Just the Essentials -

Lemon Essential Oil: What You Need to Know

Lemon essential oil is an absolute must-have if you’re just getting started with essential oils. It’s also a very budget-friendly purchase. No matter what brand of oils you prefer, lemon is one of the cheapest around.

Health Benefits of Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is derived from the lemon (Citrus limon) fruit and contains compounds like limonene, citral, and alpha-pinene. These compounds give lemon essential oil its characteristic citrusy smell and offer potential health benefits like:

Immune system support: The citrus scent of lemon oil can help clear congestion and sinus infections, and it can also help your body fight off colds and flu.
Aiding in digestion: Diffusing lemon essential oil in the air may help relieve digestive discomfort.
Reducing inflammation: Topical application of lemon essential oil diluted in a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil may help reduce inflammation and swelling.
Improving the appearance of your skin: Lemon oil can be used topically to improve the appearance of your skin. The vitamin C in lemon oil can help brighten the skin, while the antiseptic properties can help clear up acne and other skin conditions. To use lemon oil on your skin, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil and apply it to cleansed skin.
Relieving stress: Lemon oil can also help relieve stress and anxiety. The refreshing scent of lemon helps to clear the mind and promote feelings of relaxation. Diffuse lemon oil in your home or office, or add a few drops to your bathtub for a relaxing soak. You can also apply diluted lemon oil to pulse points like your wrists and temples.

Consult with your healthcare provider before using essential oils if you have any underlying medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use Lemon Essential Oil to Make a Mood-Boosting Roller Bottle

When using lemon essential oil topically, be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil to avoid skin irritation. If you’re new to using essential oils, start with a low dilution (1-2% for adults) and gradually increase as needed.

Fill a 10 ml roller bottle with 2 drops lemon, 2 drops grapefruit, 3 drops bergamot, and 3 drops wild orange. Fill the rest of the bottle with fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or the carrier oil of your choice. Shake to mix, then apply to pulse points behind ears and on wrists.

How to Use Lemon Essential Oil to Make a Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner

Lemon essential oil is a natural disinfectant. This means that it can kill harmful bacteria and fungi, making it an ideal ingredient for DIY natural cleaning products. When used in combination with other disinfecting oils, lemon essential oil can be an effective way to clean surfaces and prevent the spread of illness-causing germ.

To make a citrus all-purpose cleaner, add 1 1⁄2 cups water, 1 cup white vinegar, 15 drops lemon, and 15 drops grapefruit essential oil to an empty spray bottle. Shake well, then use to clean surfaces around your home.

Free Downloadable Essential Oil Recipe Cards

Sharing your essential oil recipes with your friends just got easier! Make Breaks has a collection of gorgeous free printable recipe cards you can use to share recipes for personal care products, cleaning supplies, DIY diffuser blends, and more. This would be a wonderful page to bookmark if you’re working on any homemade Christmas gifts for family and friends.

Citrus theme essential oil recipe cards

Eucalyptus themed essential oil recipe cards

Floral themed essential oil recipe cards

Using Essential Oils to Treat Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a common problem, affecting an estimated 100 million adults in the United States. It is defined as pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks.

There’s some evidence that essential oils may be effective for treating chronic pain. A 2013 study, for example, found that a blend of three essential oils was effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in people with chronic neck pain.

Chronic pain can be difficult to treat, but essential oils may be worth trying. Depending on your needs, essential oils can also help you with related conditions such as depression and insomnia.

How to Use Essential Oils for Pain Relief

If you’re interested in using essential oils to treat your chronic pain, it’s important to choose a quality product and consult with a healthcare provider first. Essential oils should be used with caution, as they can cause side effects and may interact with certain prescription medications taken by people suffering from chronic pain.

Diffusing essential oils into the air can be done with a diffuser or by adding a few drops of the oil to a cloth or tissue. You can also make diffuser jewelry to help you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of oils in a discreet yet stylish way.

Topical application involves applying essential oil directly to the skin. It’s important to dilute the oil first by mixing it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil. Always follow recommended dilution ratios for safe skin application.

What Are the Best Essential Oils to Treat Chronic Pain?

