1

Lavender Essential Oil

Before we get into which specific chemical products you should dump and what to switch to, we need to draw your attention to this swiss army knife of essential oils!  This may just seem like one small essential oil product, but it has many uses.  It is seriously one of the most versatile oils out there with the ability to soothe irritated skin, bug bites, upset stomach, and much else besides.  

Instead of using store bought medicated creams, it’s super easy to make your own with Lavender Essential oil.  Just pick your base – some of our suggestions would be coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almost oil, or any unscented all-natural lotion – and mix it with lavender essential oil to make your own soothing skin balm that actually works!

2

Dryer Sheet Alternatives

These bad boys are an easy one to ditch!  Dryer sheets contain numerous chemicals that at worst are thought to cause cancer and at best, cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.  To make matters worse, the increased temperature in the dryer heats up the sheets, releasing these chemicals into the air.  The chemical reactions that result produce formaldehyde, a colorless, flammable, and strong-smelling chemical that is thought to be a carcinogen (organism, capable of causing cancer).

An easy switch is to purchase some wool dryer balls.  Add a few drops of essential oils to them and throw them in your dryer to scent your clothes naturally, decrease drying time, and reduce static – all the benefits without the chemicals.   

3

Epsom Salt Soak

Hello, spa day!  Ditch the medicated creams you’ve been using and opt for something simpler and more natural to relieve your aches and pains.  Epsom salt soaks are super easy to make and can bring a huge amount of relief.  A simple recipe is to pour one to two cups of epsom salt into running warm water in the tub and a tablespoon of olive oil, mixed with essential oils (lavender, for instance).  Soak for as long as you want to reduce stress and body aches.  

There are many benefits to a simple bath soak, but here are some examples of problems that can be eased if not cured by epsom salts with essential oils: arthritis, sprains, psoriasis, sore muscles from a workout, sunburns, pregnancy discomfort (consult with your doctor on this one!), and even insomnia and anxiety. 

4

Windex
Your cleaning products have warning labels for a reason.  Ammonia is listed fourth on the ingredients label for Windex.  The combination of chemicals produces chloramine that’s a toxic gas and can cause respiratory problems, in addition to the inherent dangers of severe burns from getting the product in the eyes or mouth.  Thank goodness there’s a safer and simple alternative: 3/4 CUP distilled water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and ten drops of lemon and peppermint essential oils!  Bam!  Clean windows!

5

The Ultimate Cleaning Hack:

Vinegar | Baking Soda | Lemon

Full disclosure: I found this secret online and am totally obsessed!  There is an extremely natural ULTIMATE hack for cleaning virtually anything in your house and it’s just three ingredients: vinegar, baking soda, and lemon - seriously! 

The application can vary, depending on the surface you’re cleaning (areas like microwaves and ovens can have the mixture heated in the environment to be cleaned before scrubbing).  Basically the vinegar and baking soda react with each other on the dirty surface and then you scrub the mixture with lemon (either an essential oil or an actual lemon slice will do).  Voila - it takes the stains out of so many things: hard water, food stains on cutting boards, burnt food in pans, oven grease, dirty microwaves, the list goes on!

But don’t take my word for it.  Give it a shot and see! 

6

Swap Melatonin for "Sleepy Oil"

Too much melatonin supplement can actually shut off your body’s natural ability to produce it, resulting in a need for higher and higher doses to get the same effect.  

“Sleepy oil” is a simple alternative with better results.  The key to this recipe is magnesium oil, which serves as the carrier oil.  Many of us are deficient in this important mineral, due to our depleted soils.  Magnesium also is soothing so it’s a double whammy of peaceful goodness.  The transdermal source of magnesium is easier for our body to absorb than oral supplements.  

I love this spray for promoting relaxation.  It’s a soothing, calming concoction that combines essential oils with a unique form of magnesium.  

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• 2 ounce dark glass spray bottle (Buy on Amazon)
• Almost 2 ounces of Ancient Minerals magnesium oil (Buy on Amazon)
• 20 drops Relax (You can also use Lavender, Cedarwood, Tangerine, or Roman/German Chamomile)

Fill your spray bottle with Ancient Minerals magnesium oil.  Add your essential oils.  Put on the spray cap and shake the bottle well. Apply to feet and rub in 20 minutes before bed. Also, cup hands and inhale oil residue for added benefit.