Essential oils have been used in aromatherapy and natural medicine for thousands of years to treat illnesses and maintain health, and they’re becoming increasingly popular in the modern world as well! But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which ones are best to buy. This list of 5 popular essential oils and their uses is here to help!

1) Lavender

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular aromatherapy essential oils. In addition to its uses in aromatherapy, lavender oil can be used in homemade beauty products to nourish hair, soothe skin, and ease muscle aches. Other common uses for lavender oil include treating insomnia, reducing stress, and soothing headaches. Make sure to dilute lavender essential oil before applying it topically. For example, add 15 drops of lavender essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil like sweet almond, coconut, or jojoba oil before applying directly on the skin. 

Here are some of our favorite ways to use lavender essential oil: 

• Sleep: If you’re struggling with getting a good night’s sleep or if you wake up tired each morning, try diffusing lavender essential oil at night; research suggests that it can help improve sleep quality.
• Stress: If you have trouble falling asleep due to stress, try massaging lavender essential oil onto your neck and temples; it’s been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels.
• Headache: Lavender essential oil is also great for easing headaches; apply the diluted lavender oil onto the forehead for quick results!

2) Lemon

Lemon essential oil is perhaps one of the most popular essential oils on Earth, and for good reason: it’s versatile. 

Here are some of our favorite ways to use lemon essential oil: 

• Cleaning: You can use lemon to clean almost anything in your home or office, from countertops to windows to appliances—it’s also great for laundry. You can mix a few drops of the essential oil into a carrier cleaner like white vinegar or Castille soap for maximum effectiveness
• Deodorizing: Lemon oil also serves as a natural deodorizer; put a few drops in your vacuum bag if you’re having trouble with odors.
• Energy: If you want to boost energy levels, mix some lemon oil into a glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning—the lemon essential oil will boost your energy. 

3) Peppermint

Peppermint oil has been used for centuries in natural medicine and continues to be used today for a wide variety of uses. 

Here are some of our favorite ways to use peppermint essential oil: 

• Stomach Problems: It is used for stomach problems, like nausea, indigestion, gas, and cramps.
• Oral Hygiene: Peppermint is great for freshening your breath and cleaning your teeth, and it also can help with toothaches when applied directly.
• Pain Reliever: It can be used as an analgesic (painkiller) to relieve muscle pain.
• Alertness: Inhaling peppermint can increase alertness, so it’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up at work or while studying.

4) Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a popular essential oil that can be used to treat colds and sinus congestion. Inhaling it via steam will open up your nasal passages, preventing you from feeling stuffed up in your head or down in your chest. It’s also an expectorant, which means it helps you cough out the phlegm in order to make room for fresh air. Additionally, it can be used to disinfect wounds if you have no other disinfectant available. 

Here is our favorite way to use eucalyptus essential oil: 

• Cough & Cold: Place a few drops in a hot shower or bath, then let the steam do the rest of the work! You can also place a few drops in a humidifier or diffuser to help a cold or cough.
• Air Purifying: Putting a few drops of eucalyptus in a diffuser or humidifier can also purify the air in a room and leave a pleasant, refreshing smell.

5) Tea Tree

Tea tree oil, extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia, is a popular essential oil that’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure you purchase 100% pure Australian tea tree oil with no additives or fillers for best results. 

Here are some of our favorite ways to use tea tree essential oil: 

• Beauty Products: It's commonly used in DIY beauty products because it can kill bacteria, control acne, and improve some skin conditions. Take note: Tea tree essential oil should never be applied directly to your skin—it should always be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil before use.
• Disinfecting: Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant, and can be used to clean surfaces in your home such as bathroom faucets, door handles, and sinks. Just add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle full of water; shake well before each use. 

Natural Products With Essential Oils

Transitioning to using natural products instead of chemical-based products doesn't have to be hard! Most natural products, from beauty to cleaning, contain essential oils that improve the product's effectiveness. 

At Sponge and Sparkle, we use natural cleaning products without harsh chemicals because we know that natural ingredients are safer for you and the environment. All of the products used at Sponge and Sparkle are free of synthetic fragrances, toxins, petroleum, and ammonia, all of which can be harmful to human health, pet health, and the earth's health.

If you are interested in starting a cleaning service with a company that shares your values for green cleaning, all Sponge and Sparkle today at (404) 633-9652 or visit www.spongeandsparkle.com!

Sponge and Sparkle serves the Brookhaven, Georgia area, including Buckhead, North Druid Hills, Midtown, Atlanta Station, Decatur, Chamblee, Doraville, Tucker, and the Virginia Highlands.