Creative Uses for your Essential Oils

You probably know that essential oils have many therapeutic effects, but did you know that they have a variety of other uses around the home? Here is a list of some unusual and creative ways to use your oils in your home.
 
Around your house...
 
Many essential oils have antiseptic qualities, so can be used for cleansing around your home. At the same time, you receive the benefits of aromatherapy!
 
- Lemon oil can be used to polish copper - use a drop or two on a cloth for buffing.
 
- Mice hate peppermint! You can mix it with water (2 teaspoons per cup) and spray areas they frequent, or you can soak cotton balls in the water - peppermint oil mix and leave these nearby.
 
- To make windows squeaky-clean: mix water and vinegar (50-50) and add your favorite essential oil (eucalyptus oil gives a very fresh scent), for clean and beautifully scented windows.
 
- For wonderful smelling laundry, add a couple of drops of essential oil to the rinse cycle in the washing machine, or put a few drops on a piece of cloth in the dryer.
 
- To make a warm fire more sensual, put a few drops of frankincense oil on the some of the wood, before adding them to the flames.
 
- Put 10 drops of Lavender oil (or your favorite) onto a piece of cloth, then leave between sheets of linen in your cupboard - enjoy the lovely scent every time you use your linen!
 
- Remove unwanted gum, oil, grease or crayon with a couple of lemon drops on a piece of cloth.
 
- Selling your home? Fragrance sells! Sprinkle essential oils throughout the house for a unique and sensual experience.
 
For your family and your pets...
 
- Tea tree oil in your shoes keeps them smelling fresh, while preventing athletes foot.
 
- Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with peppermint oil, and use as a natural toothpaste!
 
- A few drops of essential oil in the armpits, neck or elbow-creases give a more personal perfume.
 
- To get rid of a wart, apply one drop of lemon oil to the wart daily, until it disappears.
 
- To make a natural, effective flea collar for your dog or cat, soak a short piece of cord or rope in tea tree oil, and tie it loosely around the animal's neck.
 
- For eliminating doggy odors, add a few drops of essential oil to the collar.
 
* When using essential oils on your body, be careful to use only a few drops at a time. If you are pregnant or if your immune system has been compromised, ask your health practitioner first.