In this day and age we all need to take a major step towards living a greener, more healthy lifestyle for our entire family including our beloved pets. Our society needs to become more aware of the daily products we use and consume and the importance of choosing organic and chemical free.
I was first introduced to essential oils in 2012 where I began using them on my pets for health concerns. I soon fell in love with them and they have become my foundation for natural health, wellness and nutrition in my life. I now use essential oils daily on myself, my family and my pets and have been introducing them to friends, family and clients every opportunity I get.
Essential oils are beneficial to the mind, body and spirit, and even your wallet. They are used to treat a variety of health conditions both mentally and physically and I have incorporated them into every aspect of my household as well as the mind, body and spirit. I have slowly been eliminating toxic chemicals in my environment to boost and safeguard the health of my dogs and my family.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Essential oils have so many benefits. All essential oils are adaptogens. An adaptogen is a natural substance that promotes a balancing reaction in the body, improving it’s ability to overcome stress and fatigue that contribute to disease. They improve healing, suppress infections and some accelerate recovery from illness and injury.
Most essential oils are cost effective. Essential oils are a less costly alternative to drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies. When you make the choice to use natural botanical compounds to combat common health complaints, you actually save money instead of contributing to drug company profits. Essential oils afford families the option to take control of their own health and wellness while creating an environment free of toxic chemicals.
Many essential oils act as analgesics. An analgesic is a substance that acts directly on the nervous system to subdue pain.
Many essential oils are anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is an important part of the body’s natural defense system, promoting healing after exposure to toxins or following an injury. Many dogs suffer from inflammation such as swelling, redness and pain from skin infections that cause symptoms such as scratching, licking and biting the affected areas.
Some essential oils are antiseptics. An antiseptic is a microbial substance that when applied to living tissue, reduces the risk of infection.
Some essential oils promote relaxation and relieve stress. Stress is one of the four main causes of disease followed by poor nutrition, over accumulation of toxins and lack of exercise.
Toxic Chemicals
Pets living with humans are exposed to multiple chemicals on a daily basis in both their indoor and outdoor environments. They come in direct contact with lawn fertilizers, garden herbicides, insecticides and de-icing salts. These toxic chemicals are absorbed into the pads of their feet, which many of them lick and ingest.
They inhale our air, contaminated dust, drink tap water laden with chlorine and flouride, eat factory made pet food laden with chemicals and dead, organic waste material and come in contact with garden products, antifreeze, and household cleaners.
According to the EPA, 50% of all illness can be traced to indoor pollution, which can be directly related to the use of household cleaners. The National Center for Health Sciences says “… perhaps the most serious exposure is to modern household cleaners, which may contain a number of proven and suspect causes of cancer.” Cleaning products with ingredients such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, glycol ethers or formaldehyde can put pets at risk for cancer, anemia, liver and kidney damage.
Even when the toxic cleaners are put away and closed, the vapors left behind can continue to harm both us and our pets.
Ammonia, found in oven cleaners and window cleaning formulations, is an irritant to the mucous membranes. Chlorine is a toxic respiratory irritant that can damage pets’ skin, eyes or other membranes. It can be found in all-purpose cleaners, automatic dish washing detergents, tile scrubs, disinfecting wipes, toilet-bowl cleaners, laundry detergents and mildew removers. Chlorine is heavier than air and lands in low-lying areas where pets live. Because your pets are smaller and breathe faster than adults, they are even more vulnerable than children to toxic exposure.
Laundry Detergent residue left behind on clothes and pet blankets can be harmful to your pet, especially those that chew on their bedding. Laundry detergent is responsible for many allergies in pets today. Toilet bowl cleaners may be ingested by pets who have the habit of drinking from the toilet bowl.
Toxic Chemicals and Cancer
The toxic substance control act (TSCA) has estimated that there are approximately 65,000 to 100,000 chemicals currently on the market today. These chemicals have not had any safety testing and we know very little information about their long term effects on our bodies as well as our pets. Of the chemicals tested, toxic labeling is required only if 50% or more of the animals tested die. Under the TSCA manufacturer’s are protected by trade secret laws that allow them to keep their ingredient lists a secret.
The dangerous effects of chemicals since their introduction into our society should not be ignored. Cancer is on the rise. The American Cancer Society estimates a 50% rise in cancer rates by the year 2020. Mammary cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer in female dogs, accounting for 70% of all cancer cases. An estimated 6 million dogs and cats will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Genetics and environmental factors can play a role in the disease’s development. Suppressed or deficient immune systems can increase an animal’s risk of developing cancer, which is greatly affected by chemical toxins.
When using common household cleaners in the shower, on mirrors, in toilets, etc. you inhale and absorb a whole new range of poisonous chemicals that can damage the organs, eyes, central, nervous and respiratory systems.
For this reason I have slowly been replacing my toxic cleaners with all natural, safer ones hoping to improve my family’s health and our environment. To make it easier for you, the health conscience individual that you are, I have chosen some of my favorite DIY recipes for making household cleaners. I make the vast majority of my products, however there are a few that I do buy for convenience. We all have busy lifestyles, believe me I know firsthand. Running a full time business, 7 days a week and attending school, I have as less time than the average person.
I have found that these cleaners actually work better than the conventional, store bought products that I have used in the past and smell so awesome! My house smells fresh and clean, not masked with synthetic products and air fresheners.
