This week I’ve gone a bit mad with cleaning out cupboards! And realised we have waaaay too much of everything.

I started with the bedrooms, moved to the kitchen and now I’m in the laundry.  I have cupboards that are stocked full of every possible medication, lotion, cream, rub, salve you can imagine that look after those scrapes and grazes.  However half was out of date (and had to be tossed out) and the rest was very heavy on .. nothing natural at all!

Because we’re working with the team over at Thursday Plantation, I thought it might be worth doing a check on how many of the products I have between the medicine cabinet and the cleaning cabinet that could be replaced with natural products.

Turns out, just 3 essential oils can help in numerous ways – whether it’s for personal care or for cleaning around the home.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree is a powerful multi-purpose antiseptic which inhibits the spread of a broad spectrum of bacteria. What I have discovered, is that Tea Tree Oil is a must have in every family home, mainly because it can be used to replace so many different products  If you’ve purchased a good quality oil, it should be 100% pure and 100% natural. Be sure to look for a reputable company and check where they source their oils, how much control they have over the collection and production of the oils and whether it is still in it’s natural state when it reaches you – this is why I love Thursday Plantation as it ticks all those boxes.

Top 3 uses for Tea Tree Oil:

As an antiseptic: Given Tea Tree Oil’s natural antiseptic properties, it makes for a brilliant way to clean up the scrapes and abrasions the kids may have had inflicted on them after a weekend of sports. Pop a few drops on a cotton ball and gently apply to the area.

To prevent Spots and Pimples and irritated skin: Use one drop of Tea Tree oil and dab on each pimple using a cotton bud. As a facewash, add 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil to 2 teaspoons of honey, massage gently into the skin and rinse well.

Freshen up your Feet: To get rid of foot odour and bacteria, add a few drops of Tea Tree in warm water and soak feet. As a spray for sweaty sports shoes and boots, add 10 drops of tea tree oil to 500mL of water and spray lightly inside and out. Ideally allow to dry in the sunshine.

Lavender Oil

As I said above, always opt for a naturally sourced essential oil which is 100% pure & natural. I’m sure we’d all be surprised to discover how many oils that say they are 100% pure and natural, are simply a carrier oil with added fragrance posing as the real thing.

Lavender Oil is that beautiful oil that every Mum needs; I think of Lavender Oil like a best friend who drops by, gives you a huge hug, folds a load of washing, takes the kids out for half and hour and then makes you a cuppa! Lavender Oil helps calm, soothe and relax the body & mind.

Top 3 uses for Lavender Oil:

To aid a restful sleep: Add 5 drops (1/4mL) to 10mL of carrier oil and massage onto temples, forehead, back of neck, shoulders or full body to aid relaxation. This works just as well for children as it does for adults although for children under 2, reduce the concentration to 2 drops Lavender Oil to 10mL of carrier oil.  I also like to add 5 drops of Lavender Oil to my childrens’ evening bath – the perfect beginning to the bedtime routine each night. To keep the lavender vibe with you as you slumber, place 2 drops Lavender Oil onto a folded tissue and place inside your pillow case.

Banish insect bites: Take the itch out of bites by dabbing a few drops directly onto the affected area (although take care and patch test if the skin is broken at all).

Supporting a calm and peaceful mind: Combine Lavender Oil with Peppermint Oil in a 1:1 ratio then rub across the back of your neck and onto temples. Ideally then relax with your eyes closed and head resting.

Eucalyptus Oil

Fresh, clean and earthy.  Eucalyptus Oil brings a wonderful sense of the outdoors don’t you think? If you buy 100% pure, 100% natural Eucalyptus Oil you have a versatile, pharmaceutical grade oil that has a load of personal and household uses.

Top 3 uses for Eucalyptus Oil

Ease chest and nasal congestion: For temporary relief of congestion related to Winter ills and chills add 5mL of Eucalyptus Oil to 500mL of hot water in an open bowl, lean over and gently inhale. Take care to use hot but not boiling water. Another option is to sprinkle a few drops onto a tissue or handkerchief and place inside your pillow case to help ease congestion through the night.

Give your home an aromatic makeover: Eucalyptus Oil is both stimulating and energising. Adding Eucalyptus Oil to your diffuser gives your home and those inside a power boost of energy and enthusiasm; I’m thinking this would be very useful first thing in the morning to get my older babes moving!

Muscular tension and stiffness:  For temporary relief of sore and tired muscles, after a week of running around after the kids- Mix 5 drops (1/4mL) to 10mL of carrier oil and massage the affected area.

Also as many of you already know, we have Mouths of Mums members trialing and reviewing Thursday Plantation Macadamia Oil right now. If you’d like the inside info on what they really think, check out their reviews here.

Also, if you have tried any of the Thursday Plantation products yourself already be sure to write a review in our Rate It section – every rating you post is an automatic entry to WIN 1 of 5 $500 Spa Vouchers!

If you’ve only just discovered Thursday Plantation today, we recommend checking out their website. It’s a wealth of information and definitely worth bookmarking.