Essential oils are very popular right now.  They can also be expensive, but if you can find find multiple ways to use them, they are actually a great value.

These five DIY natural health and beauty products using essential oils will help you ditch the store bought products with harsh chemicals in favor of these greener alternatives. 

First, a disclaimer.

I have made all of these products, but I know that these essential oils work for my skin. If you have sensitive skin or are worried about using essential oils, be sure to try them on a small patch on your arm first. Also, when using your homemade products, be careful not to get anything in your eyes.

If you are new to essential oils, the cost can seem overwhelming at first because you don’t have any bottles or supplies yet. I recommend starting with making an item with just one or two essential oils to try them out and then add the cost in to your monthly budget and buy a new one every month for a while so you can start your essential oil supply. The oils will last a long time because you are only using 10-20 drops each time because they are so concentrated.

Lavender Bath Salts

Ingredients:

• 1 C coarse sea salt or Epsom salts
• 1 T dried lavender flowers
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Directions: Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight container. Use 1/4-1/3 Cup in a warm bath.

Homemade Vapor Rub

Ingredients:

• 3 T coconut oil
• 2 T raw shea butter
• 1 T beeswax
• 25-30 drops of any combination of the following essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or rosemary)

Directions: Melt coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler until all of it is melted. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Add essential oils and stir. Set aside and let cool until set, which will be at least 2 hours.

DIY Shower Vapor Disks

Ingredients:

• 1 C baking soda
• 1/3 C water
• 25-30 drops of any combination of the following essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil or rosemary)

Directions: Mix together all ingredients and split up among a 6-ct muffin tin. Allow to dry overnight for at least 12 hours before using. To use, just place in the bottom of your shower where you will not step on it as you enter the shower.

Cinna-Mint Homemade Coconut Oil Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1/4 C coconut oil
• 1.5 T beeswax
• 10 drops each of cinnamon and peppermint essential oils

Directions: Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler. Allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in essential oils. Pour in to lip balm containers and allow to set for at least 2 hours.

Sweet Orange & Lemon Toner

Ingredients:

• 1 C distilled water
• juice of 1 lemon
• 10 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil

Directions: Mix all ingredients together. Pour in to a spritz bottle if you want to spray on to your face or in a pour bottle if you want to put on a cotton ball and rub on your face. Always remember to be careful around your eyes. This is best kept stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to shake this every time before you apply to your cotton ball.

Other ways you can use essential oils in your home can be found in these posts:

• DIY Glycerin Soaps Recipes
• Homemade Natural Insect Repellent
• Green Up Your Mani-Pedi
• Homemade Natural Scrubbing Cleanser
• Green Tea & Sweet Orange Sugar Scrub

 Do you use essential oils?  What are some of your favorite ways to use them?