The sun isn’t here to stay yet. No need to despair! April showers provide a great excuse to clean up our environment with essential oils.

 

We had a recent “heat wave” in New England! It was 82 degrees in mid-April.

 

Oh YAY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I drove to my nieces’ abode, with the windows open and my car diffuser humming, I happily peeked in my rear view at my running shoes resting on the back seat. It was a beautiful sight and a signal that it was time for some outdoor fun!

 

Alas…for everything there is a season.

 

For April, it’s rain!

 

 

 

 

 

And, it came back the next day.

 

No worries!! The sun will be shining more regularly soon and it will no doubt lure people away from their dwellings. But… we aren’t there yet.

 

3 Fun Ways to Enjoy the “Cleaner” Opportunities of the Spring Rain

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a good reason to enjoy the spring weather swings!

The rain and temperature fluctuations make it a perfect time to “spruce up” our surroundings.

In fact, just recently, I provided a “hole list of ways” essential oils can support our bodies in ridding of the winter’s accumulated unwanted toxins as we make our surroundings safer- through the use of non-toxic, green, household and personal care products.

 

Here’s some fun ways to enjoy the spring rain and your cleaning bucket!

 

1. The Smell of REAL CLEAN: Diffuse, Diffuse, Diffuse

The link between air pollution and health risks continues to make me grateful for the fact that we can create a safe haven by diffusing our essential oils, even if the windows creak their way open. This is especially relevant if we have children, in which synthetic fragrances and other chemicals can wreck more havoc on their developing bodies.

You can read about the 8 health-promoting benefits of diffusing here.

 

2. “Steal” Your Time Away

I’ve already noted how my favorite cleaning “secret weapon!” It is an essential oil blend which contains all the benefits of the famous four thieves immunity essential oils blend that you can read about here.  However, sometimes I like to mix it up with a little DIY.

So….

3. DIY Essential Oil Household Favorites

Dr. Northrup just posted a fabulous blog on her favorite “Non-Toxic Cleaning Products for Spring Cleaning” that you can view here. She provides wonderful explanations of the necessity of choosing safer alternatives. For example, Dr. Northrup writes why she will never use certain products ever again in her home. Here are two of them:

Disinfectant Powders and Sprays

The Environmental Working Group found 146 chemicals in Comet, one of the most popular household disinfectants.  Some of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, asthma, and reproductive disorders. The most toxic of the chemicals found in Comet, including formaldehyde, benzene, chloroform and toluene, are not even listed on the label. Try Bon Ami as a safe alternative.

Air Fresheners

While technically not a cleaner, many people use air fresheners and deodorizers to cover up smells in their homes, especially if they have pets. But, air fresheners typically contain toxic chemicals such as 2, 5-dichlorophenol (2, 5-DCP) and 1, 4-dichlorobenzone (1, 4-DCB), as well as endocrine-disrupting phthalates. I prefer to use essential oils in a diffuser as an air freshener.  You can also mix essential oils with baking soda and use as a carpet deodorizer.  Opening a window can do wonders as well.

She also provides some great DIYs with essential oils! Here are a few with my favorite oils for you to ponder:

All Purpose Cleaner

  • 2 cups white distilled vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • Essential oil (optional)

My favorite oils to add: 2 drops lemon to 1 drop tea tree, or 3 drops of any citrus oil (orange is “outta this world!)

 

Soft Scrub

  • 2 cups baking soda
  • ½ cup to 2/3 cup liquid castile soap
  • 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (preservative)
  • 5 drops — essential oil (optional)

I use tea tree or lemon, I also love the smell of orange and lemon! I find I only need 1-2 drops.

 

Another Resource for You:

 

Here’s to a happier, healthier, and sweet-smelling Spring!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)