I am trying to incorporate more essential oils into my life!  Here are six suggestions for using essential oils this Spring for everything from skincare to allergy relief!

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit oil is an energizing oil that isn't too overpowering.  It's great to use in the mornings when you need a boost,  Diffuse with rosemary oil to lighten and sweeten the grapefruit oil.  Pink and white grapefruit oil are available.  Grapefruit has a powerful ability to renew the spirit and balance emotions.

Rose Essential Oil

Rose Oil is strongly floral and sweet.  It is a beautiful and intoxicating oil that is helpful for insomnia and grief and is also considered to be an aphrodisiac.  It is a cornerstone of natural perfumery.  Rose oil is rich and nourishing and embodies the smell of Spring.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot oil is a citrus oil that is reminiscent to the scent of an orange but is more complex.  Bergamot oil is used to flavor Earl Gray tea and has an underlying floral characteristic.  It is helpful in times of depression and is also known for its ability to combat oily skin and acne. Bergamot oil is said to stimulate circulation and improve digestion.   It is a wonderful oil to enjoy in your diffuser (try it combined with lavender oil) and can be used sparingly for topical applications when used with a carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or avocado.  

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is a power anti-bacterial herb.  Lavender oil can be made into an effective household cleaner...perfect for Spring cleaning.  Because of it's anti-bacterial properties.  Rub on temples, forehead and the back of your jaw to relieve stress.   It is an effective treatment for acne, and when added to a carrier oil, it can help with the itching and dryness caused by eczema.  

Plant lavender around windows and doors to prevent bugs from coming into your house.  Many insects dislike the smell of lavender.  Lavender oil can be sprinkled on your mattress to help keep insects out of the bedroom.  There are several different kinds of Lavender essential oil, so be sure to smell them all and pick your favorite.

Lemon Essential OIl

Lemon Essential Oil has a bright and tangy scent and is energizing and uplifting.  It is a good oil to diffuse when trying to clear a room of unpleasant odors.  It is a powerful antibacterial, and astringent oil and has a high concentrate of D-limonene.  D-limonene assists in diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and toning the skin.  To use on the skin, dilute 3 - 7 drops of lemon oil into one tablespoon of jojoba oil as a repairing skin treatment.

Lemon oil is great as a disinfecting countertop cleanser.  Combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and 20 drops of lemon oil into a spray bottle.  Shake before using.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint Oil contains menthol.  Menthol induces a cooling sensation and is great to help to open stuffed nasal passages and reduce headaches caused by allergies.  It can also be used as a chest rub.  To make:

Combine 1 heaping spoonful extra virgin coconut oil, 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 3 drops lemon essential and 3 drops peppermint essential oil.  Mix together in a small pot and rub onto chest and upper back.

To learn more about essential oils and their uses, I recommend Just The Essentials by Adina Gregor.  It is a comprehensive guide to essential oils and the only book you'll need to get started on a natural plant-based lifestyle.

I have an exciting week of blog posts planned, so I hope you'll check back for your Daily Indulgence!  Follow me on Instagram @crazyblondelifeblog.