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Homemade Herbal Antibacterial Spray

Homemade Herbal Antibacterial Spray

New research is proving that the old folk recipes using herbs and essential oils to kill germs, such as those used by 14th century doctors during the Black Plague, were based on good science. Many essential oils, such as the oils of lavender and thyme, are more antiseptic than phenol, the industry standard. Research is also showing that antibacterial plant oils may not cause drug resistance as could be the case with common chemical disinfectants.

The essential oil-based spray, below, leaves a lovely, clean scent. It is a good choice to use for misting your cutting board after use.

Lightly Lavender Antibacterial Spray

1 cup water
20 drops pure essential oil of lavender

Pour the water into a spray bottle. Add the lavender essential
oil and shake to blend. Spray on the surface and let set for at least
15 minutes, or don’t rinse at all.

Makes: 1 cup spray.

Shelf life: Indefinite.

Read more: Home, Non-Toxic Cleaning

By Annie B. Bond

Annie B. Bond

Annie is a renowned expert in non-toxic and green living. Named one of the top 20 environmental leaders by Body and Soul Magazine, Annie has authored four books, including "Home Enlightenment" (Rodale Press, 2005) and "Better Basics for the Home" (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

Go to the Source

The Practice of Aromatherapy : A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties

This classic manual provides detailed evidence for the efficacy of plant medicine. Valnet effectively bridges the gap between the tradition of healing with herbs and the advances of modern medicine, showing, in scientific terms, why plant medicine works, and making an impassioned plea for curtailing our use of dangerous chemical therapies. buy now

Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy by Kurt Schnaubelt

Schnaubelt clearly and logically illustrates the science of his healing art. Exciting, must have information for anyone going beyond a dab of relaxing lavender on the pillow or peppermint drops in honey water for an upset stomach. An important new reference. buy now

42 comments

+ add your own
11:32PM PST on Dec 6, 2011

i am going to buy some essential oils to clean and disinfect my house

11:31PM PDT on Nov 2, 2011

~Nice idea!~

5:37PM PDT on Sep 23, 2011

Thanks for this article. I had already made my own lavender spray and didn't realize the antibacterial properties it has. I love it and spray it all over! I especially love to spray it on my pillow right before bed. It's very relaxing.

1:03PM PDT on Aug 21, 2011

...my three fav's--thanks!

7:10AM PDT on Aug 15, 2011

I travel quite a lot, and I never leave home without my tea tree and lavender oils!! Thanks for sharing.

1:54AM PDT on Nov 7, 2010

Thanks

3:58AM PDT on Oct 2, 2010

thanks for sharing.

3:59AM PDT on Aug 30, 2010

Put some lemon and peppermint EXTRACT in a small dish. Microwave for thirty seconds. The resulting liquid will have cooked down,so dab some on a cloth and wipe things with it. it smells really good!

4:41AM PDT on Aug 23, 2010

There are recipes for animals that work well, that even have you give them internally. BUT these are created by people who know what they're doing. Before you EVER acquaint your pet with them, like on their bed, really research it first. And even then, keep a good eye on them to see if they seem to be doing OK. Essential oils are amazing! But there's ALWAYS a natural alternative. Research more than one website on the same subject, get books from the library,Water Damage Restoration

3:10PM PDT on Jun 29, 2010

I grow lavendar in my yard and right now, I'm making my own essential oil (with olive oil as the base). I can't wait to try this recipe!

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