There are a number of different essential oils that can be used to treat chronic pain. Some of the most popular options include:

Lavender oil: This oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties. It can be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
Peppermint oil: This oil is cooling and refreshing. It can be used to relieve tension headaches and migraines.
Rosemary oil: This oil is stimulating and invigorating. It can be used to increase circulation and reduce pain.
Eucalyptus oil: This oil is refreshing and energizing. It can be used to clear the sinuses and relieve pain.

Other Natural Remedies That Can Be Helpful for People With Chronic Pain

There are other natural remedies that can be helpful for people with chronic pain. Some of these include:

Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points. This is said to help relieve pain by stimulating the release of endorphins.
Herbal supplements: There are many herbs that have been traditionally used to treat pain. Some of these include ginger, turmeric, and boswellia.
Exercise: Exercise is a great way to release endorphins and improve your overall health. It can also help increase your pain threshold.
Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help you cope with pain.

If you are interested in trying any of these natural pain relief methods, be sure to talk to your doctor first. They can help you determine if they are safe for you to use and how to best use them.

Dilution Ratios for Safe Skin Application of Essential Oils

Since essential oils are extremely concentrated, it’s generally not a good idea to apply them directly to your skin. This can cause sensitization, irritation, or allergic reactions. To stay safe, dilute your oil in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil.

Common dilution rates are as follows:

1% – 5 to 6 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: Suitable for children under 12, seniors over 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
2% – 10 to 12 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: General dilution for DIY skincare and beauty products.
3% – 15 to 18 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: Often used in specific application blends.
5% – 28 to 30 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: Used to treat specific acute illnesses.
10% – 58 to 60 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: Used for DIY cologne and perfume products.

If you’re not sure how much essential oil to use, start with the lowest dilution and work your way up. You can always add another drop or two, but it’s much harder to fix a solution that has too much oil in it.

Aside from being an important safety precaution, diluting your essential oils will save you money by making sure you’re not using more oil than you really need.

DIY Shower Steamers With Essential Oils

Cold and flu season is officially here, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you’re feeling congested, these easy DIY shower steamers are the perfect way to help you breathe more easily.

Supplies

1 cup baking soda
¼ cup distilled water
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil
Silicone ice cube molds
Mason jar or another airtight container

Instructions

Add ¼ cup distilled water to baking soda. Mix until the consistency of wet sand, adding a few additional teaspoons if needed.
Add essential oils. Mix well.
Press mixture into ice cube molds, packing firmly. The exact number of shower steamers you’ll get will vary according to the size and shape of your mold, but I was able to get about 24 steamers from my project.
Allow your steamers to dry for about 24 hours, then remove them from molds and store them in an airtight container.

To use your shower steamers, place one in the corner of your shower. It will slowly dissolve as you shower, releasing the congestion-fighting essential oils and allowing you to breathe more clearly. You’ll maximize the benefits if you use hot water and keep your bathroom door closed while you’re showering.

DIY Washer Necklaces for Diffusing Essential Oils

Diffuser necklaces are one of my favorite ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. I have several necklaces that I’ve purchased, but recently I decided to try making a few DIY additions to my collection. This project is super easy and can be customized to fit your unique sense of style.

Supplies

Lava beads: The lava beads are what will diffuse the scent of your oil. Black lava beads are easy to find at pretty much any craft store, but the colored ones are a little trickier. The ones I’m using for this project are part of a multicolored strand from Bead Nova. The 10 mm size is easy to work with and all the different colors mix and match really well.
Focal bead: The metal beads I used were in my craft stash from years ago. Anything with a similar size or shape would work. I think wood beads would be really pretty if you like jewelry with more of a rustic look.
Washer: I stole these from hubby’s toolbox in the basement, but you can buy them dirt cheap at them at the hardware store if you need to.
Faux suede cord: This cord is awesome for diffuser necklaces because it complements the natural look of the lava beads. Also, if you add a drop of oil to the cord, it will hold the scent almost as well as your lava beads. The cord I used is from Bead Nova. It comes in four different colors and with four free necklace extenders. This is enough to make at least eight diffuser necklaces, maybe more.
Alcohol ink: I love all the pretty colors in the Ranger brand. I had the best results using two colors per washer–one light and one dark.
Felt: You’ll use the felt as a stamp pad for your alcohol ink, so you need a scrap that’s slightly bigger than your washer. It doesn’t matter what color.
Clear nail polish: This is to seal your finished washer.
Newspaper and rubber gloves: Alcohol ink is messy, so I’d suggest being careful not to mess up your workspace.

