Essential oils have arguably exploded in popularity over the last few years. When I was a kid, I don’t think I had ever even heard of essential oils – nowadays, everyone and their mother seems to use them.
I realize that is a stark generalization, but I’m hoping you get my point.
The increase in the use of essential oils is, in my opinion, a good thing. They offer all sorts of different benefits, depending on the type of essential oil you’re using, and most of them smell delightful, which is always a good thing.
Blaine and I have and use an essential oil diffuser in our home for a variety of reasons; given our dog Lenny isn’t quite bathroom-trained, it helps alleviate some funky odours; it improves air quality; it benefits me with my Lyme disease; and I happen to own a colour-changing diffuser which is rather aesthetically pleasing if I am being honest.
Regarding the best types of essential oils to use in a diffuser, or in other ways, check out the following information from healthline.com.
“Peppermint essential oil:
Best for: IBS and other GI conditions, headaches
Pros: energizing, cooling, fresh
Cons: not safe for people with G6PD deficiency, people taking certain medications, babies, children, or pets
In addition to having a delightful scent that many people associate with winter holidays, peppermint oil has health benefits for athletic performance and can improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. It’s also a choice for some looking to ease headaches.
Lavender essential oil:
Best for: stress relief, help with sleep
Pros: calming, can use as massage oil (when mixed with a carrier oil)
Cons: may cause an allergic reaction for some; unclear if it’s safe for pregnant or breastfeeding people
Lavender essential oil provides a soothing and relaxing scent. It’s often used in aromatherapy to relieve stress. Lavender oil also makes an excellent massage oil when mixed with a carrier oil. Lavender is also a good choice for people looking to improve sleep.
Tea tree oil:
Best for: antibacterial and help for minor fungal infections
Pros: can be used to help dandruff, head lice, athlete’s foot
Cons: can irritate eyes, not pet-safe
Tea tree (melaleuca) oil is thought to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s used in wound care, to eliminate head lice, and to control dandruff.
Tea tree oil can be added to shampoos or used in diluted form on the skin for minor fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot,” the web page explains.
Check back tomorrow for more types of essential oils and what they’re predominantly known for.
ontheedgeofeverything 
