BLISSFUL BALANCE

SPRING CLEANING

BY CINDY DECAROLIS

Reducing your Toxic Load, and doTerra Essential Oils

I love this time of year when winter begins to yield to spring. The first day that the temperature rises enough to turn off the heat and open the door is a joy – the air sweeping through the house brings a feeling of clean and freshness. I like to do some deep cleaning in the spring, you know, do those things that you only do a few times a year. Clean all of the windows, clean out closets, clear away the clutter.

Cleaning can be good for our health. But did you know that using the wrong cleaning products can be bad for our health? According to environmental experts, the average household contains about 62 toxic chemicals. Some of the health implications of using toxic cleaning products include skin burns, irritations, or allergies; dermatitis; eye damage; and asthma and breathing problems. The most harmful household cleaning products include:

• Air fresheners • Fabric softeners and dryer sheets • Products with artificial fragrances • Antibacterial products • Drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners • Bleach and ammonia • Soap products (shampoo, bubble bath, laundry detergent)

Cleaning up your cleaning routine is a wonderful place to start if you are trying to reduce your toxic load. One way to do this is to buy “cleaner” products; that is, products containing

fewer chemicals and toxicants. Read the labels – avoid Parabens, formaldehyde, PEGs, dyes, Triclosan, synthetic fragrances, silicones, petroleum-derived substances, and propylene glycol. Group’s (EWG) app to determine the safety of the products you purchase. EWG uses a scale of A to F to rate cleaning products. Ratings of A or B indicate that the company provides complete and specific information on the substances in the product and that the product doesn’t contain ingredients deemed unacceptable by EWG.

Even products labeled “eco-friendly” or “organic” can still include harmful things. Remember, marketing claims are on the front of the package and ingredients are on the back. And personally, I never buy a product that states check the website for complete list of ingredients. I figure if they won’t put everything on the package, they are trying to hide something and why should I have to go looking for the complete list?

Last September doTerra launched its abode cleaning line, natural home care and cleaning products that are simple and effective. The line includes a multi-purpose surface cleaner, liquid dish soap, dishwasher pods, laundry pods, and a hand wash and lotion, as well as an essential oil that you can diffuse to leave your home smelling fresh and clean. And it’s sustainable.

“Cleaning up your cleaning routine is a wonderful place to start if you are trying to reduce your toxic load.”

The new line uses no plastic. It features beautiful glass bottles that you purchase once and refill from refilling pouches. disease.” Reducing your toxic load by taking control of what you put into and onto your body and your environment is a big step towards Peace, bliss, and balance…

Another way is to make your own cleaning products using doTerra essential oils and other natural ingredients. You can use things you already have in your kitchen, such as baking soda, vinegar, unscented soap, lemon, olive oil and hydrogen peroxide. At Blissfull Balance LLC our mission is to help you to live life healthier. Follow us on Facebook @ blissfullbalanceroc and Instagram @ blissfull_balance.

*The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

I love to make a furniture polish using olive oil and lemon essential oil. Also, a multipurpose spray cleaner using distilled water, vinegar, and essential oils. I tend to use the citrus oils, but fir oils are also good. Essential oils high in limonene, terpinene, and pinene will be useful in cleaning.

Buddha said, “every human being is the author of his own health or authoring your own health.

As a certified health coach and a doTerra Wellness Advocate I can help you to make lifestyle changes for better health. Reach out if you would like to chat.