Favorite Essential Oil Recipes
Ever since we switched swapped out synthetic fragrances in favor of essential oils, we’ve been trying and testing some DIY recipes from around the interwebs for incorporating oils into our everyday lives. Whether it be for skincare, medicinal purposes or even household remedies, below are some great beginner essential oil ideas. Remember: essential oils are very powerful and very concentrated, so you only need a few drops per recipe.
Fighting off a cold
Here's how to you can help get back on your feet faster.
Mix together 3-4 drops of oil of Oregano with coconut oil.
Rub the mixture on the bottom of the feet for 3 days.
Anti-aging facial moisturizer
Frankincense reduces age spots and sun damage.
Mix 3-6 drops of oil in your favorite moisturizer—take a look at your moisturizer packaging and try 1 drop of essential oil per ounce of product. This recipe works best with simple, oil-based moisturizers: our favorites are Indie Lee Squalane Oil (best for oily skin) and True Moringa Simplicity (best for dry skin).
Apply as usual
IF You need a ‘pick-me-up’
Essential oils are cited for helping give you a little extra ‘oomph’ at that proverbial “3PM stretch” or after a late night. Simply smelling oils like those below can help give you some additional energy when you need it most.
Peppermint oil
Rosemary oil
Eucalyptus
Dot a drop of one of these oils on your wrist or rub between your palms and take a long inhale. This is also a great ritual to add to an energizing meditation practice.
Adding volume to fine, flat hair
Rosemary and Sage oil are noted for both increases volume as well as promoting new hair growth by stimulating circulation to the applied area.
Mix together the ingredients below to make a shampoo that will help give you more volume. Make sure to store in a BPA-free glass container.
6 ounces of organic Aloe Vera gel
3 Tbsp. of olive oil
5 Tbsp. of baking soda
20 drops rosemary oil
10 drops sage oil
This shampoo should last about two months.
Too much sun
Despite diligently applying your reef-safe sunscreen, did you somehow still manage to get a sunburn? Have no fear! We’ve all been there. Here's how to create your own sunburn soothing lotion.
1/2 cup liquid Aloe Vera juice
1/8 cup fractionated coconut oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
Glass spray bottle
Directions:
In a saucepan, add 2 inches of water. Place over medium heat.
In a jar, add coconut oil and aloe vera juice. Place jar in sauce pan and stir, waiting for the mixture to liquefy and combine.
Once combined, remove from saucepan and add in the oils, mixing well.
Pour into spray bottle and store in cool place.
Sore muscles
If you’ve ever worked out too hard or slept in a weird position, you’ve likely experienced sore or tense muscles.
Mix together the ingredients below to make your own muscle rub. Make sure to store it in a glass or BPA-free container.
Half cup coconut oil
1/4 cup beeswax
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
15 drops peppermint
15 drops lavender oil
Hormonal Imbalances
Thyme has been noted as having pro-progesterone properties that can help fight against estrogen dominance.
Mix Thyme essential oil into a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Argan, Pomegranate, Raspberry seed or even Coconut oil and rub into your skin. Argan oil is great because it can help minimize breakouts.
Laundry Detergent
Switch to a fragrance-free detergent and add in your own fragrance.
Pour 1/2 to 1 whole bottle of essential oils into the detergent bottle. Or add 1-2 drops per load when you put the detergent into the washing machine.
Use 1/2 for a smaller bottle and 1 full bottle for the 75-100+ load containers. I use lime essential oil in mine and it adds an incredibly fresh citrus scent.
You can find carrier oils such as 100% Jojoba oil, Argan oil and Coconut oil at most local health food stores but they are also sold at places like Trader Joes, Wegmans, Whole Foods and Target. When buying your essential oils, remember to ensure you are getting therapy grade.
Do you have favorite essential oil recipes? Tell us about them in the comments or on social!
Julia Blanchard is a content contributor for JUGs by night, by day she works at Amazon on some of Alexa’s feature expansion programs. You can follow her @jcblanchard6 on Instagram.