Watch Out for the Scents of the Season

I love the smells of Christmas; with all the sprays, plug ins, air sanitizers, candles, and air fresheners being sold  I guess everyone else does too.  All these products to make our cars, houses, and work places smell good are really affecting our air quality; and, our health, energy, and over all wellness are directly connected to the air we breathe.  There are many sites available online that explain the dangerous chemicals found in  air fresheners.  Additionally, a study that was published in a 2007 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine indicates that regular use of sprays can increase your risk of developing asthma by 30 to 50 percent. 

I have already given you some natural ways to keep your home smelling fresh here ; but I thought I would let you know of a few more simple and natural ways to welcome in the fresh scents of the season.

 Baking soda will absorb bad odor, just put some out where odors are strongest.

Boil a pot of water and add herbs or spices; cinnamon, cloves, mint leaves.

 Arrange seasonal plants such as rosemary, pine boughs, citrus blossoms near air currents.

 Use white vinegar alone or mixed with citrus peels to clean your home.  Vinegar destroys odors and the smell of vinegar does not remain.  

 Toast some spices on the top of the stove on low heat in a heavy pot.

 Cook up some potpourri.

 Remember to take out the trash each day.

 If the air quality is good outside of your home,  open your windows even just a crack.

 Mist your home and car with essential oils added to filtered water in a spray bottle.

And, since it is that time of the year, cook or bake something special that will give off a fresh, holiday scent.