The Essentials of Essential Oil

by Mary Pereira

One of the questions I always ask my customers is....which fragrance do you choose?  I make all my own cleaners and add Essential Oils to them. Sometimes I wonder if they realize just how important that question can be to cleaning.  See, it's not just about how great it smells to me....it's about the power behind the Essential Oil. The fragrance is just a bonus! And what a bonus it is....everyone says the same thing when they return to their home after we've been cleaning. "It certainly smells clean in here!!!" That's because it is clean...I mean truly clean! Essential Oils are the purest essence of God's all natural ingredients. it is very concentrated and is at it's purest form.

Cleaning Essentials

There are certain properties to the Essential Oils that make them superior to others as far as cleaning is concerned. Of course cleaning is primarily a battle to kill germs and stave off sickness and diseases. We are especially reminded of this when cold and flu season come around, but as a Mother....I am reminded everyday. Besides who likes going to the Doctors, unnecessarily. So here I will be introducing you to the terminology that best describes the germ fighting properties to look for in your choosing of Essential Oils. These are basic definitions as they pertain to cleaning. Then we can talk about the bonus of how awesome they smell as well.

1. Anti-septic - anti-septics are used for the disinfection of inanimate objects, including furniture surfaces
2. Anti-viral - Anti-virals are used in destroying or inhibiting the growth and reproduction of viruses
3. Anti-microbial - Anti-microbials are used to destroy or inhibit micro-organisms, including, but not limited to, bacteria. Another word for it would be Anti-biotic
4. Anti-fungal - Anti-fungals are used in destoying or inhibiting the growth of fungi
5. Insecticide - Insectides are used to destroy or inhibit the growth of spiders, insects & rodents

Essential Oils to Choose 

Allspice

Allspice - Ani-septic
This beautiful flower produces a seeds that surprisingly looks a lot like Black Pepper. The fragrance is Spicy....most associated with Gingerbread cookies and Pumpkin Pie.

Anise

 

Anise -  Anti-septic and Insecticide

This seed produces an Essential Oil that smells like Licorice, Fresh, Sweet and Rich. It is another Fragrance well associated with Christmas and celebrating.

Basil

Basil - Anti-Microbial

 This beautiful leafy plant which often used in many Italian dishes has a sweet pungent, Licorice-like, Herbaceous and slightly Camphorous smell. This fragrance would do very well in your Kitchen.

Bay

 

 Bay - Anti-septic and Insecticide

This terrific herb, often used in Cajun dishes of my own has a Fruity, Sweet, Medicinal, Herbaceous and Sweet Balsamic fragrance. Another winner for the Kitchen.

Bergamot

 

Bergamot - Anti-septic

This gorgeous flower's fragrance and taste is the special ingredient in Earl Gray Teas and the fragrance is Floral, Sweet, Fruity and has a Citrus scent as well. If you enjoy Earl Gray as much I do on a dreary day, you will certainly enjoy this fragrance throughout your house to lift your spirits.

Birch

 

Birch - Anti-septic and Insecticide

To me, Birch is the perfect fragrance for a Man Cave or a Bachelor's apartment. It has a very masculine Woody and Smoky fragrance.

Camphor

Camphor - Anti-septic and Insecticide

Have you ever had the pleasure of smelling this wood in person? It is fantastic and unforgettable.  Camphor has a Minty, Strong, Herbaceous and Woody fragrance, that will leave your home smelling fresh and clean.

 

Chamomile

Chamomile - Anti-septic and Anti-microbial

This gentle flowers has been used in Teas to put you to sleep and in Baby's Bath water to soothe their crying. This powerful flower is not only good for cleaning around infants but smells Sweet, Warm, Fruity, Strong, Herbacous, Bright and Crisp. 

Cedar Wood

Cedar wood - Anti-septic and Insecticide

Have you ever had a Cedar Chest and opened it up and the smell is still there after years and years of owning it? This essential is filled with a Fresh and woody scent, that will delight any of your guests.

Cinnamon

 

Cinnamon - Anti-microbial and Anti-fungal 

There isn't anyone I know who is not familiar with Cinnamon or has a good memory associated with it. Christmas and Cinnamon go hand in hand. This fragrance is Spicy, Bright, Peppery, Earthy and Woody. 

Clary Sage

 Clary Sage - Anti-septic

This beautiful plant's Essential Oil fragrance is Bright, Fruity, Herbaceous and Earthy. This leaves a wonderful clean scent on your home. 

