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Anyone of this century knows the sudden trend of essential oils. Widely believed to be all-natural panaceas, they sprung in almost every place you can think of–from nail spas and health food stores to homeware retailers.

Extracted from various beneficial plants, essential oils are concentrated liquids that give off intense aromas. Just a tiny bottle of essential oil can potentially provide you with tons of health benefits, ranging from stress relief to reduced risk of certain diseases.

Essential oils are often used with water-filled diffusers or inhalers. But apart from that, you can use these concentrated plant extracts to create a wide range of household items.

Want to make DIY crafts with essential oils? These five recipes are a great place to start.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Not a fan of commercial cleaning products? Luckily, you can create a healthy alternative to chemical-ridden cleaners–use either of the two best antibacterial essential oils: lemon or tea tree. (This is not one that could be used on natural stone as it could cause etching.  It is always a good idea to test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure no harm will come to the surface.)

Grab a spray bottle and mix these ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 1/2 cup distilled water
• 5 drops lemon or tea tree essential oil

Shampoo

If you’re allergic to traditional shampoos, you might want to make the switch to an all-natural one.

There are several essential oils that work great for shampoos, and they offer different benefits to your hair health. But in this recipe, we’ll use the best one for combating dandruff, conditioning your hair, and making it smell divine: lavender.

Combine the following ingredients in a shampoo dispenser:

• 1/4 cup castile soap
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond oil
• 10-15 drops lavender essential oil

Soap

Making soap with essential oils isn’t just a fun hobby–it’s also a great way to lather up with your favorite fragrances.

There are different methods to make soap, like cold process and hot process soap making. In this recipe, we’ll use the easiest one: melt and pour.

You’ll need:

• 1 pound goat milk soap base
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5 drops patchouli essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops orange essential oil
• Silicone soap mold

Instructions:

1. Cut the goat milk soap base into cubes.
2. Place the cubes in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Melt them in a microwave in 10-second intervals until they reach a smooth consistency.
4. Mix honey, vitamin E oil, and essential oils in the melted soap base and stir well.
5. Pour the mixture into your soap mold.
6. Let it cool and completely harden overnight. Then, pop each soap out.

Note: You can use 15 drops of any of your preferred essential oils. Try different blends to achieve the soap fragrance you’ll love!

Room Spray

What’s great about essential oil room sprays is that you get to create a blend that suits your needs.

If you need to eliminate odors, you can use eucalyptus or lemon essential oils. Or if you want to have a good night’s sleep, you can make a room spray using relaxing oils, like lavender and chamomile.

Use a spray bottle to mix these ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 20 drops essential oil of your choice

Body Butter

For some people, moisturizing lotion isn’t enough to hydrate dry skin.

This is where body butter comes in handy. Thicker than lotion, it’s ideal for those with eczema or extremely dry skin.

If you want to moisturize and nourish your skin for longer, try making body butter using all-natural, aromatic goodness.

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 1 drop vitamin E oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 10 to 20 drops essential oil of your choice
• Airtight jar

Instructions:

1. Melt shea butter in a double boiler over low heat.
2. Remove from heat and mix in the coconut oil and sweet almond oil. Stir well.
3. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes and place it in the fridge for an hour until crust forms on top.
4. Whip the mixture with a hand mixer until fluffy.
5. Add cornstarch or arrowroot powder, vitamin E oil, and essential oil and whip for another minute or so.
6. Place it in a jar, secure the lid, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Westmount at London Park Apartments in Houston, TX