What is an essential oil?
A concentrated liquid drawn out of a plant's flowers, leaves, bark or roots by steam distillation. A kilogram of lavender flowers yields just 5 ml of oil — which is why it is expensive, and why it is potent.
Five oils for everyday use
Lavender — sleep and stress. Eucalyptus — blocked nose and cough. Peppermint — headache and digestion. Tea tree — pimples and small wounds. Lemon — clearing the air and lifting low mood. These five alone are enough for a household kit.
How to use them
Diffuser — 100 ml water plus 3–5 drops of oil. Massage — 2 drops blended into 10 ml of carrier oil (coconut, almond). Bath — 4–6 drops in warm water. Direct inhalation — 1–2 drops on a handkerchief.
Safety notes
Never apply directly to skin — always blended into a carrier oil. Keep away from the eyes. Avoid for children under 6. During pregnancy, ask your doctor. Skip cheap synthetic ‘fragrance oil’ — only 100% pure essential oil.
A starter kit
One diffuser (₹600–1500), three 10 ml bottles of lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint (₹250–500 each), and one carrier oil (almond or coconut) — that is all a household needs for the first 6 months.