Clove

Clove - Anti-microbial, Anti-fungal, Anti-septic and Anti-viral

An excellent germ fighter, Clove also has the power to bring back a lot of Christmas memories in the Kitchen with Mom baking cookies or sipping hot toddies. This fragrance is Spicy, Slightly Bitter, Woody, fruity and Warm. 

Eucalyptus 

Eucalyptus - Anti-septic, Anti-microbial and Anti-fungal

 

I always think of Koala bears when I think of Eucalyptus....they love to eat this plant. The fragrance is Fresh, Woody, Camphoraceous, Earthy and Medicinal.

Frankenincense

 

Frankenincense - Anti-septic

Everyone knows that the Wise Men considered Frankenincense  precious enough to bring to the infant Jesus.  Another great fragrance for Christmas. It is Fresh, Woody, Balsamic, Spicy and Fruity.

Geranium

Geranium - Anti-septic and Insecticide

This flowers brings back memories of being on my Mom's porch and growing up in the South. The fragrance is Floral, Fresh, Sweet and Fruity. Very similar to Rose.

Ginger

 

 Ginger - Anti-septic

 This fragrance has a nice punch and reccommended for a Zen atmosphere. It is Warm, Spicy, Earthy and Woody.

Grapefruit

 

Grapefruit - Anti-septic

This is an excellent fragrance during the Summer or if you wanting to uplift a dreary day. The fragrance is Citrus and Bright.    

  

Honeysuckle

 

Honeysuckle - Anti-septic and Anti-microbial

This is a Southern favorite and gives me such pleasure to even just say the name, let alone drink the nectar. The fragrance is Sweet, Fruity and Floral. 

Jasmine

 

Jasmine - Abti-septic

My childhood seems to be laden with garden memories and this one especially after a summer rain in the evenings. The fragrance is Warm, Floral, Exotic, Rich and Sweet. This one is a good aphrodisiac as well. Great for Anniversaries.

Juniper

 

Juniper - Anti-septic

Juniper has the ability to refresh and is wonderful during the Fall and Winter. It is Coniferous (piney-smell), Crisp, Earthy, Sweet, Fresh, Woody and Herbaceous. 

Lavender

 

Lavender - Anti-septic, Anti-microbial, Anti-fungal and Insecticide

There is a magical attraction to Lavender of which I have much to say on the subject. View my two previous Blogs on Lavender and expect more to come. It is Herbaceous, Fresh, Floral and Fruity.

Lemon

         

 Lemon - Anti-septic, Anti-viral, Anti-microbial, Anti-fungal and Insecticide

Lemon gives joy to a home and lifts up  your mood...not to mention between Lavender and Lemon, they powerfully kill all germs on contact. Excellent for prevention. It smells Citrus, Warm and Bright.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass - Anti-septic, Anti-microbial and Insecticide

This is a fresh fragrance that will give a nice zing to your home. It is Citrus, Fresh, Lemony and Earthy.

Lime

 

Lime - Anti-septic, Anti-microbial and Anti-viral

  Who can pass up a drink with a wedge of Lime in it and you shouldn't pass the opportunity to use this fruit to clean your home...it's invigorating. It is Fresh, Sweet and Citrus.

Mandarin

Mandarin - Anti-septic

This beautiful fruit will make you feel beautiful as you step into your home filled with this fragrance. It is Citrus, Very sweet and Fruity.

 

  Myrrh

Myrrh - Anti-septic, anti-microbial and Anti-fungal

Christmas will have so much more meaning when using this Essential oil throughout your home. It is Balsamic, Warm, Earthy and Woody.

Nutmeg

 

Nutmeg - Anti-septic and Anti-microbial

I used to tell my children that I was serving them Christmas Milk instead of calling it Egg Nog....They loved it with a sprinkle of Nutmeg. Good Christmas Scent too. It is Spicy, Rich, Sweet and Woody.

Oakmoss

 

Oakmoss - Anti-septic

This is another good fragrance for Guys because it's very masculine. It is Woody and Earthy, like a lot of Guys I know.  So recommend this to your friends.

Orange

Orange - Anti-septic

This is a fragrance that makes everyone smile and brings back a childhood memories in everyone. Combine this fragrance with Vanilla for a Dream-cycle delight. It is Citrus and Sweet.

