Hi, Joe Zia here, aka (by me and my wife) “the mad scientist”, writing to you about some of the diverse uses for essential oils. I am not truly a scientist but I am constantly trying out new and innovative ways to leverage the power of essential oils.
Despite the fact that essential oils are powerful and concentrated liquids, the essential oil market is totally unregulated, and that is why we at ZIA feel there is a need for objective information about oils, their toxicities, their benefits and the myriad of possible uses. Essential oils are
not at all like plants, food or even other forms of alternative medicine, in that they are extremely concentrated. Your taste buds or your sense of smell may say its ok to ingest, but your kidneys and your liver will definitely protest, among other parts of your body! One drop of peppermint essential oil has the same chemical constituents as 28 CUPS of tea. Many oils also have powerful antibacterial properties that can damage your digestive flora.
Essential oils can also be harmful to your skin. It is always a good idea to dilute before any topical application. Essential oils work better when diluted with carrier oils. If you accidentally do get more than a drop on your skin wash with soap immediately. See our article about the potency of essential oils to learn more.
Any administration of essential oils should be consulted with your physician
Lemon (organic)
Lemon essential oil can do so much! From cleaning to deodorizing, lemon essential oil is more effective than most chemical products out there. Here are some of my favorite uses:
- Add a few drops to a towel to remove most stains from clothes, once removed I apply water to the area.
- Use lemon essential oil to help preserve fresh fruit and vegetables. Add a few drops to a bowl of water and swirl clean fruit or veggies in it for a few seconds.
- Lemon oil can also be used to remove gum, adhesive, crayon and permanent marker from most surfaces. Just add a few drops to a towel and rub away the stain. then wipe down with a water moistened towel.
- Lemon oil and tea tree oil are powerful disinfectants. Soak your dishcloth in warm water and add a few drops of each to clean and
disinfect your counter tops naturally. See here to prepare a ready made household cleanser.- Use two drops of lemon oil and tea tree oil on a cotton ball and place it in the trash can to eliminate odors.
- Tuck a cotton ball soaked in lemon or lime essential oil behind the toilet to freshen the bathroom.
- Add a cotton ball soaked in tea tree oil and lemon to stinky shoes.
- Sniff from an inhaler or from the bottle to combat nausea
Lavender (organic)
Lavender is well known for its soft, delicate scent. It’s also a powerful antibacterial and bug repellant.
- Chill without bugs. Prepare a 4 oz fine mist glass bottle with 1 tsp witch hazel,10 drops lavender and 3.5 ozs distilled water. Spray around your house to smell great, calm everyone down and ward away some insects. Great on your pillows.
- Antibacterial for skin. Use a drop on minor skin lesions, cuts or bug bites.
Peppermint (organic)
Peppermint has far more uses than spicing up your grande mocha around the holidays. This minty oil is a warning smell to pests.
- Add two or three drops of peppermint essential oil to the cardboard inside the toilet paper, which will release a fresh scent every time it’s unrolled.
- To prevent spiders and other pests, prepare a 4 oz fine mist glass bottle with 1 tsp witch hazel,10 drops peppermint and 3.5 ozs distilled water. Spray in places where spiders and critters tend to enter your home.
Cinnamon Bark
Use cinnamon essential oil to eliminate odors and as an antibacterial.
- Eliminate cooking odors by simmering a pan of purified water with a few drops of clove or cinnamon essential oils.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Tea tree oil is one of the best antimicrobial oils around
- Antimicrobial fabric softener. 3 drops of tea tree oil mixed in a cup of white vinegar in your washer will not only soften clothes, but also serve as a natural antimicrobial.
- Antifungal lotion. Add 2 drops to 1 tsp of your favorite lotion or carrier oil and use on feet or other areas that have fungus or bacteria.
Also works great on acne. Try our ZIA lavender tea tree blend in these recipes
Use your imagination
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil(s) into your vacuum cleaner bag or home air filter.
Mix some of your favorite oils to find new scents. Test them in a diffuser.
There are millions of ways to use essential oils in many aspects of your life. Anytime you have a need for a chemical just ask yourself “is there is a better way to do this with essential oils?” Usually the answer is yes and usually there is tons of information on the internet that will guide you. Here is a link to some more different ways to use ZIA essential oils.
We at ZIA hope this guide sparks your imagination. If you have some good ideas please share!
Happy Mixing!
