We are all aware of the power of fragrance: and how a particular aroma can remind us of our loved ones or transport us to a certain place or moment in time! But did you know that certain scents from essential oils can actually improve your health?
Essential oils are not not only important in aiding mind and body health, but also help to clean our homes, relax us and improve skin and digestion disorders — their wealth of benefits go well beyond simply a pleasant smell.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil boasts a sharp, revitalising menthol scent and is acclaimed for its robust antibacterial properties. Peppermint essential oil is a perfect complement to home-made cleaning products. Add a few drops to your home-made surface cleaners for areas that require additional antibacterial attention; for example, bathrooms and kitchens. As an added bonus, peppermint oil is a powerful natural pest and rodent deterrent. It blends wonderfully with a variety of oils, including basil, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, myrrh, rosemary, spearmint and tea tree.
Tea Tree oil
Produced from the Australian melaleuca tree, tea tree oil has a robust medicinal aroma and harbours potent antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties. The ideal choice for home-made bathroom and floor cleaning solutions. Tea tree oil mingles pleasantly with basil, clove, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, thyme and ylang ylang.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil has a sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing, calming and refreshing. It is the most versatile of all essential oils and no home should be without it. Lavender is derived from the word ‘lavare’, meaning “to wash”. Not only is this remarkable oil antifungal, anti-histamine, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-mutagenic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and anti-toxic, it is also celebrated for its calming, relaxing effects, and its ability to reduce stress while increasing alertness. From cleaning to deodorising, lavender oil has a broad spectrum of safe, effective uses around the home, making it a fabulous all-rounder. Lavender oil blends perfectly with almost any oil, but especially well with citronella, and chamomile.
Eucalyptus oil
The list of uses for Eucalyptus oil around the home is endless; it is cost effective, readily available and a worthy addition to any natural cleaning kit. Eucalyptus oil is derived from a rapid-growing, evergreen tree, native to Australia. Traditionally, indigenous people would collect the leaves and turn them into lotions to soothe physical and emotional discomfort. This oil has a wonderful fresh, invigorating and earthy fragrance. Celebrated for its proven antibacterial, disinfectant and antiseptic properties, it is a natural, environmentally-friendly addition to your sanitising cleaners. It is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, where its strong aromatic fragrance aids in eliminating stale, unpleasant odours. This indispensable oil blends excellently with cedarwood, chamomile, cypress, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, peppermint, pine, rosemary and thyme.
Lemon/Orange/Grapefruit oil
Loved for their light, clean scents, these essential oils are a powerhouse in home-made cleaning recipes. Naturally antibacterial and antiviral, citrus fruits are commonly used to degrease stubborn stains as well as freshen the air. Use them to deodorise your fridge,clean the floor or combine 10 drops with 1/2 cup of olive oil for a natural wood or leather polish.
Pine oil
Already a common ingredient in cleaners, pine oil is effective at killing yeast spores, E.coli and other household germs. Pine is perfect for ridding the bathroom of mould and mildew and cleaning hard floors while leaving a natural fresh scent.