I did some basic search through the internet to see what essential oils could be used for, and this is a compilation of the top 10 uses people normally do with them. I know some of these points fall into the same category, like methods of diffusion and being added as scent... but I break down specifically what you can personally try at home when you find yourself with a handful of oils.
1) Diffusion through Burners
Even through diffusion, there are a variety of methods to vaporise essential oil aromas into your home, car, toilet or office. The tried and true methods have all along been through ceramic oil burners, where a small tea candle is placed under a bowl, heating the oil at a slow rate so that its aromas are released immediately into the environment. Usually 10 drops can last 2 hours, but you can spice up your home by adding more to your preference. Just remember that the burner gets hot, and the candle is an open flame, so keep it out of reach of kids and flammable items.
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2) Diffusion through Humidifiers
Electronic diffusers of the modern world are also as effective in diffusing aroma. Dilute 5-10 drops of any oil in water and add it into the machine before switching it on. It doesn't get hot like the burner does. Plus it is quite mesmerising to watch the evaporation rising in a straight spout and flow with air currents that circulate your house. The only downside is that as with all technology, electronics will also eventually fail, so do check with your supplier if they provide repair services when the diffuser does break down. Let's try to increase the life span of our household items rather than relinquishing them to the garbage in favour of new things.
3) Reed Diffusion
Reed diffusion is a slower method of getting aromas out of the oils and into the air, and the smell is not as strong either. Nonetheless it still makes for an aesthetically pleasing decoration, and is most beneficial for small spaces like toilets, where you can place these near the sink. Do dilute your essential oil (about 25 drops) with a lighter oil like coconut oil, because essential oils are a denser liquid and makes for harder natural evaporation. You can use either reeds or bamboo skewers, whichever you already have at home.
4) Potpourri
Douse some of your dried herbs, flowers or wood with various essential oils. You can use dried lavender, roses, baby's breath, orange slices (make sure they're dehydrated), or even spices like cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks and so on. Then throw them all into a wide plate or decorative dish to spruce up your coffee table and deliver a nice scent to your guests when they visit.
5) Steam Aromatherapy
If you're having nasal congestion or your sinus is acting up, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water and place your face at a safe distance above the steam so you can inhale it. It is said to moisten your nose, throat and lungs and the aromatic oil helps relax your nasal passages so you can supposedly breathe better. You could probably achieve the same result of steam evaporation with essential oils in the sauna too. That is, if you have access to one, and no one else minds the rapid evaporation and scents of the oils when you drip it on the coals. Let us know how it goes.
6) DIY Moisturiser
Make your own moisturiser with organic coconut oil as the carrier oil. You can make the dilution of 40% essential oil, 60% coconut oil and apply it to your skin or hair as a conditioner (especially if you have long and frizzy hair). Coconut oil is a light oil and is not as dry as essential oils are. Also because essential oils are so strong and intense, it is not recommended to directly apply them to the skin in case of negative effects like irritation or a burning sensation on the skin, which may occur in those with health issues like eczema. Hence mixing with a carrier oil is usually best.
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7) Massage Oils
You can purchase any amount of baby oils in the pharmacy - likely made of olive, jojoba, avocado, grape seed, almond, rose hip seed or coconut oil - and add 10 drops of an essential oil of your choice. The aromas employed usually have a calming effect. And whether it is self-massage or via a masseuse or partner, your skin, which is imbued with so many nerve endings, becomes invigorated and more alive naturally after a soothing massage. It is no wonder you feel like a million bucks after a trip to the spa.
8) DIY Scented Candles
If you're going to burn your essential oil over a candle, why not directly add it to the candle itself? There's lots of recipes out there on making your own scented candles... So the general idea is to acquire your own mason jar, melt soy or paraffin wax into it and add about 100 drops, or 5ml, of essential oil into the liquid before it cools. Then stir in some colour dye and glitter so it looks as fabulous as it smells. Make the protruding wick short so there is a small flame that will burn long and low on your candle, releasing the aromas from the wax slowly.
9) DIY Scented Soap
Again you can source for online recipes for making your own soap bar with a pre-made soap base which you can purchase and melt in the microwave. Add your choice of fragrance, some colour dye and glitter, and leave to harden overnight in a rectangular mould. You can likewise add essential oils to liquid hand wash as well, though generally the soap base has to be made of vegetable oils or organic compounds rather than processed chemicals like petroleum. If you do have clean, organic liquid soap, you can dilute it up to a ratio of 80% soap, 20% oils (or less oils as you prefer).
10) Add to Cooking
Essential oils make for great flavour enhancers to cooked or baked goods. But just like coloured dye, 1 drop too many in food can become excessive. Herbs and spices like cloves, olives, lavender, patchouli, nutmeg and lemongrass etc have been used in cooking for eons, just not in large quantities or as the main dish since they are usually too bitter or spicy or overpowering. Likewise we don't want that for the food you serve your family. A small drop of the spice oil you want in your food will likely be all you need. Also, do note that direct consumption of essential oils without dilution nor cooked in food is not recommended as it produces a stinging sensation in the mouth.
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I'm sure I missed out other things in this list, so let me know what else you have dabbled with essential oils before.