Essential oils are sometimes shunned for being new-age nonsense. But not only are the teeny bottles the ultimate multitaskers, their benefits — both physical and mental — are backed by science.

Made from different parts of plants, including leaves, flowers, seeds, roots and bark, they contain the ‘essence’ that’s been extracted — via processed of distilling and separating.

Generally there are three ways they can be used; topically, internally or aromatically — meaning; to the skin, digested or inhaled. Though they’re natural, be careful with how you use them; some are too strong to be applied directly to the skin, without dilution, and it’s important to keep them cool and securely sealed.

Another word of caution: ensure you buy high quality, organic, 100% formulas as some have been diluted with toxic ingredients, like pesticides and harmful chemicals.

With modern day benefits for mind, body and home, the teeny bottles more than deserve their place in your handbag/holiday packing/kitchen cupboard.

Here are 9 of the best essential oils, their upsides and how to use them safely:

LAVENDER OIL

Itchy bites and stings
Rub the oil directly (and it’s safe to use undiluted) to sooth the itching and calm the swelling.

Sleep problems
A few drops on your pillow, in a warm bath before bed or behind your ears will help send you off into a dreamy slumber.

Stress levels

Apply whenever and wherever needed, but the pressure points — like the wrists and side of the neck – are a good starting place.

PEPPERMINT OIL

Hot flushes

Better than water or ice (as that just warms up), peppermint is perfect to help you cool off. Don’t apply directly to the skin, but to a damp muslin cloth and then sweep it over the forehead.

Brain fog

Forget caffeine, the scent of peppermint oil energises and clears the brain fog.

Achy muscles

Pushed it a little too hard? Apply this cooling oil to the painful area for quick relief – or just to cool down during a hot flush.

Digestion issues

Peppermint for the stomach, groundbreaking. An oldie but a goodie! Add a drop (which is the equivalent to 28 glasses of peppermint tea) of oil to your bottle of water to relieve digestive gripes, like nausea and indigestion.

GERANIUM OIL 

Skin problems

A natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, add a few drop of the oil to your moisturiser or serum.

Pesky period pain

Alleviate those mareish monthly cramps with a few sweeps cross the abdomen or back.

Hangovers

Mix with your moisturiser and rub over the liver (around the right side of the ribcage)

TEA TREE OIL

Blemishes or cuts

The planet’s natural spot treatment, tea tree’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities help reduce redness and prevent infection. It can be used on other dermatological issues too, such as Athlete’s Foot.

Fresh out of deodorant

Either mix with your usual one or apply a few drops under the arms to reduce BO bacteria.

Itchy bites

As a repellent or reliever, apply to reduce pain and itching.

LEMON OIL

Greasy hair days

It seems a little counter-intuitive, but applying to the scalp can help balance the oil glands as it’s got astringent and purifying properties — just make sure you do it before bed so you can wash it off the next morning.

Boring dressings

From pampering to plate, add a few drops to any dish for a lemony kick.

Dirty dishes

Thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, you can add to your dish washer or washing up liquid for cleaner, sparklier plates and glasses, use it to de-smear windows (when mixed with vinegar) and drop onto a damp cloth to cleanse kitchen surfaces. 

EUCALYPTUS OIL

A common cold or blocked up nose

Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and breathe it in — the anti-inflammatory and anti-phlegm properties will help to unblock noses.

Bugs galore

Another one — and this one’s strong.

High fevers

Add a few drops to the bath or apply to a damp cloth and apply to the skin to lower a temperature. (Yes, really.)

FRANKINCENSE OIL

Trouble meditating

Burn while meditating or just take a few sniffs beforehand to help calm the mind and centre concentration, especially on the spiritual.

Dull skin

A few drops in your skincare to brighten and illuminate your complexion.

A bad day

Add to the bath or a burner and allow the oil to diffuse its feel-good vibes.

ROSEMARY OIL

Ran out of perfume

The smell of rosemary, and its safety on the skin, means it works as an effective perfume — straight from the bottle. (Try lavender or rose, which are also gentle enough to use undiluted, if you don’t like the scent.)

Brain fuzz

Rosemary is a known brain-booster, so apply a few drops to your palms and inhale to help stimulate the nervous system and improve focus.

Dandruff

Rub into the scalp on a regular basis to help skin conditions. Bonus, it also promotes strong, healthy hair growth.

If you’re pregnant or have sensitive skin, speak to a doctor or dermatologist before using essential oils.