8 Herbs That Naturally Purify Your Home

Herbs That Naturally Purify Your Home can revolutionize your cleaning routine. Say goodbye to chemicals and hello to nature’s purifiers.

While many of us appreciate the culinary delights that herbs bring to our plates, not everyone realizes their potential beyond the dining table. Herbs are not just flavor enhancers; they have various uses, especially in ensuring a cleaner, greener home.

Dive deep into the world of 8 unique herbs and uncover their hidden cleaning powers, perfect for the eco-conscious household.

8 Herbs That Naturally Purify Your Home

1. Lavender

• • Natural Air Freshener
    • Lavender has a pleasant and calming scent. Hang dried bundles around the house or use lavender essential oil in diffusers to refresh and purify the air. Its antiseptic properties also help kill bacteria. 

Lavender is a versatile herb that can enhance the beauty and comfort of any home. Lavender has a soothing aroma that can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Lavender can also be used as a natural air freshener, insect repellent, and disinfectant.

Lavender can be grown indoors or outdoors, in pots or the ground, as long as it gets enough sunlight and drainage. Lavender can be harvested and dried to make sachets, potpourri, tea, or essential oil. Lavender is a refreshing and rewarding addition to any home.

2. Mint

• • Repelling Insects
    • Mint acts as a natural insect repellent. Place fresh mint leaves in areas prone to ants or use mint oil to deter mosquitoes.

Mint is a versatile herb used for various purposes in the home.

Some of the most common uses are:

• Mint tea: Mint leaves can be steeped in hot water to make a refreshing and soothing drink that can help with digestion, nausea, headaches, and colds.
• Mint oil: Mint oil can be extracted from the leaves by boiling them in water and then straining the liquid. Mint oil can be used as a natural insect repellent, a deodorizer, a cleaner, and a massage oil.
• Mint sachets: Mint leaves can be dried and placed in small cloth bags to make sachets that can be put in drawers, closets, shoes, and luggage to keep them fresh and fragrant.
• Mint decor: Mint plants can be grown indoors or outdoors to add greenery and aroma to the home. Mint plants can also be used to make wreaths, garlands, bouquets, and centerpieces for special occasions.

3. Rosemary

• • Disinfectant
    • Brew a rosemary tea and let it cool. Use it as a disinfectant spray on surfaces. Not only does it kill germs, but it also leaves a refreshing scent.

Rosemary is a versatile herb used for various purposes in the home.

Here are some examples of how to use rosemary:

• To make rosemary olive oil, heat one cup of extra virgin olive oil with a quarter cup of fresh rosemary leaves on low heat for 10 minutes. Strain the oil and store it in a glass jar. You can use it for salad dressings, bread dips, or sautéing vegetables.
• To make rosemary salt, mix three cups of sea salt with one cup of fresh rosemary leaves in a jar. Let it sit for two weeks before using it. You can use it to season meats, soups, or roasted potatoes.
• To make rosemary butter, cream four tablespoons of butter with one tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary, one clove of minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Shape it into a log and refrigerate until firm. You can use it to spread on bread, crackers, or mashed potatoes.
• To make rosemary simple syrup, boil one cup of water with two cups of sugar and three or four rosemary sprigs. Stir until the sugar dissolves and let it cool. Remove the rosemary sprigs and store the syrup in a jar. You can use it to sweeten tea, lemonade, or cocktails.
• To make rosemary skewers, wash and dry the stems of fresh rosemary and remove the leaves. Use them to skewer pieces of chicken, beef, or vegetables and grill them over medium-high heat. The rosemary will infuse flavor and aroma into your food.

These are just some ways you can use rosemary in your home. Rosemary is also known for its health benefits, such as improving digestion, memory, and circulation and protecting against cancer and macular degeneration. You can also use rosemary for beauty purposes, such as making hair rinses, facial toners, or bath salts.

4. Lemon Balm

• • Polish Furniture
    • Mix lemon balm essential oil with olive oil to create a natural furniture polish that shines and protects wooden surfaces. 

Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb that belongs to the mint family. It has many uses in the home, especially for culinary and medicinal purposes.

