Why Your Pantry Should Include Essential Oils

When most people think of essential oils, they think aromatherapy. While these oils are great for healing through diffusion and smell, they are just was good for cleaning the home and using on the body.

I think that every home should have tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon, wild oregano, lavender, peppermint, garlic, thyme and sage essential oils. Of course there are hundreds to choose from and a number of ways to to use them, but the ones I have just listed can go a long way. From getting rid of bugs to calming nausea these oils are a home’s best friends.

Most of these oils can be found in your local health food store but make sure they are the purest on the market. We will discuss what to look for in essentials oils at a later date. For now let’s keep focused.

Each one, with the exception of peppermint oil, is anti-biotic and they are all antiseptics which means bacteria must flee in the presence of this elite group.

Lavender is not just for calming but it is also good to get rid of the creepy crawlies in your home. Simply soak a ribbon with the oil and place it near a window, in your closet, or in the cracks and crevices where most bugs find their way into your home. In my home we use a combination of filtered water, tea tree and wild oregano oil as a powerful disinfectant; especially for the bathroom. Garlic and oregano oils are both great for warding off colds at the first sign of sniffles; and tea tree oil is good for tooth aches, just don’t swallow it.

For the body tea tree oil and wild oregano kill fungus; including jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ring worm. Just be sure to use a carrier oil, especially for the wild oregano. The tea tree oil can be used neat in most cases as it is not as strong as the wild oregano oil. I also use tea tree oil in my head to toe body moisturizer. I also massage my scalp with a combination of tea tree, eucalyptus and sage for healthy hair.

When thinking of aromatherapy I think of not only smell but benefit as well. Essentials oils do benefit your body when burned in the oil burner, added to the tub, or sprinkled in various places around the home.

Try burning oil of oregano and tea tree oil for a cleansing treat. Or to stimulating your thoughts burn a little peppermint oil. Burning a little lavender is great way to end the evening and get a good night’s rest. Another way to get the aromatherapy benefits of these oils is to add a few drops to your drawers, or closet, or even along the side of the tub and around the toilet. Just keep in mind that if you are trying to relax eucalyptus or peppermint may not be the best to sprinkle on the bed at night. But for that draggy morning, try a little tea with a few drops for peppermint oil.

Essentials oils are healing, uplifting, cleansing, and yes, even therapeutic. So check your pantry, take inventory, and add those oils to your list.