1. Smell BusterMix a few drops of anti-bacterial essential oil (such as lavender, tea-tree or rosemary) into some bicarbonate of soda. Pack the mixture into a sock or stocking and stuff it into your trainers. Leave in overnight to deodorize. When re-using the mixture, add extra oil.
2. Moth RepellentCombine equal amounts of lavender, rosemary, clove and lemon essential oils in a small bottle. Take everything out of your cupboards and wipe the interior with a damp clothe that’s been sprinkle with a few drops of the oil blend. You can also sprinkle it onto cotton-wool balls, then place them in the wardrobe when you replace the clothing.
3. Air Re-freshener Lightly mist this delicious-smelling air freshener in a room whenever you feel the need.
   • 50ml Vodka
   • 1/4 tsp bergamot essential oil
   • 8 drops clove essential oil
   • 5 drops lemon essential oil
   • 200ml distilled water

   Put the vodka and oils in a spray bottle and shake to disperse the oils. Add distilled water and shake again to thoroughly combine.

   Leave for a few days to mature. Spray briefly to refresh a room.

4. Fabric SoftenerThis simple treatment will leave fabrics soft and fluffy without the cloying scent of artificial perfumes.
   • 1 cup (250ml) white distilled vinegar
   • 1 cup (250g) bicarbonate of soda
   • 2 cups (500ml) water
   • 10 drops rose geranium, lavender or lemon essential oil or eucalyptus essential oil (or combine your favorite oils)

   Combine ingredients slowly and carefully over the sink, because the mixture will fizz. Pour into a plastic bottle and replace the lid.

   Add 1/4 cup (60ml) into the final rinse or place it in the fabric softener dispenser of your washing machine.

5. Stain RemoverEucalyptus oil is of of the most powerful natural antiseptic oils, but also invaluable when it comes to removing stains – particularly grease and perspiration – from clothing and other fabrics. Moisten a clean rag with a little oil and dab the stain from the edge to the middle, then launder as usual.
6. Dish-washing LiquidWhen washing dishes, add a tablespoonful of this aromatic dish-washing liquid into hot water. As this is a soap, it does not produce as many suds as detergent, but is still very effective.
   • 3 tbsp liquid Castile soap
   • 2 cups (500ml) warm water
   • 2 tsp vegetable glycerine
   • 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
   • 10 drops lemon essential oil
   • 10 drops grapefruit essential oil or eucalyptus essential oil

   Mix all the ingredients in a jar, cover and shake well to blend. Store in a plastic squeeze bottle. If you don’t want to make your own dish washing liquid from scratch, buy an unscented, un-dyed, phosphate-free detergent from your local health0food or organic store. Add your own essential oil plus a couple of sprigs of matching herb, decant into a pretty bottle and enjoy your washing up.

7. White Goods CleanerRegular wiping with this cleaner will remove grubby finger marks and leave the surfaces of freezer, refrigerators and washing machines looking like new – without scratching them.
   • 2 tbsp phosphate-free dish-washing liquid
   • 1 tbsp cornflour
   • 1 cup (250ml) water
   • 1 cup (250ml) distilled white vinegar
   • A few drops of eucalyptus essential oil or tea-tree essential oil

   Put the ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and shake gently to combine.

   Spray a fine film of the mixture over the grubby surface and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

8. Age-spot Lightener Licorice blocks tyrosine, an enzyme that controls melanin (pigment that color skin) production. Here, it’s paired with fruit acid from apples and vitamin C, a mild bleach.
   • 1 tbsp dried licorice root
   • 1/4 cup (60ml) boiling water
   • 1000mg vitamin C tablet
   • 1 tbsp apple pulp
   • 5 drops lemon essential oil
   • rice flour

   Place dried licorice  root in a bowl with boiling water. Cover bowl and leave licorice to steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a clean bowl.

   Grind the vitamin tablet to a powder. Add the powder, pulp and oil to herbal liquid: thicken with flour to make a paste.

   To use, paint paste over spots and leave to dry. Rinse off. Store remaining paste in the refrigerator. Repeat daily for two weeks.

9. Tooth PowderForget about the fancy formula from the pharmacy. This inexpensive recipe polishes and whitens teeth, leaving them feeling super clean.
   • 2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
   • 1 tsp fine sea salt
   • 1/2 tsp powdered cinnamon
   • 5 drops clove essential oil
   • 5 drops peppermint essential oil

   Sift soda, salt and cinnamon together to remove any lumps. Add essential oils, then sift again. Store powder in an airtight container.

   To use, first dampen your tooth brush and then dip it in the powder.

10. Breathe Fresheners Try these natural alternatives to artificially flavored breathe mints.Chew 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds or aniseed, which leave your breathe smelling of licorice.Nibble on fresh parsley. It fights bacteria and plaqueDilute 1 tsp chlorophyll in a small glass and gargle.
11. Antiseptic SoapThis  invigorating body wash for oily skin is also an effective anti-bacterial hand soap.
    • 1/2 cup (125ml) unscented liquid Castile soap
    • 1 tsp jojoba oil
    • 10 drops tea-tree essential oil
    • 10 drops lavender essential oil
    • 10 drops sage essential oil

    Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir well to combine..

    Pour into a plastic or glass pump dispenser. To use, apply 1-2 tsps and work into a gentle lather. Rinse off.

12. Kennel CleanerKeep your pet comfortable by making sure its sleeping quarters is flea-free and smells fresh.
    • 2 cups (500ml) boiling water
    • 2-3 peppermint or spearmint tea bags
    • 1/4 tsp clove essential oil
    • 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

    Make a strong tea with the water and tea bags.

    Allow to cool and add the essential oils. Transfer to spray bottle

    To use, spray onto the inside surface of the kennel and wipe clean. Spray again and allow to dry on the walls without rinsing.

Take care with oils

• Do not take essential oils internally.
• Except for lavender oil, essential oils should not be applied neat to the skin.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid essential oils, unless on the advice of a qualified aromatherapist.
• Certain essential oils, such as bitter-orange and grapefruit, can cause skin photo-sensitivity.
• Some oil, such as lemon-grass, can also irritate sensitive skin.
• Store essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.