With so many people isolated at home to help slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to sanitize the home. If you are wondering about natural ways to clean the air, some methods have been around for decades or possibly even centuries. Essential oils are an example. Below are six examples of essential oil air disinfectants.
Essential oils, then and now
Humans have been using them for countless generations for a wide range of purposes. In fact, many of these oils have been used for cleaning and disinfecting effectively. Please note though that research has not shown that essential oils can cure COVID-19.
However, essential oils can boost mood. At a time when people are more stressed than ever, it’s great to have a bit of relief with a pleasant air aroma.
Essential oils are also great for disinfecting cuts and wounds. The best part is they are very safe. The Poison Control Center reports more than 11% of poison exposure cases involve a cleaning substance. One way to combat this concern is by using essential oils.
Thanks to the antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of essential oils, these substances are excellent for disinfecting. The key is knowing which oil to use for which purpose. In addition, a person needs to know how to use them in aromatech scent diffusers and other ways to get the most from the oils.
Cinnamon
One essential oil perfect for those who love a sweet and spicy aroma is cinnamon oil. The use of this substance will help to purify and deodorize the air in the home while releasing a pleasant scent.
Furthermore, the oil contains antibacterial mechanisms. In 2018, a study was published in the Microbial Pathogenesis. This study found that the oil damages cell membranes and inhibits bacteria in the process. Destruction of the cell membrane alters the motility of the microbe as well as its cell processes.
The germs then die and disease becomes more difficult to spread. Use the oil in a diffuser to help combat the common cold and flu or add a few drops to a gallon of water and clean hard surfaces in the home quickly and easily.
Eucalyptus
Consider purchasing eucalyptus oil if your family frequently suffers from respiratory issues. Diffuse the oil into the air to kill germs, clear your sinuses, and get natural cough relief.
Flu season is a great time to use this oil around the home to keep problems at bay. What makes this oil a great antiseptic is a eucalyptol found in it.
This component has antimicrobial effects which are good for fighting tuberculosis, several fungi, and viruses, as well as staph infections. Its versatility makes it the ideal oil for anyone who is new to using essential oils to benefit their health.
Furthermore, the oil is of great help in keeping house rats at bay. This is important, as rats carry diseases that can be spread to humans.
Put 20 drops of eucalyptus oil in water and spray it around the home. Take care, however, as this spray can be irritating to cats in the home.
Oregano
Pick up a bottle of oregano oil and remove bacteria from the home with no difficulty. This oil contains bactericidal phenols that inhibit not only E. coli but also the bacterium known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a germ found in pools, hot tubs, and any standing water.
In addition, it serves the same purpose anywhere standing water may be found and can be of great help in protecting items that are frequently exposed to moisture. Use a diffuser to release oregano oil into the air to disinfect the home and fight seasonal respiratory illnesses.
The oil may also be used as part of a homemade cleaner to disinfect the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas of your residence. Again, it won’t eliminate the coronavirus so please get disinfectant cleaning solutions instead for your home.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil is a staple in many homes. This natural oil contains menthol.
In fact, menthol makes up approximately 60 percent of the chemical composition of this substance. The peppermint oil may be used to disinfect surfaces and it is also of great help in keeping insects at bay. This includes ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and spiders.
Furthermore, a 2017 study that was published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that this oil is the best oil when it comes to fighting C. difficile. This bacterium is commonly found in bathing tubs, toilets, and other surfaces that come into contact with feces.
In fact, healthcare providers often transmit this germ unintentionally. The use of this oil can help the spread of the bacterium and keep patients who are already ill safe.
Tea Tree
Many households already have tea tree oil on hand and it’s easy to understand why. This oil is currently used in numerous shampoos and skincare products thanks to its purifying properties.
People who suffer from dandruff might find using a shampoo that contains tea tree oil will bring the problem under control. In addition to cleaning the hair and skin, the oil helps purify the air in the home.
When used with eucalyptus essential oil, tea tree oil can be of great help in combating E. coli and staph infections by causing the microbes to leak vital fluids. Additionally, the oil is of great help in disinfecting the air.
Thyme
Thyme essential oil is another oil that should be found in every home today. The oil contains carvacrol, linalool, and thymol which help protect humans from environmental threats and bacteria.
Salmonella is a good example of this. The International Journal of Food Microbiology reports thyme essential oil inhibits salmonella. The Journal of Food and Drug Analysis reports thyme essential oil also serves as a natural food preservative. Make your own dish soap with this oil to keep your family safe from harm.
Take care when using essential oils. Some are harmful to pets, others must be placed in a carrier oil before being used on humans, and more.
With the right instruction, however, these oils can be of great help in improving a person’s overall well-being. Learn more today about the oils, their uses and benefits, and you’ll likely wonder how you lived without them in the past.