Indoor spaces feel more inviting and cosier with pleasant scents. Essential oils are great for this, filling your home with natural, calming fragrances that can make you feel happier and more relaxed. They don’t just smell good—they can also help you feel healthier by reducing stress and improving your mood. Essential oils come from plants and have been used for centuries for their healing properties. Whether you want to create a peaceful bedroom, a refreshing living room, or a welcoming entryway, the right essential oils can make a big difference. In this article, you’ll find the best essential oils to use as home scents to make your space smell wonderful and improve your overall well-being.Â
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Aroma
Lavender has a floral and herb-like smell. It’s very calming and soothing. When you smell lavender, it can help you feel more relaxed and at peace.
Benefits
Lavender helps you relax and sleep better. It can also reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and help with headaches. Plus, it makes your home smell fresh and clean.
How to use
You can use lavender oil in different ways. Put 3-5 drops in a diffuser to fill the room with its scent. Add a few drops to homemade cleaning products to make them smell nice. You can also sprinkle a few drops on dryer balls when doing laundry.
Cost
Lavender oil is usually affordable. A small bottle can cost between Rs. 300 to Rs. 1200. Prices can vary depending on the brand and quality.
Availability
You can find lavender oil in many places. It’s sold in health stores, online, and even in some grocery stores. Look for it in the essential oils section.
Who can use
Lavender is great for anyone who wants to feel more relaxed and less stressed. It’s especially good for people who have trouble sleeping or often feel anxious. If you enjoy a fresh, clean scent in your home, lavender is a perfect choice for you.
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Lemon (Citrus limon)
Aroma
Lemon has a citrusy and clean smell. It’s very uplifting and fresh. When you smell lemon, it makes you feel happier and more awake.
Benefits
Lemon oil can boost your mood and give you more energy. It can help you focus better and think more clearly. Lemon also neutralises bad odours, making your home smell fresh. Additionally, it may help with seasonal allergies.
How to use
You can use lemon oil in different ways. Put 3-5 drops in a diffuser to fill the room with its scent. Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water to make a natural cleaning solution. You can also use a few drops in a homemade linen spray to keep your sheets smelling fresh.
Cost
Lemon oil is generally inexpensive. A small bottle usually costs between Rs 150 and Rs1200. Prices can vary depending on the brand and quality.
Availability
You can find lemon oil in many places. It’s sold in health stores, online, and even in some grocery stores. Look for it in the essential oils section.
Who can use
Lemon oil is great for anyone who wants to feel more energetic and focused. It’s especially good for people who want to get rid of bad odours and keep their home smelling fresh. If you enjoy a clean, uplifting scent, lemon oil is a perfect choice for you.
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Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Aroma
Peppermint has a minty and invigorating smell. It’s very energising and refreshing. When you smell peppermint, it can help you feel more awake and alert.
Benefits
Peppermint oil can improve your alertness and concentration. It can also relieve nausea and may help with respiratory problems like congestion. Peppermint oil is great for helping you feel more focused and clear-headed.
How to use
You can use peppermint oil in different ways. Put 2-3 drops in a diffuser to fill the room with its scent. Apply it diluted to your temples to help with headaches, but be careful to avoid contact with your eyes. You can also add a drop to a homemade hand or foot scrub for a refreshing feeling.
Cost
Peppermint oil is usually affordable. A small bottle typically costs between Rs. 100 and Rs.2000. Prices can vary depending on the brand and quality.
Availability
You can find peppermint oil in many places. It’s sold in health stores, online, and even in some grocery stores.
Who can use
Peppermint oil is great for anyone who needs a boost in alertness and concentration. It’s especially helpful for those who experience nausea or have respiratory issues. If you enjoy a minty, energising scent, peppermint oil is a perfect choice for you.
Source: Pinterest
Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Aroma
Sweet Orange has a sweet and citrusy smell. It’s very uplifting and refreshing. When you smell sweet orange, it can make you feel happier and more energised.
Benefits
Sweet Orange oil promotes feelings of happiness and optimism. It can help reduce stress and may also assist with seasonal allergies. This oil is great for boosting your mood and making you feel more positive.
