What does your home smell like? Natural and non-toxic aromas

be for eliminate bad odors or to enjoy pleasant aromasair fresheners in all their varieties (perfumes or home mist, candles, incense, mikados, sprays…) are sold by the millions. However, most are cocktail of toxic and petroleum derivatives associated with numerous health disorders.

air fresheners They pollute the air in your home. Even if they are used in low doses, if they are dispersed every day and several times a day, the exposure is continuous.

Health effects of air freshener compounds

Benzene, formaldehyde, phthalates, musks and synthetic oils, toluene, linalool, and other volatile organic compounds… are some of the substances they contain. Its inhalation is associated with many alterations and these are exacerbated in sensitive people, babies and pregnant women.

Irritation eyes, nose and throatPain upside downNervousnessNausea Dizziness and fatigue,Effects on the reproductive system and other disorders.

According to the OCU, which in 2013 analyzed 22 domestic air fresheners, many worsen air quality. Even some incense and oils, which emit more benzene than tobacco.

Eliminate bad smell naturally

Luckily, there are healthier solutions to enjoy clean air and evocative but natural aromas. We can also take measures to avoid bad odors:

Humidity, smoke, ammonia or drains in poor condition cause uncomfortable odors that we try to mask. You have to act on the cause and correct it as soon as possible. Baking soda is a great ally to absorb bad odors. We can put it in a bowl where it is needed, like the fridge or the bathroom. If the problem is the strong food odor like cauliflower, just after cooking it, boil some lemon slices with cloves in a saucepan.open windows It is the most effective way to renew the air, disperse bad odors and reduce the concentration of pollutants, since it has been shown that the air in houses and closed spaces can be worse than that of the street. Opening the windows 20-30 minutes a day is enough.If we clean with natural products We already enjoy “clean aroma” without the need to impost it. You can create your own all-purpose by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil and another of your choice, such as lemon or pine.Lavender, rosemary or mint, among many others, they are excellent air purifiers and some provide intoxicating fragrances. Here we also include the bags of dried plants for closets.

Choose natural and non-toxic air fresheners

Although they are not as widespread as synthetic ones, you can also find candles without paraffin, aromatic waters or Florida water, essential oil diffusers and others toxic-free products to create homely and healthy environments. You can find them in herbalists, organic stores, natural cosmetics, therapy centers and the like.

incense

Although incense is associated with something sacred and harmless, depending on its quality it can emit more or less toxic smoke. Industrial incense has nothing to do with artisans and natural ones. They are usually neutral bars that contain chemical substances to achieve uniform combustion, as well as artificial dyes and aromas. They may contain, for example, formaldehyde, an irritant and potentially carcinogenic preservative, and aromas that are endocrine disruptors.

However, smoke is never harmless and even the most natural wands emit fine particles that irritate the lungs: not only do you have to choose good incense, but use them for a short time and ventilate afterwards. There are eco-certified wands (such as ICEA or ECOCERT), and even Demeter, from biodynamic agriculture.

Lignum vitae

Similar in aromatic use to incense, this wood from a South American tree (Bursera graveolens) produces a penetrating aroma when burned. It can be used, like sage, to purify and clean the environment, for example to absorb the strong smell of conventional paint.

incense burner or censer

This small “botafumeiro” It is used to burn plants such as sage, rosemary, thyme, juniper berries… as was done in the old days, with a piece of coal. It goes through the house with undulating movements to clean and purify the environment. Each plant contributes its properties. Sage, widely used in rituals to purify the environment, favors mental clarity, joy and calm.

Aromatic waters

These sprays allow you to perfume the house in an instant. Highlights the popular “Florida water”, a refreshing, citrusy air freshener; It can be made at home with alcohol, rose hydrosol and various essential oils or with orange and lemon peel, rosemary, cloves, cinnamon and other natural ingredients.

You can also prepare a very natural air freshener by boiling a sliced ​​lemon, vanilla and a sprig of rosemary in 1 liter of water. Once cold, strain and fill the sprayer.

Mikados

They are aromatic and decorative at the same time, but you have to choose them toxic free or make them at home: bamboo sticks or rattan sticks are immersed in a glass jar with a mixture of alcohol and essential oil to taste.

Scented candles

It is not the same to use paraffin candles, a petroleum by-product, than to use natural candles. The first, with synthetic perfumes that emit pollutants, are consumed very quickly, the finish is wasted, they emit smoke that stains and may have a lead wick.

Both sustainably produced soy candles or vegetable oils such as beeswax candles have many advantages: not only do they last longer, product is not wasted and they do not stain, but their wicks can be made of cotton or hemp and release pure essential oils that create a healthy environment without emitting air toxic. Vegetable candles also have a lower melting point, so the risk of burns is reduced.

essential oil diffusers

It is a very effective method to enjoy the aromas of essential oils and take advantage of their health benefits. There are several types, but the most valued at present are the ultrasonic electric, which by means of water vapor disperse the aroma in the environment without heating.

With increasingly beautiful designs, they are a clearly functional object: as an aroma diffuser, to emit warm light, as a decorative element and as a humidifier, because the steam improves the dryness of the environment.

To choose the most suitable model for each house you have to assess its capacity, autonomy, light options and colors that it incorporates, if it is programmable, type of steam that it emits, the type of light, security system to turn off if there is no water in the tank, silent operation, if It is made of BPA-free plastic, if it has a remote control and even if it allows you to play music…

Use only quality oils

Beyond the diffuser, it is convenient to choose only quality essential oils, 100% pure and natural, preferably chemotyped and eco-labeled. There are already prepared mixtures with specific effects: relaxing, energizing, to breathe better… You can also mix them yourself. Lemon, pine, sweet orange, bergamot, lavender, eucalyptus, cinnamon, vanilla or cypress, tea tree are suitable scents for the home.

An oil for each effect

We know that the aromas of the oils are related to certain effects:

citrus aromas they favor openness, communication, joy and good relationships.Those from oleoresins they encourage introspection, contemplative states and meditation.Some floral scents They inspire and stimulate creativity.fresh smells improve concentration, performance and memory.