The first thing I would like to tell you about Orange essential oil is that just when you smell it instantly lifts the spirit. This oil has a strong calming influence, it brings peace and happiness to the mind. Orange essential oil detoxifies and balances the whole body.
There are so many ways you can benefit from using this oil, but here I will mention some tips related to food and cooking.
- The simplest – add few a drop to your lemonade, orangeade or any other juice, best if you have freshly squeezed
- Add to your smoothie , no matter if you making it only with fruits and veggies only, or adding some almond milk – 1 drop of orange oil will lift up the whole taste
- Put 2-3 drops in Greek yogurt, add some vanilla for extra taste
- When you make homemade ice cream, especially lolly ice creams for kids
- Hot chocolate – let it cool for a few minutes and add a drop , you will get a marvellous Choco-orange taste
- Make fabulous pumpkin spice by mixing 3 drops of each of following oils: orange, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Add it to cranberry sauce, never mind you make it or you bought it.
- Finally, whatever you bake and want to add to it an orange flavour , feel free to put few drops and you will be astonished with the taste
You can use this wonderful oil with consuming or diffusing both, but I would highly recommend adding some to your cosmetic products, bath foam or body milk and you will fell as the Queen of Sheba.
Here we are with one of the most popular essential oil – lavender.
I have to be honest with you – I could not bear the smell of lavender before.
But as all aroma therapists say – the oil you don’t like is the one that you need the most. In the beginning I refused to believe in this, but after years and years of my friendship with essential oils I can tell you in all honesty that it’s the truth.
Now I love lavender, it even became one of the oils I use on a daily basis.
Many years ago my yoga teacher made us a refreshment drink that everybody loved. When we asked her what it was – she simply answered water with a drop of lavender oil. Just be careful, one drop of oil is enough for 2 litters of water.
Or you can make lavender lemonade – just add a drop of oil in it. You can also add it to orange juice and lime juice for an equally good taste.
Honey is lavender’s best friend. I discovered that a long time ago when I first tasted honey and lavender bread. These days I love using this combination in muffins and other cakes. Just mind you, use only pure essential oils, and one drop will be enough to flavour the whole cake.
Except calming your mind, body and spirit, lavender essential oil can help you in the following situations:
- with burns – apply 2-3 drops directly to the affected area
- sun burns – add few drops of lavender oil into the 1 tbsp. of coconut oil and apply liberally on sunburn as often as needed to relieve discomfort
- cuts – apply a drop or more few times a day
- for better sleep – diffuse or inhale, or simply rub a drop of oil on the pillow before going to bed
- ear pain – place one drop of lavender oil on a cotton ball and carefully place inside the outer ear
I have listed only a few situations where I used this lovely oil successfully. But this oil can be used in many other ways, which you will surly find out for yourself.
What I especially love about this oil is that lavender reduces the feeling of anger and helps us adapt to new life situations. Try to rub the oil on the kids’ feet, when they start going to a kindergarten or to a new school.
Peppermint essential oil is my favourite, so I’ll start with it.
I can hardly imagine something more refreshing than smell and taste of good mint.
Summer time is easy… what your first is thought…mint/lemonade, mojito…
- Add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil to your lemonade, you can add a drop of lemon oil as well.
- Make a mojito with peppermint and lime oil, serve to your guests, I bet everybody will be asking you for the recipe.
- I personally love to put a drop in my coffee ( cold or warm ).
- Also mint / cocoa combination is something that I remember from childhood, my favourite sweet was “After Eight”. Just make sure not to put oil in very hot beverages, let it cool for a minute.
When cooking or baking you can use this oil instead of peppermint extract, just be careful, and put only a few drops instead of 1 tsp.
NOTE: Make sure that you are using pure essential oils.
Other than making nice drinks and delicious sweets, there are plenty benefits of this wonderful peppermint essential oil. Here are some of them:
- Good for digestion, headache and as a pain relief
- Cool off on a hot day
- Wakes you up, refreshes you -especially when driving or studying
- Increases concentration
- Helps with nausea and respiratory infections
- Beneficial when suffering from rheumatism or arthritis