‘Tis the season for guests. That means we need to prep our homes–especially our bathrooms–for an onslaught of visitors. Since things sometimes don’t go as we hope in the bathroom (pun intended!), it’s not a bad idea to provide your guests with a preemptive strike–a bathroom spray that helps keep down unwanted odors. This idea is derived from colonial-era recipes of sprays and herbs used in humble pit latrines. When you douse the water with an essential oil, you help keep down the odor.
While it’s not a pleasant thing to think about, using a spray (and mentioning it to your guests beforehand) can go a long way to helping keep the entire household smell–and feel–fresh and clean. This concoction works in layers. The alcohol is a natural solubilizer for the essential oils. Because oil and water don’t mix well, the alcohol helps disperse the oils in the water, instead of sitting on top of the water. Alcohol also kills odor-causing bacteria, is a natural antiseptic, and evaporates quickly. The vegetable glycerin allows the liquid to adhere to the water. By adhering to the water, the odor molecules are kept below the toilet water’s surface. This process prevents the unwanted odors from becoming airborne. And because herbal latrine deodorizers have been around for centuries, Sarah Munro, (my PhD historian and heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH), has added this Forest Blend Bathroom Spray to her collection of DIY herbal recipes.
Sarah Munro’s Forest Blend Bathroom Spray
Ingredients & Equipment:
Directions:
Add all of the ingredients into the glass bottle, using a small funnel if necessary. Twist on the cap and shake well for at least 1 minute.
Set the bottle aside for 5 days so the aromas blend together.
After 5 days, take off the twist-on lid and add the misting top.
To use: Shake the bottle well and spray 6-7 pumps into the toilet every time before you go.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