How to use
You can use sweet orange oil in different ways. Put 3-5 drops in a diffuser to fill the room with its cheerful scent. Add a drop to a carrier oil for a mood-boosting massage. You can also use it in a homemade room spray to keep your space smelling fresh and pleasant.
Cost
Sweet Orange oil is generally affordable. A small bottle usually costs between Rs.500 and Rs.1500. Prices can vary depending on the brand and quality.
Availability
You can find sweet orange oil in many places. It’s sold in health stores, online, and even in some grocery stores. Look for it in the essential oils section.
Who can use
Sweet Orange oil is great for anyone who wants to feel happier and less stressed. It’s especially good for those who need a mood lift and enjoy a sweet, citrusy scent. If you want a refreshing and uplifting aroma in your home, sweet orange oil is a perfect choice for you.
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Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Aroma
Sandalwood has a woody and warm smell. It’s very calming and grounding. When you smell sandalwood, it can help you feel more relaxed and at peace.
Benefits
Sandalwood oil promotes relaxation and better sleep. It can reduce anxiety and help relieve muscle tension. This oil is perfect for helping you unwind and feel more at ease.
How to use
You can use sandalwood oil in different ways. Put 2-3 drops in a diffuser to fill the room with its soothing scent. Add a drop to a carrier oil for a relaxing massage. You can also use it in a homemade bath soak to enjoy a calming bath.
Cost
Sandalwood oil is typically more expensive. A small bottle usually costs between Rs. 200 and Rs. 1500. Prices can vary depending on the brand and quality.
Availability
You can find sandalwood oil in many places. It’s sold in health stores, online, and in some specialty stores. Look for it in the essential oils section.
Who can use
Sandalwood oil is great for anyone who wants to feel more relaxed and reduce anxiety. It’s especially helpful for those who have trouble sleeping or experience muscle tension. If you enjoy a woody, warm scent, sandalwood oil is a perfect choice for you.
Source: Pinterest
Considerations before using essential oils
- Essential oils are strong and shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin without dilution.
- Dilute them with carrier oils like sweet almond, jojoba, or grapeseed oil.
- Use a common ratio of 2-5% essential oil to 95-98% carrier oil.
- Lower concentrations, around 1%, are safer for children and sensitive skin.
- Keep essential oils away from your eyes to avoid irritation.
- If they get in your eyes, rinse with a carrier oil for several minutes, then with clean water.
- Don’t ingest essential oils as they can be toxic.
- Some oils can harm pregnant or breastfeeding individuals; consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Certain oils, like bergamot and grapefruit, can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
- Store essential oils in dark glass bottles in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.
- Before using a new oil, especially topically, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin.
- If you experience discomfort like dizziness or nausea, stop using essential oils and seek medical advice.
FAQs
Yes. Essential oils are very concentrated and can irritate the skin. Always dilute them with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil before topical application.
No way! Essential oils are extremely irritating to the eyes. If contact occurs, flush immediately with a carrier oil (not water) for several minutes, then gently rinse with clean water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Definitely not! Essential oils are not meant for ingestion and can be toxic if swallowed.
Certain essential oils can be harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's best to consult a healthcare professional before using any essential oils during this time.
Yes, some citrus oils like bergamot and grapefruit are phototoxic. This means they can increase sun sensitivity and cause skin discoloration or burns if applied before sun exposure.
Essential oils can interact with certain medications. If you take any medication, consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using essential oils.
Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. Children's skin is more delicate, and animals metabolise essential oils differently, making them more susceptible to poisoning.
Store essential oils in dark-coloured glass bottles with tight-fitting lids in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. This will preserve their quality and potency.
Yes! Apply a diluted amount (1 drop in a carrier oil) to a small area of your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to see if there's any reaction. Discontinue use if any redness, itching, or irritation occurs.
If you experience any discomfort like dizziness, nausea, or difficulty in breathing, stop using them immediately and consult a doctor. Do I need to dilute essential oils?
Can I put essential oils in my eyes?
Is it safe to swallow essential oils?
Can I use essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do some essential oils make me more sensitive to the sun?
Can essential oils interact with my medications?
Are essential oils safe for children and pets?
How should I store essential oils?
Should I do a patch test before using a new essential oil?
What should I do if I experience discomfort while using essential oils?
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