5 Smart, Easy Ways to Use Essential Oils in the Home

By Annie B. Bond
During the time of the Black Plague a family of perfumers robbed the dead.
As perfumers they knew well the antiseptic essential oils, and they infused them in vinegar and rubbed them on their bodies; by doing so they protected themselves from certain death. The famous Vinegar of The Four Thieves recipe, sometimes called Grave Robber’s Blend, is a result of this practice.
That aromatic plants possess antiseptic properties has been known for some time from scientific tests. These plants include (from the most potent to least): thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, orange blossom, maize, poplar, pine, Indian hemp, tobacco, belladonna, hop, and poppy.
Try some of these essential oil formulas in the home when you need their antiseptic qualities:
1. Antiseptic Bathroom SprayCombine
10 drops of essential oils to 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray on area of concern, but don’t rinse.
2. Peppermint Spray for Mice
Mice hate peppermint. Add 2 teaspoons of peppermint to 1 cup of water and spray in areas where you think that mice might frequent.
3. Air Freshening Spritz
Sometimes an area of the home can smell stuffy, and spraying a little essential oil blend in the area can brighten the feeling of the space. Combine 1 teaspoon of essential oils to 1 cup of water in a spray bottle, and spray into the air.
4. Sick Room Spray
If someone in the family has an infectious illness such as strep throat, you can spritz some antiseptic essential oils in the room where they are staying.
5. Essential Oil Deodorizer
Place a drop or two of antiseptic essential oils in odor areas of your home.
Caution: Note that you should check with your doctor before using essential oils if you are pregnant or if your immune system is compromised.
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