From helping you to relax and get a better night’s rest to treating wounds and improving skin conditions, many people know how beneficial essential oils can be to their lives.

But there are also lots of other ways essential oils can make your life even better. Even if you already know how to use essential oils, you may be surprised to learn about some of the more uncommon ways they can help.

1. Make your teeth shine with essential oils

We expect a lot of our teeth, and aside from ensuring you have a healthy brushing routine, it’s not always easy to keep them looking bright and white. Using essential oils may be able to help, with some people adding one or two drops to their toothbrush every day.

If this sounds of interest, we advise that you first speak with your dentist to ensure it is suitable for your teeth and gums. You should only use food-grade essential oils for this, as non-food grade variants can prove poisonous.

All essential oils sold by Nikura are non-food grade and not safe for consumption.

2. Keep your furniture pet-free

You love your pets, but there will be some parts of your home they aren’t allowed to nestle into.

Furniture can be one of those places, and making your own DIY furniture spray can help train them to keep off furniture pieces.

An all-natural spray won’t be harmful to your pets or the furniture material, whilst also telling your cat or dog to find a comfy spot elsewhere.

3. Relieve pregnancy ailments

Some parts of pregnancy can be very difficult to deal with. Morning sickness is one of the most frustrating, but you may be able to get some relief by using essential oils. Inhaling an anti-nausea blend of lemon essential oil (2 drops) and peppermint essential oil (2 drops) mixed with fractionated coconut oil could help to calm the feeling and also soothe digestive symptoms.

Apply the blend to pulse points and take slow deep breaths to slowly regain control. We also advise that you speak with a doctor before using essential oils during your pregnancy.

4. Freshen up a smelly bin

As the temperature rises, so too will bad smells from the bins around your home, with the heat quickening the spoilage of certain foods.

To cover the smell, you may want to try deodorising the bin with an essential oil or two.

Some good options are:

• Orange Essential Oil
• Grapefruit Essential Oil
• Lemon Essential Oil
• Peppermint Essential Oil

These essential oils are all good options that can remove the bad smell until it's time to bring out the rubbish for collection.

5. Rejuvenate stored laundry

Clothes and bedding items that have been in the cupboard for a while can start to get a little musty and essential oils offer a more natural alternative to commercial sprays currently available.

Add 10-20 drops of your favourite oil to a glass spray bottle, along with the same amount of carrier oil, 100-200ml of water and spritz onto your clothes to give them a new lease of life.

6. Ease menstrual cramping

Many women have to contend with painful menstrual cycles and taking a raft of painkillers may not always be the preferred option. Some studies have shown that when essential oils are massaged into the abdomen, it can help to reduce the pain and bleeding during menstruation.

Whilst it may not mean you are completely pain-free, it could make the cycle easier to cope with. It is recommended to start a week before your period to ensure the best results.

7. Make an organic cleaner

Another surprising use for essential oils is that they can help to keep your house clean. The likes of lemon oil, orange oil, peppermint oil and lavender oil all work well due to their antibacterial properties and making a cleaner couldn’t be easier.

Use a glass spray bottle (as essential oils can degrade plastic over time) and mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water (distilled or tap) and 20-30 drops of your favourite oil. Shake well and spray onto glass, countertops, floors, cupboards and tabletops.

8. Revitalise in the inside of your car

Essential oils are not solely for use around the home. They can be used wherever you are, even in the car on your commute to work or as you drive to the local shops. Use the same recipe as the organic cleaner above (minus the vinegar) and spray freely around the inside of your car.

Alternatively, use it in a car electric diffuser, which will gradually dispense the oil around the interior, with the wonderful fragrance giving you a lift or that little bit extra energy for the rest of the day.

9. Scent homemade aromatherapy candles

Making your own candles may be easier than you think. All you need is soy wax, a container and some of your favourite essential oils, and you can instantly transform the ambiance of your home.

Follow a tried and trusted homemade candle recipe so you know exactly what goes into making it and you won’t have to worry about you and your family being exposed to harsh ingredients. Once lit, sit back and enjoy the glow of a gentle flame and the oil’s fragrance emanating around the room.

10. Support your weight loss methods

Losing weight is never easy, but you could be given a helping hand by using grapefruit essential oil. An animal study found that it can help to suppress appetite, with other studies also suggesting that lavender oil could also achieve similar results.

You can try this by simply inhaling the essential oil or by massaging it into your skin (mixed with a carrier oil). Be sure to use this sparingly, as appetite suppression should not be substituted as a long-term solution for weight loss.

The wonder of essential oils is almost endless, especially when there are so many ways to use them. Whether you want to simply enjoy the fragrance or enjoy their many health benefits, it is entirely up to you. We always recommend that before trying any essential oil, you should carry out a patch test to ensure it is compatible with your skin, as they are highly concentrated and can sometimes cause allergic reactions. There is an essential oil out there for almost everyone, and a big part of the fun is learning which one suits you best.