Must Have Oils at Home – Essential Elixirs to Stock Up On

Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils to have in your home; since ancient times its benefits have been many. Used for medicinal and therapeutic reasons Lavender oil can alleviate a number of ailments. These include skin rashes, acne, minor burns and even insect bites. The oil also acts as a disinfectant for scrapes and cuts. A few drops of lavender oil in your bath has been known to soothe mind body and soul and makes for an excellent deodorant as well.

Tea Tree oil is likened to a medicine cabinet in a bottle and is, in fact, one of the most beneficial of all essential oils to have in your home. Tea Tree oil should not be consumed orally; instead, it is beneficial in treating the likes of eczema, athlete's foot, nail fungus, cold sores, insect bites and much more. A few drops in a spray can create a marvellous disinfectant that works well on counter tops.

Lemon oil is very versatile and quite handy to have at home. A few drops mixed with olive oil, for instance, creates a fantastic wood polish while the oil added to a glass of warm water will alleviate bad breath. Some lemon essential oil in your shampoo will cure dandruff and when mixed with aloe vera is a lovely moisturising hand sanitizer. Lemon oil is also ideal for cooking adding that lovely sweet tang to many a dish. Best of all a drop will do and unlike fresh lemon, a bottle of the essential oil will last months and months; definitely, one to add to your next list of grocery products.

Sesame oil is a firm favourite in the orient; its rich smoky aroma and nutty flavour help enhance many a dish. Added to a simple salad the flavours are doubled while the oil has many health benefits such as improving skin and hair texture, improving blood pressure and heart health as well as helping with the prevention of tooth ailments. Easily bought on your next online purchase Sesame oil stocked at Keells Super and other grocers are freely available across the country.

Peppermint tea is a favourite for stomach pains while the essential oil mixed with a carrier oil and massaged into the stomach helps relieve abdominal cramps and uncomfortable feelings. Ticks latched onto the skin can be drawn out by applying a few drops of peppermint to the spot while mixed with pine and a carrier oil it can be massaged into the chest to soothe irritating coughs.

Clove oil is invaluable in treating dental issues; ideal for use against gum diseases, cold sores and toothaches the oil also helps relieve the prickly heat, athlete's foot, fungal infections and insect stings or bites. Mind you the oil must be well diluted before use since clove essential oil is very strong and can sting sensitive skin.