I love using Essential Oils. I think they are beneficial for a lot of things, but I’m not one of those people who thinks they are a panacea. I don’t think they’ll cure horrible diseases or that they should be used in place of medicine. Also, double check that an oil is safe to use on your skin before doing so. Some of them are really potent, and can cause a lot of pain when applied directly!
That said, I do love them. Here’s how I use them.
Alleviate Cold Symptoms
At the beginning of winter, I stock up on Eucalyptus essential oil. It smells like Vicks VapoRub, helping to alleviate coughing and congestion. I put a few drops in the boys’ bath water and their humidifiers when they have colds. Whey they are really having trouble with coughing, I start a steamy shower and fill up the sink with hot water and few drops of Eucalyptus oil, and we sit in the steamy bathroom for a while. You can also add Rosemary and Peppermint essential oils to create a cold symptom-alleviating cocktail!
Relax
We all know that lavender is supposed to help soothe and calm you. And, that’s how I use it. Primarily, I will put a little dab on my face before bed to help relax me. I’ve also heard that Lavender is beneficial for your skin and also helps to lessen the effects of allergies, so that can’t hurt, either! And lavender is one of the mildest essential oils, so you don’t have to worry about using it on little ones!
Soothe Skin Irritations
Not only is lavender beneficial for your skin, it can also help with minor skin irritations. It helps soothe razor burn, and can even help bug bites be less itchy and irritated. The thing about it, though, is that the relief isn’t long-lasting. You have to re-apply when the oil wears off.
Cleaning
I clean my kitchen with white vinegar, but I really don’t like the smell of it, so I always add essential oils to my bottle to help mask the smell. My new favorite oil to add is cinnamon. It not only smells good, but it’s also supposed to have antibacterial qualities, making it a great addition to my vinegar! On a side note, cinnamon is very, very harsh. Don’t get it on bare skin or you will regret it! Trust me, I know.
I also mix a little essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use it as a linen spray. Choose something like lavender or orange, or whatever makes you happy! You could even try your own scent combinations!
Freshen the Air
To make your house smell amazing, try using your favorite essential oil in an essential oil diffuser.
For more information on essential oils and their use, check out the book Modern Essentials Usage Guide.
The Crazy Hat Box 
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