Being a college student on a budget tends to bring out a more crafty side. Every now and then you blow the dust off of Grandma’s book of remedies that you once thought were ridiculous and embrace it. Well, be enlightened. Essential oils are the liquid gold that’s beneficial in its many uses, and these top five choices will serve you well.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil is antibacterial, which can help rid you of skin infections, cold sores and blemishes, increasing blood flow while improving the look of dull skin. When added to aloe vera it relieves athlete’s foot and works as an excellent painkiller, reducing soreness when massaged into skin or added to a hot bath.
While you can enjoy the minty aroma, did you know it’s also used to drive away annoying pests like mice, flies, mosquitoes and roaches? Instead of lacing your home with poison and insect booby traps, you can make a homemade pest repellant. Fill a small spray bottle with warm water and add one tablespoon of pure peppermint oil then shake well. Proceed to spray places like windows and corners or dip cotton balls in the oil and place them in small openings.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus tea is a go-to if you want relaxation but the oil is a lifesaver during the bipolar Michigan weather changes. Add a few drops to boiling water or to a vaporizer; a vapor treatment can help with breathing problems associated with sinus congestion, colds, bronchitis and asthma.
You can create an anti-inflammatory ointment with bees wax and vitamin E oil or alleviate nausea with a drop or two on the tongue.
Warning: Eucalyptus tea is not recommended to consume if you’re taking medication since it can enhance side effects. Eucalyptus tea can also be toxic if consumed in large amounts.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an antifungal and antimicrobial that relieves the irritations of ringworm, cold sores, body odor and bad breath. The oil helps to control acne and stubborn acne scars.
You’ll need: Tea tree oil, ¼ cup of dry green clay mask, and water. Remember to test a small area of your skin to make sure you’re not allergic.
1) After cleansing your face with a gentle acne cleanser, add five drops of tea tree essential oil into ¼ cup of dry green clay mask and add the recommended amount of water from the directions then mix. Apply and let it set for 10-20 minutes before gently scrubbing it off with a damp washcloth. Feel free to do spot treatment to scars until they fade.
Rosemary
According to a Harvard University study, rosemary aromatherapy oil can boost memory recall and concentration while energizing the mind when fatigued. Don’t be surprised if the smell of rosemary fills the campus air during mid-term exams. It’s not recommended for those who are pregnant and have muscle spasms or twitching.
Speaking of smelling the rosemary, you can create your own homemade aromatherapy spray.
In a spritz bottle add 4 ounces of witch hazel, 20 drops of rosemary essential oil, 10 drops of bergamot (an Italian grown citrus) essential oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
Lavender and Chamomile
In the instance of dry or burned skin, chamomile and lavender oils are gentle yet effective for healing skin. This is best used for sunburns or light first degree burns only; anything worse should be treated by a doctor. After cooling the burn with ice to alleviate the heat from the skin, place a cloth damped with witch hazel to continue to cool and heal before adding oil. The lavender and chamomile will help keep the skin hydrated.
