By Annie B. Bond

Especially when there are flu and virus outbreaks in your community, added protection against germs is often warranted. Try these homemade essential oil mists — an easy way to add antiviral and antibacterial yet natural scent to your home. They are proven allies in the fight against germs, and they don’t pose the health dangers of many store-bought disinfectants. Here are some recipes for all-natural disinfectants. 

Germ-Killing Essential Oil Mist

This formula takes a few seconds to make. I like to make it in a colorful spray bottle.

4–8 drops essential oil (I suggest the known-antiseptic essential oils listed below)
1 cup purified or distilled water
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle; shake to blend.

Use liberally on non-staining surfaces or simply spray upward in the center of the room, being sure to avoid contact with eyes.

Concentrated 3-Essential-Oil Base (enough for 5 cups of disinfecting spray)

Use an eyedropper to place the following in a small glass jar with a lid (a baby food jar is ideal):

20 drops sweet orange essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Mix well. To use, add 4–8 drops of this base to one cup of purified or distilled water in a spray bottle, shaking to mix. Store in a cool, dark place.

6 Germ-Killing Essential Oils

You can change the essential oil blend of the formulas above as you like, but the following list of essential oils are known to be highly antiseptic. (Interestingly, many of the most germ-killing plants are also used as spices in cooking.)

Cinnamon – cozy, comforting
Clove – spicy, warming
Lavender – relaxing, soothing
Rosemary – invigorating
Thyme – refreshing, purifying, herbal, peppery
Balsam pine – purifying, vitality-promoting

Alternately, try an electronic air sanitizer to destroy airborne odors, bacteria, viruses, molds, chemicals, smoke and allergens.

Reprinted courtesy of GaiamLife.