Top 5 essential oils for the homestead
I love essential oils, the little bottles that pack a big punch and have a multitude of uses around the homestead. The extracted oil from fruit, flowers and herbs are no longer restricted to the realms of the hippy as there is a growing use of essential oils in the health conscious and frugal homestead.
Not only are they a very viable ecological alternative to chemical cleaning agents which can increase the risk of lung damage, but they are significantly cheaper than buying off the shelf cleaning products. |
Different oils offer different qualities, and there are numerous books written on the subject - some affect the mood, some are brilliant antibacterials and some are renowned for their health benefits and healing properties.
However, for me, the cleaning elements of the essential oils are relevant for my train of thought for this post. My top five essential essential oils for the eco cleaning cupboard are as follows:-
Different oils offer different qualities, and there are numerous books written on the subject - some affect the mood, some are brilliant antibacterials and some are renowned for their health benefits and healing properties.
However, for me, the cleaning elements of the essential oils are relevant for my train of thought for this post. My top five essential essential oils for the eco cleaning cupboard are as follows:-
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1) Lemon:- I add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the vinegar or borax based washing up liquid as it is antiseptic, antimicrobial and bactericidal, and it helps to cuts through grease and stubborn stains. It can also be added to the spin cycle of a wash to bring out the whites of my dress shirts.
2) Eucalyptus:- This essential oil is very effective against house dust mites in clothing and bedding. Just add a half-teaspoon to the wash. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antiviral.
3) Lavender:- This essential oil is most useful as a soothing air freshener and lightens the mood in any room. It can also act as an aid to help have a good nights sleep if a few drops are placed on the pillow case.
4) Peppermint:- This is an amazing antibacterial, as an added bonus it also acts as a natural pest deterrent to deter all those unwanted bugs, ants and even mice!
5) Tea Tree:- Probably the most useful essential oil you could have. This takes the number one place in my arsenal of essential oils. It is a antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, bactericidal, and insecticidal, which not makes it a whizz at cleaning, but is suitably placed in the first aid kit and bathroom medicine cabinet.
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