Essential oils  spell luxury and beauty. In their purest form, essential oils  are like an elixir  and can be used in more number of ways than one can fathom. Some of the most popular essential oils are chamomile, rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, lemon and ylang-ylang.

Mostly, essential oils are produced by distillation. There are different processes used, however, in all of them, water is heated to produce steam, which carries the most volatile chemicals of the aromatic material with it. The steam is then chilled (in a condenser) and the resulting distillate is collected. The essential oil will normally float on top of the hydrosol (the distilled water component) and may then be separated off.

Essential oils are highly concentrated pure plant extracts. Essential oils are volatile in nature due to their concentration and that is why they are generally sold in really small bottle because one or two drops are often enough to work their magic. Apart from the heavenly fragrance, many essential oils are said to have healing and therapeutic properties.

Apart from citrus oils, mostly all other oils can last for a promising period of 6-7 years, if stored in a tight bottle and kept in the dark, away from sunlight. As soon as essential oils are exposed to light or heat for a period of time, they will begin to oxidize and degrade, and they will continue to lose their beneficial properties.

Here, let us look at some interesting and effective ways to use essential oils at home.

1. Skin Moisturizer

There is nothing like the suppleness that essential oils lend to your skin. Add several drops of a gentle essential oil to a non-greasy moisturizing spray to make a subtle, yet rich after-bath sprit. Spray on your face after every wash and your skin would feel softer than ever before.

2. Bath Oil & Bath Salts

There is no other indulgence more pampering than a half an hour bath in a bathtub with the fragrance of essential oils. Just add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to a full bathtub. Chamomile and lavender oils can be used for relaxation and stress relief while pine oil and rosemary oil are good for a post-workout soak to cure your body ache and fatigue. Essential oils can also be used to make bath salts. Bath salts foam better.

3. Massage Oil

Use a light base oil such as sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil and mix it with your favorite fragrance of essential oil to indulge in the relaxation of a massage. Three to five drops of essential oils can be mixed into a small puddle of oil in your hand, or 40-60 drops can be added to a 4 oz. Bottle of oil for an aromatic concoction preserved to be used later.

4. Room Freshener

The room fresheners that you get in the market, all have a common fragrance and are made of chemicals that might release toxins into your environment. If you have potpourri that needs to be brought back to life, try adding a few drops of essential oil for a fragrant new display.

5. Foot Soak

Sore, tired feet can enjoy a special treat when essential oils are added to a foot bath. The result would be soft heels and supple skin of feet free of dead skin.

6. Body Scrub

Homemade body scrubs are a great way to exfoliate dry, rough skin in the winter, leaving your skin smooth and soft. Treat yourself to a fragrant body-polishing session by adding essential oils to a basic sugar or salt scrub that can be easily prepared at home.

7. Deep Hair Conditioner

Mix 15 drops of rosewood with 5 drops of sandalwood and lavender into unscented oil. Place mixture in a small plastic bag and dunk into warm water to heat up. Apply to hear and wrap for 20 minutes. Shampoo as usual.

Apart from the ways of application mentioned above, many essential oils can also be used as bug repellents and even cleansers for fabric. Even homemade toothpastes can be prepared with essential oils, especially citrus essential oils to enjoy fresh and also enhance the whiteness of teeth.

To know more about essential oils, click here.