For many, 2016 will be the year to achieve a healthier lifestyle and live in prosperity. This begins by finding ways to improve your wellbeing and the environment that surrounds you. Essential oils have been extracted from plants for over 5,000 years to treat the body’s healing system. Their versatile abilities have changed the world of holistic modalities and continue to obtain a significant impact on healing practices today. Below lists the benefits and common uses of a few popular picks that are crafted to change your everyday life.

1. Peppermint

Peppermint’s natural fresh scent helps invigorate your senses and can be used as a natural air deodorizer. Placing 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in your shampoo can promote hair growth by nourishing damaged strands. It is also known to cure an upset stomach and supports digestion. Mix a couple drops in your water to help improve focus and boost energy levels.

2. Lavender

The calming properties in lavender oil help to induce sleep, in addition to relieving stress and anxiety. Simply spritz a mixture of distilled water and 12 drops of lavender oil on your pillow sheets and linen for a calming night's sleep. Massaging it directly onto your neck and shoulders can help cure headaches and migraines. Lavender oil is known to benefit the skin by relieving cuts and burns and can reduce symptoms of motion sickness.

3. Lemon

Lemon oil works as an antidepressant by stimulating and improving your mood, and also improving your memory. Its antiseptic treatment helps cleanse the body; fighting off sore throats, headaches, and digestion issues. The citric components work as an astringent for oily complexions and nourishes the skin. Add a bit to your skin care products to leave your skin bright and radiant. One of the top uses for lemon oil is as an all-purpose, natural disinfectant. Leave your home smelling fresh and chemical-free! To use the oil as a household cleaner, add 40 drops of lemon oil, 20 drops of tea tree oil, and water filled in a spray bottle.

4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is a natural decongestant known to improve your immune system, fighting off the common cold and other respiratory issues. It also works as an anti-inflammatory to help decrease lower back pain and muscle spasms. Adding it with peppermint and coconut oil will create a natural vapor rub.The antiseptic properties found in Eucalyptus oil helps treat and relieve a variety of skin issues from cuts, burns, bug bites, and even heals scar tissue. Cooling and refreshing, eucalyptus' distinct scent invigorates your senses and can be placed in a diffuser to relieve stress and increase alertness.

5. Grapefruit

Grapefruit oil has been known to promote weight loss by improving metabolic rates and curbing hunger. Its diuretic functions eliminate toxins from the body and can even help cure hangovers by detoxifying the liver and getting rid of headaches. You can rub it directly onto your temples, behind your ears, or even place a few drops in your water. The vitalizing citric scent of grapefruit oil makes for a great air freshener in your home or vehicle by simply dabbing it onto a cotton ball.

6. Tea Tree

Tea tree oil can be used to prevent acne and other skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema. Create your own astringent by diluting 20 drops of tea tree oil with a 1/2 cup of natural witch hazel. Its anti-fungal properties help rid flaky skin, ridding of dandruff and nourishing the scalp. Adding a drop or two to your toothpaste can help prevent gingivitis, bleeding of gums, and improve overall oral health. People have also used tea tree oil to work as an insect repellent and treat bug bites.

Recently, essential oils have taken a rise in popularity and it is no surprise why. These natural fragrances have proven themselves to be one of nature's best remedies in just about every single way. To learn even more about the different types of oils and their uses, visit Dr. Axe's guide to essential oils.