Most people are familiar with the benefits of using essential oils for aromatherapy, but there is so much more to be gained from them. Essential oils can be used for personal hygiene to improve your overall health. Using essential oils in the place of common commercial products can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. Here are some essential oils can be used to make natural substitutes for common hygiene products.
- Lip Balm: lavender, sweet orange, rose or peppermint oil
- Deodorant: tea tree and lavender oil
- Toothpaste and Mouthwash: peppermint oil
- Blemish Remover: tea tree oil
- Cold Sore Remedy: tea tree oil
- Sunburn Relief: lavender
- Lotion: coconut, apricot, and almond oil
Besides being better for your health, using essential oils as part of your daily life will save you money. Although essential oils require a small initial investment, you only need a few drops each time you use them, so a little bit goes a very long way. The other ingredients used to make personal care items using essential oils are common household ingredients like baking soda, sugar or honey. Almost all of the accompanying ingredients are very inexpensive and easy to obtain.
Recipes that detail how to concoct these personal care items using essential oils at home are very simple and can easily be found online. Below is a recipe for lip balm from CrunchyBetty.com. Luscious Lavender Lip Balm Recipe
Warm the oils, beeswax and honey in a small, stainless steel pot or bowl. Be sure to warm it on VERY low heat. (You can use a double boiler, if you d like.) Stir until the beeswax is completely melted. Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the essential oil, vitamin E, cocoa powder, and colored lipstick. Place the bottom of the bowl into a shallow pan of ice water and continue whisking quickly as you add the honey. Once the honey is incorporated, quickly transfer the balm into your lip balm container (tube or tin) and allow to set for 3 hours.