Instructions

Lay newspaper on your work surface and put on the rubber gloves. Put your washer face down on the paper.
Drop two to four drops of each color of alcohol ink on your felt square. Gently stamp the colors on the washer. They should blend together to create a soft watercolor effect.
When the alcohol ink is dry, apply a coat of clear nail polish to the washer to seal it. This will make your colors run together a bit, but that should only add to the pretty pattern you’ve created. (Alternatively, you could try using a clear acrylic sealer if you have one on hand. Since I’m all about saving money, I try to craft with what I have available!)
Tie the washer to your necklace. Hold your cord so that each end is even and make a loop in the middle. Thread this loop through the center of the washer, then wrap the two ends around the washer before threading them through the loop.
Add your focal bead.
Add three lava beads to each side of the focal bead. I used three different coordinating colors to pick up the tones in my washer.
Add a knot to close the ends of your necklace. I made an adjustable sliding knot for my necklaces so I could wear them with several different shirts in my wardrobe. There’s a great tutorial for this type of knot over at Jewelry Making Journal. I’d suggest that you practice on some old yarn until you have it figured out since it took me a few tries to get the hang of it.
Add a drop or two of essential oil to your lava beads. Let the oils absorb a minute or two to avoid staining your clothes, then enjoy your pretty new necklace.

Essential Oil Suggestions

You can use whatever essential oils you’d like on your new diffuser necklace, but I’m a fan of peppermint for keeping headaches under control and lavender for stress relief.

DIY Wonder Woman Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace

As far as I’m concerned, the only thing better than diffuser jewelry is diffuser jewelry that reflects your own unique personality. That’s why I’m so excited about my new DIY Wonder Woman diffuser necklace.

If you’re a DC comics fan, Hobby Lobby has a line of jewelry pendants and accessories that you’ll definitely want to check out. They’re called Pop Age Timeline by Bead Treasures and are manufactured by the Cousin Corporation.

Select items are available online, but I found a much better selection in store. There are several items featuring Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Joker, and Harley Quinn. Pick up ones for your favorite character or mix and match to give yourself plenty of options to choose from!

Here’s how I made my own Wonder Woman diffuser necklace.

Supplies

Instructions

Cut cord to the desired length. I cut mine to be about 30 inches long. Click here for a chart to help you decide how long you want it to be.
Add your pendant to the necklace. Hold your cord so that each end is even and make a loop in the middle. Thread this loop through the center of the pendant, then wrap the two ends around the pendant before threading them through the loop.
Add a silvertone bead, threading both ends of the suede cord through the bead.
Tie a small knot about three inches up the left side of the necklace, then add red, white, and blue lava beads. The beads I used are somewhat muted compared to the shades traditionally associated with Wonder Woman’s costume, but I thought they complimented my beige suede cord nicely. Repeat on the right side. (The knot keeps the beads from sliding down your necklace while you’re wearing it.)
Tie the suede cord together with an adjustable sliding knot. I love this method of finishing casual necklaces because it lets you adjust the length according to the neckline of whatever top you’re wearing. However, you could add the clasp of your choice if that’s what you prefer.
Add oil to your lava beads and enjoy. Wonder Woman has a ton of items on her to-do list, so I’m using Jade Bloom’s Focus blend on my necklace. This blend of spearmint, Spanish sage, geranium, German chamomile, and myrtle essential oils is great for increasing mental clarity and is strong enough that just a drop gives me a concentration boost throughout the day.

DIY Aromatherapy Tree of Life Air Freshener

Those pine tree car air fresheners might get the job done, but they don’t look very pretty. Why not make a gorgeous tree of life air freshener for your car that can be personalized with your favorite essential oils?

Supplies

Instructions

Decide how large you’d like your air freshener to be. My project measures three inches across, but you can make yours whatever size you’d like. Cut your 16 gauge wire and bend it into a circle. (If you are having trouble making a neat circle, wrap the wire around a sturdy glass or another round object.)
To make the hanging loop at the top, bend one of the wires at a 90-degree angle, create a loop, and wrap the loose wire around the base. Trim as needed, then bend the ends down with your pliers so they aren’t sticking up.
Take a long piece of 24 gauge wire and fold it in half. With the bend at the bottom of your circle, wrap the wire around the circle three or four times. Wrap it as tightly as you can.
Repeat this process with three more long pieces of 24 gauge wire. When you’re done, you should have eight wire ends sticking out from the bottom of your circle.
Hold all of the wire ends together in one hand and twist them to make a tree trunk.
Separate the wires to make your tree branches, then string the gemstone chips to create leaves for the tree. Wrap the end of the wire around the circle three or four times when you’re done, then trim as needed.
Cut two small pieces of wire. String three tiny lava beads on each wire, then wrap the wire around the bottom left and right sides of your circle.
Cut and tie a length of suede cord to make a loop for hanging.

