Essential oils are used very often for many medical reasons, such as aromatherapy. Sometimes they are used as alternative medicines that employ plant extracts that facilitate wellbeing and health. There are some controversial health claims linked to these oils, but these are generally overlooked. We have put together a complete guide to essential oils that protect the home from germs and viruses, to help you better understand the use of these essential oils. Essential oils are mostly extracted from plants. These oils are meant to carry the flavor and scent of the flower, otherwise known as its essence. There are certain aromatic compounds in these oils which give each product its essence.

Essential oil can be obtained by distillation, (through steam/water) or by cold pressing, which is a mechanical process. After having been extracted, aromatic chemicals are further combined with a carrier oil that helps to make the final product, which can be used on a number of occasions. The process which makes the oil is very important because essential oils that have been extracted through chemical means are not considered as efficient as those which are obtained naturally.

In this article, we have discussed-

• How to use essential oils?
• Picking the right essential oils
• How can essential oils protect your home from germs and viruses
• Commonly Asked Questions

How to Use Essential Oils?

Essential oils are a very important part of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy involves inhaling an essential oil to benefit from its health effects. This is a holistic treatment that promotes your well-being and health. Essential oils must not be swallowed since the chemicals added in these essential oils interact with the human body in unhealthy ways. However, these oils can be absorbed by your skin to help absorption. Certain application methods might improve the rate of absorption, such as applying heat to the areas where the oil is applied. Here are some points to keep in mind when using essential oils-

• Some oils (lemongrass, peppermint, cinnamon bark) are better applied to your arms and legs. These should not be applied to your nose, private parts, or your eyes.
• Test a little bit of the essential oil by applying a small amount of it on your skin. Proceed to use it fully only if you don’t have an allergic reaction.
• We recommend not using oils that have been kept unused for longer than three years. Such oils are exposed to oxygen, which alters their chemical nature and might make them harmful.
• It is important that you dilute your essential oil with cream, bath gels, etc. such that their concentration is only 1-5%. Higher concentrations might cause you to have an allergic reaction.

How to Use Essential Oils to Protect Your Home from Germs and Viruses

Below we’ve tried to give you a basic idea how to use various essential oils to keep your house protected from viruses/germs-

Lemon oil

Lemon is people’s favorite essential oil for cleaning. It gives a fresh, citrus scent and does not leave behind any bad chemicals. This oil is also antiviral and anti-bacterial; it attacks and dissolves any dirt it might come in contact with.

Uses: It can work really well for bathrooms, kitchens, and as a scrub for cleaning wooden furniture or floor.

Citrus scrub:

• 1 cup of baking soda
• ¼ cup of liquid castile soap
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
• 10 drops of lime essential oil
• 10 drops of orange essential oil

Form a paste and use it as you want.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is naturally anti-odor and anti-bacterial. It also has calming properties that help reduce stress and instigate sleeping.

Uses- You can use lavender oil to clean any mattresses, linens, fabrics, and pillowcases. This oil might also be used to clean toys as it works against bacteria and viruses while being safe for kids.

Lavender Spray

• ¼ cup distilled water
• 3 tablespoons vodka
• 20 drops of lavender essential oil
• 10 drops of peppermint oil

Place in a small spritzer and shake well before using it.

Tea Tree Oil

Also known as melaleuca oil, this is one of the strongest oils used for cleansing. It can easily fight bacteria, germs, viruses as well as bugs. Studies show that it might prevent norovirus and influenza, with the capability of killing the influenza virus even two hours post-exposure.

Uses: This oil can be used for regular cleaning around the house every day. It is particularly helpful in cleaning bathrooms, floors, kitchens, and attics.

Tea Tree Oil Cleaner

• 2 cups white vinegar
• 2 cups of water
• 30 drops lemon essential oil
• 20 drops tea tree essential oil

Take all the contents in a spray bottle and use it after shaking well.

Cinnamon oil

Cinnamon has always been regarded as a great protector against serious viruses and bacteria. It is anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and naturally deodorizes your home.  Cinnamon has an alluring scent, which makes it one of the people’s favorite essential oils.

Uses: Cinnamon is helpful in fighting mold, fungi, mildew, and similar gunky bacteria. It might also work against insects because of which cinnamon is often used to clean the air and deodorize.

Cinnamon Spray

• 1 cup of water
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 20 drops cinnamon oil
• 10 drops rosemary
• 10 drops lemon

Shake within a spray bottle and combine it for use.

Picking the Right Essential Oils

There are all kinds of essential oils present in the market today. The most sold essential oils in India include extracts from- lemon, lavender, camphor, and chamomile.

Below we have given the most basic essential oils used by people in India for various reasons-

• Lemon- Used to clean the nasal passage and allow easy breathing.
• Lavender- Used to relieve fatigue, stress, and depression.
• Peppermint- Used to reduce throat infections, coughs, etc.
• Thyme- Used for its anti-bacterial properties that prevent respiratory infections.
• Eucalyptus- Helps to reduce fever and fights viruses.
• Tea tree oil- Fights infections by inhibiting bacteria.
• Chamomile- Helps improve symptoms of cold and flue
• Clove- Its antifungal and antiviral properties help clean air and dirty surfaces.

You should keep the following things in mind when picking an essential oil:

• Purity– Try to find an essential oil that contains only aromatic plant compounds. It should not have any additives or synthetic oils.
• Quality– Real essential oils are ones that have not been changed much by their process of extraction. You need to pick an essential oil that is free of chemicals and has been obtained from cold pressing and distillation.

Essential Oils Commonly Asked Questions

Can Essential Oils Be Applied to The Skin?

Some essential oils, like lavender and tree tea oil, are safe to apply on the skin- however, these are not safe to consume. If you use undiluted essential oils on your skin, it might cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Oils that you must not apply to your skin include thyme, clove, oregano, and cinnamon bark.

Why Are Essential Oils Good?

Essential oils can help lift your mood and make you feel better with just a little bit of their fragrance. For some people, these oils can also help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is advised that you incorporate them into your life for health benefits in the long run.

Which Essential Oils Are the Best?

Some of the best essential oils include-

• Peppermint essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Tea tree oil
• Bergamot essential oil
• Chamomile essential oil
• Jasmine essential oil
• Ylang Ylang essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil