Issa Vibe: How to Use Essential Oils in Your Home

Essential oils have seemingly endless uses in a variety of areas--from health care to cooking. (Hello, lavender essential oil for all-natural mosquito repellant!) Today, we're focusing on using essential oils in your home. In nearly three short years of homeownership, I've experienced the benefits of essential oils and am totally sold on their value. You can use the same ones in every room for a calm, continuous vibe (tutorial below) or make a more specific mix devoted to one space. Example: Earlier this year, I read up on why the scent of rosemary is thought to help with memory recall then incorporated rosemary essential oil into a spray I used every time I studied for my SHRM-SCP certification exam at home. I passed the exam, in case you're wondering. 🙂 To be clear, I'm not an essential oils sales rep or anything like that. I'm just somebody who wants peace at home and has it. Using essential oils in concert with other healthy practices have helped me achieve that. Let's get into the essential oils that I use on the regular and why.

Essential Oils to Use in Your Home

• Cedarwood (deodorizing) - Deodorizes indoor spaces, and repels creepy crawlies like silverfish.
• Eucalyptus (clarifying) - Helps reduce stress and decongest.
• Lavender (soothing) - Helps induce sleep and can help you de-stress.
• Lemon (stimulating) - Works as a disinfectant and astringent.
• Orange (uplifting) - Works as a mood booster and disinfectant.
• Patchouli (sensualizing) - Helps induce sleep, deodorizes, and boosts mood.
• Rosemary (purifying) - Repels bugs. Also thought to improve brain function and reduce stress.
• Spearmint (refreshing) - Relaxes and refreshes. Thought to improve memory.

Ways to Use Essential Oils Around the House

There are so many ways to reap the benefits of essential oils at home. Here a few easy and practical ideas to get you started in your space.

1. Make a room spray--full tutorial is below.
2. Put a few drops on your pillow. Lavender will help you sleep well.
3. Drop a bit down smelly drains. Lemon is great for this.
4. Place a few drops in the corners of closets to repel critters. Try cedarwood. More on that here.
5. Add a few drops to vinegar for an all-natural cleaner without the sour smell.
6. Create a signature scent for your home. Mine is lavender, eucalyptus, and spearmint--super fresh and calming!

My Essential Oil Room Spray Recipe

Not to brag, but people often tell me that they feel calm and at ease in my house. For welcoming vibes guests will pick up on, I use this essential oil room spray everywhere and try to keep drama to a minimum. 🙂 I mix and match the oils listed above to achieve different vibes throughout the year and sometimes for very specific activities but the combination below is my go-to.

• 1 ½ cups distilled water
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel or alcohol
• 50 drops lavender essential oil
• 35 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 12 drops spearmint essential oil

To make the spray, add all ingredients to a glass spray bottle and lightly swirl to combine. Let the mix sit for about an hour or so before using. After that, just be sure to shake it a bit before each use. You can use this homemade essential oil room spray on linens, curtains, rugs, upholstered furniture, and in the air. It's basically an all-natural Febreze.

If you've read to this point, you'll probably also like my fresh flower hacks and spring cleaning tips for your wardrobe. Do yourself a favor and check those out, sis. As always, thanks for reading!