3 essential oils that will help you clean and disinfect your home
Did you know that tea tree oil is now being used to develop a superbug-resistant coating that will help protect millions of people from antibiotic-resistant biofilms and infectious bacteria in hospitals? That's because tea tree oil contains many powerful constituents that kill a variety of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Understanding why essential oils can help us clean our homes
In truth, all pure essential oils contain powerful plant compounds called "constituents," which give the essential oils their distinctive powers. For millions of years, plants have developed their own powerful compounds to protect themselves against predators and disease.
So, the pure, distilled oils from these plants will naturally contain some pretty powerful compounds that we can "piggyback" off of and protect ourselves against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections as well.
Here are three essential oils that can help you detoxify your home and protect you and your family from illness and infection - plus, leave your home smelling naturally great without having to use hormone-disrupting fragrances or aerosols that damage our health and the environment.
The value of Geranium essential oil
Pure geranium essential oil will bring floral fragrance into your home that actually balances hormones instead of causing dangerous hormonal imbalances, as synthetic fragrances will. In a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine, pure geranium essential oil proved to reduce symptoms of PMS, and in an earlier study, and proved to decrease depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women, as well.
What makes geranium the oil to use for cleaning, however, is its strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. In a 2012 study, researchers found that geranium oil was as effective as amoxicillin at destroying Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection) and listeria as well.
Use geranium to get rid of toxic products like Febreze. Combine 30 drops of pure geranium oil with 2 cups of distilled water. Spray all around on furniture and carpets to destroy bacteria and scent the home with hormone-balancing natural fragrances!
Why it's time to look at Thyme essential oil
Pure thyme essential oil contains three powerful constituents called thymol, carvacrol, and linalool that destroy bacteria, even those hard-to-destroy bacteria like Salmonella that can contaminate our refrigerators due to contaminated poultry or eggs. It's an excellent oil for cleaning the kitchen and refrigerator for that reason.
In a recent study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, a .3% pure thyme essential oil preparation successfully inhibited Salmonella in packaged pork meat. It's great for cleaning off cutting boards and washing dishes - especially those that have come in contact with raw meat.
Here is how to use pure thyme essential oil for cleaning: Add to your dishwashing liquid or make your own dish detergent with 1 cup castile soap, 2 cups water, and 30 drops of pure thyme essential oil.
For an all-around disinfectant and cleanser, combine 2 cups distilled water with 2 cups white vinegar and 30 drops of pure thyme essential oil.
Don't forget the power of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerhouse of an antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal essential oil. It has even been proven in studies to repel one of the ZIKA mosquitos to the tune of 99.99!
In studies, tea tree oil has been proven to eradicate staph, E. coli, the influenza virus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the bacteria that causes pneumonia. These other bacteria are responsible for various common infections, including urinary tract infections, sinus infections, and strep throat.
Tea tree oil is a fantastic cleanser that you only have to combine with water and watch the magic happen. It can help to clean and disinfect your entire home from floor to ceiling. You can even add it to vinegar to make an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal window cleanser.
By cleaning with tea tree oil, you can rest assured you've done everything in your power to remove disease-causing pathogens from your home.
To make a general household cleaning solution: Add 30 drops to 6 cups water. Add 1 cup and a half of white vinegar if you wish.
Important: In order to enjoy any of the disinfecting, bacteria and pathogen-destroying, or health benefits of an essential oil, period, you must use pure, 100% essential oils only.
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