Patchouli

 

Patchouli - Anti-septic, Anti-fungal and Insecticide

Patchouli always reminds me of The Hippie Era and it has a unforgettable smell. It is Woody, Rich, Strong and Earthy.

Peppermint

 

Peppermint - Anti-septic and Insecticide

Talk about a Christmas Smell!!! But I happen to love this fragrance all year around because it is so fresh and brings me joy. Besides, it not only drives away and kills bugs but spiders and mice don't like it either. It is Fresh, Minty, Herbaceous, sweet and Menthol. 

Pine

 

Pine - Anti-septic and Anti-microbial

Tell me who doesn't know what Pine-sol smells like? Well try Pine in it's purest form and you will thank me over and over again. WOW...it's amazing. It is Strong, Coniferous(Piney), Fresh, Woody, Earthy and Balsamic.

Rose

 

Rose - Anti-septic, Anti-microbial and Anti-viral  

This is one of the most romantic fragrances that exists and so powerful to kill germs. It is meant for the romantic at heart. It is Very Floral and Sweet.

Rosemary

 

Rosemary - Anti-septic and Anti-microbial

Anyone who cooks knows how awesome this fragrance is and can also be introduced as a Holiday Fragrance...fits right in. It is Camphoraceous, Fresh, Herbaceous and Sweet.   

Rosewood

 

Rosewood - Anti-septic, Anti-microbial and Insecticide

This tall tree is from Brazil and has a gorgeous smell...very good wood to make floors and furniture too. It is Sweet, Woody, Fruity and Floral.

Sage

Sage - Anti-septic, Anti-microbial and Anti-fungal

Sage is another fragrance that can be used during the Holidays, like Thanksgiving. I love using it on my Turkeys and Stuffing. It is Herbaceous, Fresh and Camphoraceous.

Sandalwood

 

Sandalwood - Anti-septic and Anti-microbial 

Sandalwood has an alluring fragrance. It was the very first Essential Oil that I ever purchased when I was 15 years old, from the Crabtree & Evelyn store. I used to put it in my bath water. It is Woody, Rich, Sweet, Balsamic, Floral and Musky.

  

Spearmint

Spearmint - Anti-septic and Insecticide

My Mom's garden was filled with Spearmint and I loved it. She planted it away from everything else because it was a ground cover. Let it loose and it will take over. Awesome smell. It is Minty and Fruity.

Tangerine

 

Tangerine - Anti-septic

It's amazing how many Citruses there are to choose from...similiar but they all have their differences. This one is Sweet, Tangy, Fresh and Citrus.

Tea Tree

 

Tea Tree - Anti-septic, Anti-microbial, Anti-fungal, Anti-viral and Insecticide

This powerful cleaning agent is practically a miracle worker and has a vibrant smell. It is Camphoraceous, Medicinal, Fresh, Woody, Earthy and Herbaceous.

Thyme

 

Thyme - Anti-septic, Anti-microbial and Insecticide

Want your Kitchen to have a germ-free environment and smell like an Italian woman was hard at work over a simmering pot of sauce? This will have your house smelling fresh! It is Spicy, Fresh, Medicinal, Herbaceous and Sweet.

Vetiver

 

Vetiver - Anti-septic

This plant may not look like much and you may have never heard of it...but you should pay attention because it is worth it. Another good reccommendtion for a Bachelor Pad. It is Woody, Smoky, Earthy, Herbaceous and Spicy. 

Wintergreen

 

Wintergreen - Anti-septic

This plant is responsible for so many fresh breaths out there and a winner in my book for Christmas fragrance...Top Notch! It is Minty, Fresh and Herbaceous.

Ylang Ylang

 

Ylang Ylang - Anti-septic

If you have never smelled this one personally yet...you are missing out on one of the most sexiest fragrances on the planet. This will certainly get your Loved One in the mood or at least get the hint. It is after all, it is an Aphrodisiac. It is Fresh, Floral, Sweet and Fruity.

We Have Come to the End

So there it is....my complete list!!! Keep this Blog bookmarked for future references. Each and every one of them is what I recommend to use. They are all on our list to choose from when using our Services.....just let us know which one best fits you and the mood you are wanting to create within your home. Maid For you Cleaning Service will make sure of the rest. I really enjoyed putting together this list for Y'all.  Muah!!! Until next time...just remember Cleanliness is next to Godliness!