I've always heard about essential oil and how it has been used since ancient times, but what about it is so beneficial?! I just recently got into essential oil when my mom got me a diffuser for Christmas. I started off with the basics, like putting a couple drops of lavender in before bed to help me relax and fall asleep. I was happy with just the basics! But then I walked into TJ Maxx and saw their essential oil section. Turns out, there's hella different kinds of essential oils. I didn't even know where to begin! That's where my latest obsession was born, and where my research into this new world spiraled out of control. So, get ready, grab a notebook and pen, and prepare to know a whole lot more about essential oil than you ever wanted to!

Essential oil can be used in so many different ways. It's used medically, used in beauty products, shampoos, conditioners, facial products, etc, but for now, I just want to focus on its benefits with topical use on the skin.

I want to highlight four essential oils that I've been obsessing over lately: Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lavender, and Eucalyptus.

Tea tree - If you've used Paul Mitchell's tea tree clarifying shampoo, you know that it gives your head a nice tingly sensation. That's because tea tree oil is known to be a natural disinfectant and kill bacteria, often used as a clarifying or cleansing product. When used topically, it can be used as a natural hand sanitizer, insect repellent, deodorant, facial cleanser, a natural remedy to treat congestion when rubbed on the chest, the list goes on and on. Lately, I have been rubbing a drop or two of tea tree oil on my face in the morning and at night to help clean and unclog my pores. So far I've seen noticeable results!

Peppermint oil has been my favorite for relieving anxiety while staying focused and productive. It's another tingly essential oil that can be used in many medical ways, but also to provide stress relief. According to Organicfacts.net (2018),

"Like most other essential oils, peppermint is able to provide relief from stress, depression, and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. It is also effective against anxiety and restlessness. Furthermore, it stimulates mental activity, clears the mind, and boosts cognition."

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which brings a cooling sensation when applied topically on the skin. It has antiseptic, regenerative, and stimulating effects, which means that it can help to relieve the scalp of irritation, dandruff, and dry scalp. Try putting a couple of drops of peppermint and tea tree oil in your shampoo if you want a nice cleanse! Since peppermint is so cooling and cleansing, when applied topically to the face (in small amounts and not daily) it can nourish dull skin, improve the texture and treat skin that is oily or greasy.

Eucalyptus oil is very common to tea tree and peppermint oil when it comes to its uses and benefits. It can be used medically to treat fungal infections and wounds, treat respiratory problems and congestion, and also has a tingly sensation when applied topically.

Lavender oil: every college student should have a bottle of this essential oil laying around somewhere. It's commonly known for its relaxing and calming scent. It's one of the most natural, cheapest and easiest ways to relax. It relieves anxiety and emotional stress, induces sleep, can treat acne when a few drops are applied to moisturizer or facial wash and can help to cleanse your scalp of build up as well. I like to combine a few drops of lavender and peppermint and rub in on the back of my neck and chest in the morning, it's like a nice pick-me-up before I drink 10 cups of coffee!

According to Organicfacts.net (2018), "Lavender essential oil has been shown to be very helpful in the treatment of hair loss, particularly for patients who suffer from alopecia. A Scottish study reported that more than 40% of alopecia patients in the study reported an increase in hair growth when they regularly rubbed lavender essential oil into their scalp. Therefore, lavender oil is sometimes recommended as a preventative measure for male pattern baldness."

All of these uses for essential oil honestly blow my mind. It's a great alternative to products with harmful chemicals in them or high doses of alcohol. And there are so many other oils out there that I haven't even touched yet. If you're looking for a new hobby, take up essential oils because I guarantee you will never be bored again.