I love everything that smells good and fresh! Since moving to my new flat, I have been experimenting with the diverse use of essential oils. I swear, my space has that come hither, homey scent and it’s really difficult to get me to leave the house. Also, because I have vanilla scented candles (mmm) and it’s getting really nippy outside.

There’s an endless list of benefits of using essential oils in your space ranging from stress relief to boosting energy levels to even alleviating headaches. I am new to this but I have been sleeping like a log since I got into the habit of diffusing lavender, frankincense, and rosemary an hour before bed. These are the five ways that I have been using essential oils.

Diffuser 

I would say that this is the most common way to purify the air in your space and also, a fantastic air freshener. I use a vaporiser that I found on Amazon. I am mixing and matching tiny drops of different oils. It is great to research what different oils are good for. Lavender and Frankincense are known to calm you down, whereas Peppermint and Lemongrass are known as the energizers. When you are feeling a little fluey, you could always add in a bit of Eucalyptus to your healing potion. I particularly love the smell of Sweet Orange and Rosemary in the morning.

Kitchen Cleaner 

With the fear of possibly sounding like a Stepford Housewife, I must confess that I love cleaning. I love the smell of a clean house that permeates while you’re sipping on a well-deserved coffee at 6 o’clock in the morning. The kitchen cleaner is a simple mix of water, Castille soap (or a tablespoon of your normal dishwashing liquid), 5 drops of lemongrass oil, and 5 drops of rosemary oil. I mix this in a 400 ml bottle. It can be a little too strong so you can use your gut feeling with the measurements.

Hair Treatment Oil Blend 

My hair is an unmanageable afro so it means high maintenance and loads of expensive hair products that might or might not work. I have been mixing various oils just so I can comb my hair the next day. This oil blend has helped rid of a dry, itchy scalp, softens my steelwool locks and possibly contributed to the little bit of growth I’ve been seeing – I think. I often measure with the eye but that can mean that I’ll end up dizzy with the strong tea tree scent. For an everyday oil blend, I mix in Olive Oil (or Sunflower Oil), coconut oil, a tablespoon or so of almond oil and castor oil, drops of peppermint oil, rosemary oil and tea tree oil. Voila!

Salt Air Freshener 

This is a treat, really. It’s easy! My bedroom and the guest bedroom always smell cosy. I refresh this every week or two. In a little dish (or, candle holder), place some coarse salt and sprinkle a couple of drops of your favourite essential oils. As I like my bedroom to be a calm space where I can go narco whenever I please, I often use lavender and frankincense.

Laundry 

Instead of using heavily scented, chemical clad washing powder, you can always try to find an unscented, natural powder or liquid. So, I have kicked fabric softener to the curb…I really was only drawn to fabric softener because of the fresh, clean smell. Now, I just carefully aim a few a drops of lemongrass oil in the softener container in the washing machine!

There are many other ways to use essential oils at home – at the moment, I am trying to make my own massage oil. It is really good to do a bit of research beforehand though.

Travel tip: rub a little bit of diluted lavender and frankincense on your wrists and temple on long-haul flights. These oils are known to calm the nerves and the scent hushes you to a deep sleep.

xo with love, 

M & I