my family. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.
{This post is not sponsored by any essential oil company or Amazon. It does contain affiliate links to Amazon.com. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}