A few ways to use lemon balm are:

• Making lemon balm tea by steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water. This can help relieve stress, anxiety, insomnia, and indigestion.
• Adding lemon balm leaves to salads, soups, sauces, marinades, smoothies, and baked goods for a subtle citrus flavor and aroma.
• Make lemon balm lemonade or iced tea by boiling chopped leaves with water, honey, and lemon juice. This can be a refreshing drink for hot summer days.
• Making lemon balm shrub by combining chopped fruit, sugar, vinegar, and lemon balm in a jar. This can be a delicious syrup to mix with water or seltzer.
• Applying lemon balm oil or cream to cold sores, wounds, insect bites, or other skin irritations. This can help speed up healing and prevent infection.
• Growing lemon balm in the garden as an ornamental and aromatic plant. It can also attract bees and other pollinators.

Lemon balm is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb that can enhance your health and home.

5. Eucalyptus

• • Clearing Airways and Surfaces
    • The strong scent of eucalyptus can be used to clear stuffy rooms and airways. Additionally, eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties, making it effective for cleaning surfaces. 

Eucalyptus is a versatile plant with many benefits for your home and health.

Uses of eucalyptus leaves that you may want to try:

• Brew a tea from dried eucalyptus leaves to enjoy its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Eucalyptus tea may help relieve cold and flu symptoms, such as cough, congestion, and sore throat. It may also improve asthma symptoms by reducing mucus and expanding the airways. However, be careful not to consume eucalyptus oil, which can be toxic even in small amounts.
• Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your massage or bath water to soothe your skin and muscles. Eucalyptus oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects that may help heal wounds, burns, and insect bites. Its fresh and minty aroma may also relax your body and mind.
• Use eucalyptus oil as a natural cleaner and deodorizer for your home. Eucalyptus oil can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses on surfaces and in the air. Mix it with water, vinegar, or baking soda to make your cleaning products. You can also use it in a diffuser or spray bottle to freshen up your rooms.
• Chew on fresh or dried eucalyptus leaves to improve your oral health. Eucalyptus leaves contain eucalyptol, which can fight plaque, bacteria, and bad breath. Eucalyptol may also reduce gum inflammation and bleeding.

These are just some ways you can use eucalyptus leaves in your home. Eucalyptus is a natural and effective remedy for many common problems. However, use it cautiously and consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions or allergies.

6. Thyme

• • Kitchen Cleaner
    • Thyme has strong antimicrobial properties. A thyme-infused vinegar solution can be an effective kitchen cleaner, especially on countertops and cutting boards. 

Thyme is a versatile herb used for various purposes in the home. Besides adding flavor and aroma to many dishes, thyme has medicinal and cosmetic benefits. Thyme can help to relieve coughs, respiratory infections, and bronchitis, as well as reduce inflammation and pain.

Thyme can also be used as a natural disinfectant, mouthwash, deodorant, and hair care product. Thyme is easy to grow and dry and can be stored in an airtight container for long-term use.

7. Basil

• • Deodorize and Repel Flies
    • Basil not only repels flies but also works as a natural deodorizer. Place fresh basil leaves in areas you want to keep fresh and fly-free.

Basil is a popular herb used for various purposes at home.

Typical uses of basil are:

• Cooking: Basil adds a fresh and aromatic flavor to many dishes, such as salads, soups, pasta, pizza, and pesto. It can also be used to make tea, vinegar, or oil.
• Gardening: Basil can help repel insects and pests from your garden, such as mosquitoes, flies, aphids, and mites. It can also attract beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Basil can grow well in pots or containers, and it prefers sunny and warm locations.
• Health: Basil has many health benefits, such as improving digestion, reducing inflammation, fighting infections, boosting immunity, and relieving stress. It can also treat minor wounds, burns, or skin irritations. Basil contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential oils to support your well-being.

8. Sage

• • Carpet Cleaner
    • Sage can be used in homemade carpet powders to neutralize odors. Dry and crush sage leaves, mix with baking soda, and sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming. 

Sage is a herb that has many uses in home settings. It can be used for cooking, adding a savory flavor to dishes like poultry, stuffing, and soups. Sage can also be used for medicinal purposes, as it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Some people use sage tea to soothe sore throats, coughs, and colds.

Sage can also be used for aromatherapy, as it has a calming and cleansing effect on the mind and the environment. Some people burn sage leaves or use essential oil to purify the air and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Conclusion

Nature always has surprises up its sleeve, and the cleaning prowess of these herbs is undoubtedly one of them. Incorporating these herbs into our cleaning routines reduces chemical usage and embraces a sustainable lifestyle.

Try these herbal hacks, and you might find your home cleaner and filled with delightful, natural fragrances. Got any other herbal cleaning tips? Enlighten your community by sharing this article with your friends!