Products
I have a few go to products that I always keep on hand so I don’t run out and have to revert back to conventional cleaners because I don’t have time to run to the store.
Vodka-Also good for drinking when your cleaning house, especially if you are like me and dread housework.
Witch Hazel
Distilled Water (You don’t have to use distilled water but I prefer it to tap water.)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking Soda
All natural liquid dish soap
Apple cider and white vinegar (I use Braggs)
Aloe Vera gel
Rubbing alcohol
Borax
Dr. Bronner Liquid Castille Soap
Washing Soda
Oils
My favorite oils to keep on hand for cleaning are lemon, eucalyptis, lime, tea tree, frankincense, chamomile, peppermint, bergamot, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon and my all time favorite-Wild Orange!
Many of the items you need you probably already have in your pantry and medicine cabinet. I have a special area where I store all my natural products so I can keep inventory of what I have and so I can access them easily.
You will need a majority of storage containers. I use ball jars or grated cheese jars for scouring powders, sink and toilet scrubs and carpet deodorizers.
For sprays and cleaners you can use re-purposed vinegar jars or any type of bottles. You can buy spray tops and place them on any type of jar. This will help you save money by reducing your costs.
I order amber colored spray bottles from Amazon.
I love making all my own products. I feel like a mad scientist experimenting in my laboratory!
Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaners
DIY Glass Cleaner
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon Dr. Bronner Liquid Castile Soap (Can be found at Whole Foods & most health food stores)
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 cups distilled water
25 drops of citrus essential oils (lemon, grapefruit, orange and lime are my favorites)
Glass amber spray bottle
Instructions:
Add dish soap,vinegar and essential oils. Mix well. Pour in the distilled water and shake well. Store in the glass spray bottle.
Shower Spray
Ingredients:
1 cup distilled water
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1 tsp. natural dish soap (not castille)
15 drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients into a quart sized bottle. Spray on shower doors and walls, let sit 5 minutes then wipe with sponge. I will actually use this as a preventative as well. After each shower I will spray lightly and then sqeegie off.
Kitchen Counter-top Cleaner
Ingredients:
8 ounces of water (I use distilled)
4 oz. white vinegar
10 drops tea tree oil
10 drops essential lemon oil
5 drops grapefruit essential oil
Amber Glass spray bottle
Instructions:
Add all your ingredients to a glass spray bottle and shake well to combine. Spray kitchen counters with your homemade cleaner and wipe down. I personally use a sponge with water and a small amount of my natural dish soap first, dry it off, then spray on my cleaner. I also use this counter top cleaner on my bathroom counters and the top of my stove.
Stainless Steel Cleaner
Ingredients:
3 cups distilled water
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol or vodka
1/4 cup vinegar
20 drops spearmint or peppermint oil.
Instructions:
Mix together all ingredients in glass bottle. Spray and wipe with clean cloth. I usually spray my cloth rather than spraying directly on stainless steel. Test a small area before using.
Living Room Cleaners
Furniture Polish
Ingredients:
4 ounces carrier oil (I use grapeseed oil) . You can use other carrier oils if you like such as olive oil, sesame oil or walnut oil.
20 drops essential lemon or orange oil
Instructions:
Combine in a 4 oz. glass spray bottle with fine mister. Use liberally on all your wood surfaces, wipe with a soft cloth in circular motion.
Carpet Freshener
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
30 drops lemon essential oil. Use can also use grapefruit or tea tree oil.
Instructions:
Place baking soda in a glass bottle. I use the type of bottle for grated cheese with the holes on top. Shake well. Sprinkle on carpets and let sit for at least an hour or longer. I sprinkle it on my carpets, clean my whole house, and do my vacuuming last.
Laundry
I have found a laundry product that I really like so far. Being an all natural product I was pleasantly surprised at the smell. Most all natural products have little or no scent, but this had a nice fragrance. They use all non toxic ingredients, use no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances and all the products are hypoallergenic and safe. They use refillable jugs and recyclable packaging.
This is an auto ship program and you have a choice of 3 different bundles. (Fresh Start, Clean Conscience and The change Maker). Pricing starts at $18.00 up to $28.00. You can easily modify your order to add or change products. You choose your shipment date and frequency. As an extra bonus, shipping is free. Free shipping is a huge plus for me because shipping and handling is so outrageous nowadays! They will try to upsell you at checkout so be aware if you upgrade it can be costly. Great way to detox your home.
I do occasionally make my own fabric softener. It is so simple! 1 cup vinegar to 10 drops lemon oil. Pour into the fabric dispenser of your washing machine. Great for removing soap residue and smells great!
Air Fresheners
Lavender air freshener
Ingredients:
3/4 cup distilled water
2 tablespoons vodka, rubbing alcohol or vanilla extract
10 drops lavender
5 drops chamomile
Instructions: Combine in 8 oz. spray bottle. Spray throughout the house several times daily for a clean, fresh scent.
Fresh Linen Spray
Ingredients:
1/4 cup distilled water
3 tablespoons with hazel or vodka
20 drops lavender
15 drops frankincense
Instructions:
Add ingredients to small spritzer and shake well before using each time. Spray on sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets, linens, dog beds and blankets.
These DIY recipes are great for using around sensitive pets and pets with allergies. The less chemical toxins your pets are exposed to the better and more vibrant their health will be.
References:
Fetch A Cure
EarthEasy
Mama Z
The Prairie Homestead
