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!

 

       

  

 

 

 

       

Relax...it's Lavender take two

by Mary Pereira

Lavande Relaxante by Brazilian Composer Corciolli

lavender - haiku

cheerful mountain sun
the lavender you enthralled
knows love and not hate

Ena N. Mori

Precious Lavender

I hope you are as relaxed as I am after writing part one of Relax...It's Lavender, my Love. I had previously discussed with you my own personal discovery with Lavender, it's history and mentions in the Bible, but primarily Lavender's power to clean and disinfect. Lavender should never be underestimated by any means. Now let's delve in a little deeper because there are more avenues to explore. The gift of Lavender keeps on giving. After all, God designed this precious herb that way just for you and me to enjoy. 
Lavender is a flowering plant from the mint family. The smell of Lavender has been documented at the University of Miami School of Medicine, who has studied the effects of Lavender on relaxation and sleep. Lavender slows heart rates, lowers blood pressure and puts you in a parasypathetic state. which affects the parasypathetic nervous system .

This is the part of the autonomic nervous system originating in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord that, in general, inhibits or opposes the physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system, as in tending to stimulate digestive secretions, slow the heart, constrict the pupils and dilate the blood vessels.

This explains the effects that Lavender has on us. Why we become so intoxicated that we want to relax and sometimes sleep, Beloved. 

Grow Lavender Grow

Necessities in a Lavender's Life

Lavender plants are pretty tolerant, but the optimum condition for the best results for growing Lavender, my Love, are warm climate, soil loose enough to drain water well, and a lot of sunshine. At least 6 hours a day of sunshine, but make sure that you water them enough to where the soil stays moist.  Now if you live in a place where the temperature gets into the 100's, placing your Lavender plants in full sun may not be such a good idea, Sweetie. In that case, partial sun will be just terrific. Partial sun means 3 to 6 hours of sun a day. Still you must pay attention to the moisture level so your Lavender will not dry out. 

Lavender needs an alkaline soil level, and they love a chalky calcium additive such as oyster shells. I can't wait to plant them back in my hometown of New Orleans, when I move back. There are plenty of oyster shells down in N'Awlins the Sportsman's Paradise and lots of seafood  Now after you have survived the first growing season of Lavender by protecting the soil's moisture level like a hawk, you can relax, because Lavender can tolerate drought and snow too. It is a hearty plant and will serve you well once you get your Lavender established.

Tender Loving Care

Lavender's enemy is too much dampness, not snow. If you live in an area of a lot of humidity, before planting, separate the Lavender far enough from each other to get plenty of air flow and sunshine. Wet roots is a killer to your luscious Lavender, so keep an eye on those babies. Another way to be a good mother to your Lavender is to only put down mulch after the first freeze, in order to keep it dry. Planting your precious Lavender near a wall  keeps it protected from Old Man Winter's harsh blows. This will also make a happy Lavender plant to harvest plenty of essential oils. 

Snip, Snip, Prune

You will be cutting off flowers from time to time, after your Lavender has grown more than a six inch stalk, but severe pruning is what Lavender needs.  Springtime and Fall, after harvest time, is when you should prune them back down to about a third of their height. If you live in an area where winter dries your plants, then don't bother to prune, nature did it for you. Make sure that you don't prune to soon in the season because you WILL discourage growth and you wouldn't want that, Sweetheart. Here is a wonderful video for further visual tips on growing beautiful Lavender...enjoy

Now Let's Just All Take a Deep Breath and Enjoy the View for a Moment...Can You Smell the Lavender?

Lavender Has a Purpose

Hung Out to Dry

Once you have grown your Lavender, my Precious, into a hearty colorful bush, just prior to the flower buds opening, it will be time to HARVEST! Be sure that your lavender is dry and that there hasn't been rain for a few days before cutting. Your best tool will be a hand held sickle if you are harvesting a lot of Lavender, otherwise scissors or pruners will do just fine.

 Here is a short tutorial on drying Lavender

Squeezing Out Every Last Drop  

Here are three different ways to squeeze out Lavender's oil or extracts. I hope you try them all.

• Distillation
• Cold Pressed
• Extract 

Where There is Smoke, There is Fire 

There are many ways to enjoy Lavender but did you know that you can smoke it? Smoking Lavender is both anxiolytic and very relaxing. Adding Lavender to smoking blends has been practiced since Lavender and rolling your own cigarettes has existed. It's a shame I had not heard of this before, considering all the anxiety medications doctors have tried to perscribe to me. (none of them worked).  All this time, here was beautiful, pure and natural Lavender at my disposal.


Lavender is added to tabacco and other smoking herbs to improve the mixture's overall flavor and calm down nerves, especially just prior to sleep. Smoking Lavender by itself can be calming and has a pleasant taste. Although I do not recommend just using Lavender to smoke for two reasons; one, it is quite strong and two, it can be expensive....Besides a little goes a long way when blended with other herbs and tobacco. Everything in moderation is the best way to go, always. You will throughly enjoy using Lavender in your smoking blends, especially if you are having trouble sleeping and your mind races as you lay there. Lavender melts all your troubles away. If you are having double the trouble sleeping then do as some folks do and drink Lavender Tea while smoking to get a dose of anti-oxidants and twice the potency...you will feel the difference.

Since you are also able to volatilize Lavender, then using Lavender oil in a vaporizer makes for an amazing aromatherapy. For example, in a Baby's room, when they are teething and can't fall asleep, adding Lavender to the humidifier will lull your infant to sleep. Then of course placing a bouquet of freshly cut Lavender by your bedside and a Lavender sachet under your pillow, will make the Sandman come around more often.  Make a pillow filled with dried Lavender buds and Hops, for an excellent gift to enter LaLa Land, Beloved.  And best of all Lavender contains phytoestrogens, which mimics human Estrogen. So remember, boys under the age of 13 may be effected during their development and should not ingest Lavender very much, if any. But for us Ladies....this is great news!!! Lavender is an aide to menstrual cycles and you can also rub Lavender Oil on to reduce cramps because it is Antispasmodic. Lavender is excellent also for pre and post menopause, as well, because it boosts the Estrogen level. Another terrific use for Lavender is treating acne, rosacea, sunburn, scars, toothaches, infections and toe nail fungus. Here is a terrific website for more on Lavender's medicinal uses. This site has many articles and pages on these medicinal uses.
 

 Lavender Takes the Cake

Have you eaten Lavender yet? It's amazingly good. You can use it on just about anything and it's delicious. Try some of these recipes, Darlin'. You will thank me later. 

• Lavender Ice Cream
• Lavender Honey
• Lavender Lemonade
• Lavender Margaritas
• Lavender Tea Cookies
• Lavender Aioli
• Lavender Herbs de Provence
• Lavender Bread Pudding
• Lavender Sugar  ...use powdered too
• Lavender Tea
• Lavender Butter
• Lavender Creme Brulee
• Lavender Steak with Lavender Potatoes
• Lavender Glazed Pork Chops
• Lavender Cake

 The list goes on...especially the cake recipes. Have fun experimenting these suggestions and search for some more. Well, I must bid you Adieu and I look forward to us meeting again here. I Love you all. Remember as always that Cleanliness is next to Godliness.