Essential Oil Suggestions

To use your air freshener, add a drop or two of essential oil to the lava beads. If you’re dealing with particularly nasty smells, you can also add a little extra oil to the suede cord.

I’ve been using Jade Bloom’s Alleviate in my air freshener, but lemon, orange, grapefruit, cinnamon, peppermint, and cedarwood are all popular choices for air fresheners.

Additional Assistance

This tutorial video shows how to make a wire-wrapped tree of life necklace pendant that is very similar to my project.

Using Essential Oils to Treat Anxiety and Depression

Struggles with anxiety and depression are very common, especially as we continue to adapt to the lasting effects of the pandemic. There’s no doubt that prescription medications can be very effective, but essential oils can also help you support your overall mental health.

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are characterized by feelings of worry, tension, and fear. These disorders can make it difficult to function in day-to-day life. There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including:

Generalized anxiety disorder: This type of disorder is characterized by chronic and exaggerated worry and tension. People with generalized anxiety disorder may feel anxious about a variety of things, including their health, work, or family life.
Panic disorder: This type of disorder is characterized by sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear. These episodes may include physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or sweating.
Social anxiety disorder: This type of disorder is characterized by extreme fear of social situations. People with social anxiety disorder may avoid social situations, or they may experience intense anxiety and discomfort when they are in them.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Depression can affect a person’s ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy activities.

Common symptoms of depression include:

Feeling sad or empty most of the time
Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
Sleeping too much or too little
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling tired all the time
Unexplained physical symptoms such as digestive issues or frequent headaches
Changes in appetite
Thoughts of death or suicide

While there is no one cause of depression, it can be triggered by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors.

Depression is different from feeling down or sad. It is a more severe problem that can last for weeks, months, or even years.

What Essential Oils Are Used to Treat Anxiety and Depression?

Essential oils are a natural and effective way to treat anxiety and depression. The best essential oils for anxiety and depression include:

Lavender essential oil: Lavender oil has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body. It is one of the most popular essential oils for anxiety and depression.
Lemon essential oil: Lemon oil has a refreshing and uplifting effect on the mind and body. It can help to improve mood and reduce stress.
Rosemary essential oil: Rosemary oil has a stimulating and uplifting effect on the mind and body. It can help to improve mood and reduce stress.
Bergamot essential oil: Bergamot oil is a citrus oil that has an uplifting and refreshing effect on the mind and body.
Ylang ylang essential oil: Ylang ylang oil has a sweet and floral aroma that is known to be very calming and relaxing.
Chamomile essential oil: Chamomile oil has a sweet and herbaceous aroma that is known to be very calming and relaxing.

How Can I Use Essential Oils to Treat Anxiety and Depression?

Essential oils are natural oils that have been extracted from plants. They can be used in many ways, including inhaling them (aromatherapy), rubbing them on the skin (topical application), or adding them to a bath (bath salt).

Aromatherapy is a popular way to use essential oils because it is thought to be one of the most effective ways to receive the benefits of the oils. When you inhale essential oils, they travel through your nose and down to your lungs where they are absorbed into your bloodstream.

Topical application is another popular way to use essential oils. You can add a few drops of oil to a lotion or carrier oil and rub it on your skin. The oils will then be absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream.

Adding essential oils to a bath is a relaxing way to use them. Simply add a few drops of oil to your bathtub filled with warm water. You can also add a few drops of oil to a diffuser to spread the scent throughout your home or office.

What Other Home Remedies Can Help With My Mental Health?

There are a number of other home remedies that can help with mental health. Some people find that journaling, spending time in nature, or practicing meditation can help to reduce anxiety and depression. Others find that acupuncture, yoga, or Tai Chi can be helpful. Talk to your doctor about what might work best for you. Remember, you are not alone and there is help available.

