Air Sprays Germs will Die For

No matter where we go or what we do in a day it is inevitable we'll be touching some thing previously touched by other people. It is unrealistic to avoid coming into contact with germs through daily contact and emotionally unhealthy to get neurotic about it. 

Children learn by checking things out so it is counterproductive to continually scold them for the need to touch. A healthy immune system is designed to deal with the bodily invasion of bad bacteria and viruses. Our bodies need to be exposed to a certain extent in order to develop the antibodies necessary for recognition of intruders.

The best we can do to protect ourselves and our children is to maintain good hygiene habits and keep our work or play areas somewhat sanitized without becoming compulsive about it. A wonderful option is to use the power of essential oils in a room/air or surface spray. These disinfectant sprays can be used aromatically to freshen the air, benefit our immune systems by way of our respiration, and act as an antiseptic by killing germs on surfaces.

People who are sensitive to the synthetics and perfumes in commercial air sprays or want to avoid aerosol cans for environmental concerns may find essential oil blends an ideal alternative. Commercial air fresheners may contain such chemicals as the organic pesticide, para dichlorobenzene (PDB), which is what is in mothballs. PDB may irritate the respiratory tract. Phthalates, used to carry fragrances and to make plastic products pliable, are questionable because they are potential carcinogens.

Essential oils are complex natural products of plant metabolism.  Very concentrated, it is the true essence of the plant from which it was derived.  An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Citrus essential oils are derived from pressing the peels of the fruit to extract the oil that is contained within, or by steam distillation.

Unique chemical compositions make certain plants very valuable for wide spectrum action against viruses, bacteria and molds. It has been shown that even with repeated use through inhalation there is no danger of accumulating essential oils in the body.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spec.):  antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, expectorant and   anti-inflammatory
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris):  antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia):  antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):   antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia):    antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative
Lemon (Citrus Limon)  disinfecting, antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral

Below are sources of various combinations of the above broad spectrum antimicrobials.

Use these air or surface sprays as desired for disinfecting the air and surface areas. Being the essential oils will remain suspended rather than actually mix with the water, the bottle needs to be shaken before each use.

Ideal for use on childrens toys, restroom facilities, door knobs, phones, shopping cart handles, steering wheels, restaurant menus, computer keyboards, piano keys, the list goes on.  For electronic equipment it is best to spray on a cloth and the wipe rather than spray directly. 

While using as an air spray, be aware of possible spotting if spray comes into contact with wood furniture.

Avoid contact with the eyes.
If one suffers from ailments such as asthma or epilepsy, please check with your physician before using essential oils.

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Eucalyptus, Thyme, Tea Tree oil Spray

Eucalyptus, Lemon Spray

Rosemary, Lavender, Bergamot Spray

Citrus Blend Spray