Essential oils have become wildly popular in recent years for a number of reasons.

Whether it's using lavender essential oil for sleep, rosemary oil for hair, or lemon oil for cleaning, it's likely we've all heard about some sort of essential oil benefit at one point or another.

The common opinion on what to do with essential oils is simple - they smell nice and are great for diffusers. While this is certainly true for many essential oils, their uses can go far beyond just making a room smell nicer.

From helping to reduce stress and ease tension to repelling insects and clearing the airways, discover how to use your aromatherapy oils and unlock a whole new level to your wellness experience.

1. Aromatherapy

A certified classic, using essential oils for aromatherapy is the go-to standard when you think about how to use your oils on a regular basis.

Placing your chosen oil into a diffuser or oil burner can help fill your space with cleansing aromas, many of which can help restore your wellness in a number of ways.

Eucalyptus, for example, produces fantastic expectorant effects when diffused, helping to clear the airways and aid respiration, allowing for easier breathing if you're experiencing cold or flu symptoms.

Clary sage, on the other hand, can help combat unbalanced feminine hormones as well as fight airborne bacteria.

In fact, studies have shown that aromatherapy as a whole can help with anything from sleep and pain to dementia and alopecia.

Aromatherapy can also be achieved on the go by carrying a small bottle of oil with you and smelling it periodically. The same can also be achieved by adding the oil to a clean tissue.

2. Massage

While many massage oils carry their own varying quantities of essential oil, it is often much easier to make your own at home.

Combine your chosen essential oil with a natural carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, or sweet almond) and apply the solution to the necessary areas for a relaxing and restorative experience.

Many essential oils like lavender, clary sage and peppermint have been known to help relieve pain when applied topically, which makes them a great choice if you are seeking relief from a muscular injury.

It's always important to dilute your essential oils before applying them to the skin, as some of them can be very potent and lead to nasty reactions. We always recommend carrying out a patch test before using an oil on your skin.

If you're not sure how best to dilute your essential oils for a massage, look no further than our complete guide here for the best tips and tricks. You can also find the best essential oils for use in a massage as well as the best carrier oils to use by following these links.

3. Bath

Working in a similar way to the standard aromatherapy practice, applying your essential oils to the bath before use can be a great way to experience the benefits of an oil, without having to use it constantly.

Many of us love using baths as a way to relax, so adding an oil such as lavender or geranium can really help bolster the atmosphere, as these oils are known to contain fantastic stress-relieving qualities.

Simply add 6-8 drops of your chosen essential oil to your bath water, and enjoy the pleasant scents and impactful properties surrounding you.

4. Skincare

As with massages, using essential oils for skincare can be extremely beneficial when done safely and correctly, however there are precautions that should be followed.

Make sure that you are always diluting your chosen essential oils with a carrier oil or with other components such as witch hazel or rose water, and be sure to carry out a patch test before use.

Thankfully, there are tons of essential oils that are highly beneficial for the skin, so finding your favourite scents and oil combinations is easy to achieve.

Some essential oils like tea tree, lemon, and cedarwood have even been shown to help reduce the appearance of acne and other abrasions on the skin.

Want to try natural skincare out, but not sure where to begin? Check our recipe for how to make a cleansing skin tonic using geranium and neroli essential oils.

5. Soap making & candle making

All of our essential oils are suitable for candle making, soap making, and other similar creative projects.

Unlike fragrance oils, which are also common in candle and soap making, essential oils can add therapeutic benefits to your candles and soaps, making it easier to create all-natural remedies that look and smell amazing.

Have a look at our complete beginner's guides for how to make candles, soaps, and wax melts using essential oils for more insight into how to get started.

No matter how you choose to use your essential oils, it's important to pick the methods that suit you best, and that feel most beneficial to you in your day-to-day routine.