When my daughter was born, I made the decision to switch to a more natural life style. Starting out, sounded like an expensive and lengthy process. Overwhelmed by the amount of work this required, I turned to bloggers and websites like Mother Earth Living. I spent hours researching the best options. I made trips to the natural stores. Read every label (this drove my husband crazy!). Here is a tiny sliver of what I discovered.
1. Smalls steps are easy on your pockets and on your anxiety levels.
When you first start out, you feel like everything you own is going to hurt you and your family. Take it easy, one day you will look back and the small steps you took, may have flipped everything to the lifestyle you wanted.
2. Start with stuff you didn’t even know you already have.
• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
These three items go a long way. You can use them in your laundry, kitchen and bathroom! The best part about them is that they are VERY affordable. Even if you don’t have them now, you’ll spend $10 at the most. My clothes look amazing since I started using white vinegar. The washing machine benefits from the white vinegar as well, the inside is clean and doesn’t have any odor.
Photo by Pixabay.
3. Incorporate Essential Oils
I know, essential oils can be expensive, and not knowing what they are for is overwhelming. That’s why I said, small steps. No need to go crazy and order the most expensive kit out there, just because you want to use essential oils. Maybe you will work yourself up to that point. It took me two years to make an actual investment. You have time, you can do this. So, where to start you ask? I’ll tell you!
Lemon Essential Oil 100% Pure – We talked about using lemon; well, the essential oil (EO) is a concentrated form that doesn’t expire for a long while. You can use a drop or two, in your laundry detergent (I use a free-fragrance option; you can make your own or purchase one at your local natural store). You can use it to clean wood furniture (diluted with a carrier oil, like almond or fractionated coconut oil). Use this guide to make the most of cancer-fighting, mood-boosting lemon essential oil.
Lavender Essential Oil 100% Pure – a very popular choice, that shouldn’t hurt your pockets. Lavender is very versatile; you could also use it with your laundry or with a diffuser to calm your mind and body in the evening hours. This one is great for my daughter. She is sensitive to synthetic fragrance, and we have been able to use this in her baths and lotions. I simply add 15 drops to a 16oz lotion bottle. I also use a roller of lavender for mosquito bites. You can purchase premade rollers or make your own with carrier oil. I usually fill the roller halfway and add 5 drops of lavender.
Peppermint Essential Oil 100% Pure – Peppermint is a topic of controversies, so make sure you are choosing an option that aligns with your ethical values. You can make a cleaning spray and add lemon. Usually, I take an 8 ounce spray bottle, mix 6 ounces distilled water and either 2 ounces alcohol or 2 ounces witch hazel. Add 20 drops of peppermint and 40 drops of lemon.
(The dilutions explained above, are methods that have worked for our family, always make sure to test on a small patch of skin to find out if you have a reaction, most honest and ethical sellers will give you information regarding how you should dilute your essential oils. Make sure you are using carrier oil when using topically. Essential oils are extremely concentrated)
In my opinion, Edens Garden does a wonderful job of educating the consumer. Their Intro to Essential Oils is a great way to start. There are other wonderful companies in the world of EOs, so feel free to research others and decided which one work best for you and your family.
Essential oils are packed with antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Find out how to choose the best essential oils for cleaning your home naturally. I sincerely wish you the best and hope you reach a more natural approach to your home. Remember to take small steps, no need to break the bank or stress your family out. Take it from someone who has been there done that.
Queren is a Digital Content Assistant for Ogden Publications, a freelance photographer and a mother of a two year old daughter. Recently, she moved to a farm, after living in the city all of her life. During her free time, she enjoys researching essential oils, listening to podcasts, walks, and a good TV show.