Using Essential Oils to Treat Insomnia

In our fast-paced society, a good night’s sleep is essential to productivity. Yet, many of us struggle nightly with insomnia. In fact, an estimated 30 to 40 percent of adults have occasional insomnia, and 10 to 15 percent have chronic insomnia.

If you’re looking for a natural way to help yourself drift off to dreamland, aromatherapy treatments might be able to help. Aromatherapy can’t cure serious sleep disorders like narcolepsy or sleep apnea, but it can be quite helpful in promoting a calm and relaxed state that will combat occasional sleeplessness.

About Insomnia

There are many possible causes of insomnia, including stress, anxiety, depression, medications, poor sleeping habits, and medical conditions. Insomnia can also be a symptom of another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.

The most common symptom of insomnia is difficulty falling asleep. Other symptoms may include waking up frequently during the night, waking up early in the morning, and feeling unrefreshed after a night’s sleep.

Insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. It can also cause or worsen other health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

Many people with insomnia turn to sleep aids, such as sleeping pills, for relief. But sleep aids can have side effects and only offer short-term relief. If you’re looking for a more natural way to improve your sleep, consider using essential oils.

How Can Essential Oils Help Me Sleep Better?

Essential oils are derived from plants and have been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. Some essential oils have calming and sedative effects that can be beneficial for people with insomnia.

In addition to promoting relaxation, essential oils can also improve sleep quality by:

Reducing stress and anxiety
Easing muscle tension
Clearing nasal congestion

What Are the Best Essential Oils to Treat Insomnia?

There are a variety of essential oils that can be used to treat insomnia. The best essential oil for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Some of the most effective essential oils for insomnia include:

Lavender essential oil: Lavender oil is regularly referred to as one of the most useful essential oils, because it is helpful in treating insomnia, as well as conditions such as acne, allergies, asthma, burns, itching, hypertension, migraine headaches, and stretch marks.
Clary sage: This essential oil also has natural sedative properties. Clary sage essential oil is earthy with a subtle fruity note. It’s often used to treat stress as well as insomnia.
Chamomile essential oil: Roman chamomile oil is a natural sedative with a bright, crisp, and sweet scent.
Valerian essential oil: Valerian oil is an effective essential oil for insomnia. It’s often used in combination with other essential oils, such as lavender oil.
Bergamot essential oil: Bergamot oil is another essential oil that can be used to treat insomnia. It’s known for its calming and relaxing effects.
Ylang ylang essential oil: Ylang ylang oil is an effective essential oil for insomnia. It’s known for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

Essential oils can be blended together to increase their effectiveness. For example, a blend of lavender oil and chamomile oil is a popular choice for nighttime relaxation.

How Can I Use Essential Oils to Treat Insomnia?

There are several ways that you can use essential oils for insomnia.

Essential oils can be used in several different ways to promote restful sleep. For example:

Add essential oils to a diffuser near your bed. Three to five drops of your favorite soothing oil should be sufficient.
Massage your feet and legs with a massage oil made from one ounce of sweet almond oil and 10 to 12 drops of lavender, Roman chamomile, or clary sage essential oil. Use 1 teaspoon of oil for each massage.
Create a soothing bed linen spray to add to your sheets and pillows. Add 30 drops of essential oil, 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, and 1 1/2 ounces of distilled water to a spray bottle with a fine mist setting. Lightly spray the solution on your linens shortly before you go to bed.
Add essential oils to your bath water. Combine 20 drops of lavender essential oil with 2 ounces of a carrier oil such as jojoba oil. Mix well, then add 1/4 ounce to warm bath water.

When using essential oils for insomnia, you should start with a low concentration and increase as needed. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Some people may have added concerns associated with essential oil use. For example, pregnant women and young children should always consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.

What Other Home Remedies Can Help With My Insomnia?

There are a number of other home remedies that can help with insomnia, including:

Exercise: A moderate amount of exercise can improve sleep quality by helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels. However, avoid exercising too close to bedtime as this can make it harder to fall asleep.
Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality.
Herbal teas: Herbal teas such as chamomile or lavender tea can promote relaxation and help you to drift off to sleep.

If you regularly find it difficult to sleep or if you are not feeling rested after a night’s sleep, it is important to speak to a doctor. Insomnia can be a symptom of an underlying health condition and there are treatments that can help.