As the weather chills, we close up our windows and slider doors often leaving our indoor air a bit stale. Freshen up your home naturally with essential oils. Not only can you make your own natural air freshener, but it’s so easy to make homemade all-purpose house cleaners!
Easing into Fall, I love smelling warmer scents as they are comforting to me, yet I still want my home to smell fresh. My three favorite essential oils to combine to create an herbal yet warm Fall influenced scent combination are Clary Sage, Mandarin Orange, and Bergamot. Not only do these oils smell amazing, but they offer many health benefits.
Clary sage oil may have properties such as antidepressant effects, improved digestion, and stress relief.
Mandarin is known as the sweetest and most calming citrus essential oil. It’s proven to help diminish of acne, stretch marks and scars; reduce pain, anxiety and nausea; relieve pain; protect food from bacteria, and even support cellular health
Bergamot (also used in Earl Grey Tea!) is commonly used in aromatherapy to elevate mood and alleviate stress. Bergamot oil is said to have properties similar to grapefruit essential oil in that it is antiseptic, antispasmodic, and analgesic
When buying oils, look for quality Therapeutic Grade Essential oils. These are oils that can be safely used in home refreshening recipes, as well as personal use. I received my wonderful natural oils from Ministry of Oils. Therapeutic Grade oils are non-water-based phytochemicals made up of volatile aromatic compounds. Although they are fat-soluble, they do not include fatty lipids or acids found in vegetable and animal oils. Essential oils are very clean and are immediately absorbed by the skin. Even though therapeutic grade essential oils are natural and therefore assumed to be gentle, this is not always the case. They are highly potent and a couple of drops can go a long way. These oils are up to 75 times stronger than dried herbs, this gives you an idea of their efficiency and potency.
HARVEST HOME AIR FRESHENER:
I repurposed an aluminum spray bottle, but you could use a glass spray bottle as well.
In an 8 oz. spray bottle of distilled water, add 7 drops mandarin orange, 7 drops sage and 7 drops bergamot for a citrusy blend. Shake well before each use. Spritz around the house – I use around carpeting, soft furniture, dog beds, mats, etc.
ALL-PURPOSE HOUSE CLEANER:
In a 16 oz. glass spray bottle, combine 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 3/4 cups water, 30 drops essential oil (10 each of your choosing!) – This is great for wiping down countertops and other hard surfaces. Great for sports equipment too like yoga mats and home gyms – plus it smells so good!
Many oils complement each other, so it’s fun to come up with your own favorite combos. For example, Rosemary, Cypress & Clove Oils – a rich and romantic blend, or Eucalyptus, Mandarin, Lavandin if you want a super fresh and bright scent in the home.
