This month's 7 on the 7th is all about my favorite essential oils. Dustin's momma introduced me to Young Living essential oils when he and I were dating. If you aren't already familiar, which many people are these days, essential oils (EO) are distilled oils from various plants and sources that can be used for virtually anything! They can be diffused in your home to create a calming environment, inhaled directly from their bottles to relieve tension, applied topically to treat blemishes, aches, and pains, or ingested for internal benefits. I can understand the skepticism when it comes to EO. In fact, Dustin jokingly refers to the oils as "voodoo magic." After more and more experimenting with them, though, he's come around! I love natural ways to clean, cook, and alleviate health issues. I used to be a candle addict-- however, now I diffuse EO to freshen up a room. Rather than reaching for chemicals or medicines, which I know can have their place, I'm learning more ways to incorporate essential oils in our routine to avoid using harsh ingredients. Here are my top 7 EO favorites right now:
1. Lemon
I love citrusy scents-- especially in the spring! I enjoy diffusing this oil to freshen up a room. I also add a couple of drops to ice water if I don't have any fresh lemons on hand. Lemon is also a great oil to use when making homemade cleaners.
2. Thieves
Thieves is an essential oil blend that has a spicy scent that I love as well. It is a combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Thieves is great to clean with or diffuse to rid airborne bacteria. During flu season, this is an especially helpful oil! A few drops on the bottoms of our feet help boost our immune systems. If either of us starts feeling sick, I break out the Thieves! I diffuse it, apply it topically, clean with it, and add a couple drops when I wash our linens.
3. Peace & Calm
I have just recently tried Peace & Calm and love it! Its citrusy scent reminds me of a spa experience. Who doesn't love that!? I have been diffusing it several times a day lately.
4. Stress Away
Stress Away is a has a sweet scent that I enjoy diffusing or rubbing on my wrists and neck to create a relaxing atmosphere. The lime and vanilla notes in this oil blend remind me of a tropical drink.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is another multipurpose oil. A couple drops can be added to tea. I enjoy diffusing peppermint during Christmas time. If we have headaches, or tension, a couple drops rubbed on our neck or temples helps alleviate the pain naturally. If you have issues with ants in your home, a couple drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball will ward them off. Peppermint can also help give a jolt of energy.
6. Purification
I love diffusing this oil on nights I make meals with ingredients that have strong odors-- fish, onions, garlic, etc. The fresh, clean scent neutralizes the unpleasant ones. Sometimes I add a couple of drops to our laundry as well.
7. Lavender
I use lavender almost every evening. I place a few drops on the bottoms of my feet to help have restful sleep. I often wash our linens with a couple drops of lavender to reinforce the calming effect.
I am a distributor for Young Living Essential oils. Check out their website for more information regarding their distilling process, farming, and products. I respect their Seed to Seal devotion to purity and quality. If you are interested in learning more about essential oils or trying them, email me at hope.curtsinger7@gmail.com! I would love to help you get started! I am also always looking for new ways to use oils, so if you have any tips and ideas, please share! Have you tried essential oils? What's your favorite one to use?
