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What are
Spices are known for their use as flavorings in the kitchen but many of them, in addition to enriching our recipes, can also help us to perfume the house in a natural way, economical and ecological. Spices are in fact obtained from plants characterized by the presence of essential oils, molecules known for their pleasant scent and for their antimicrobial action, two qualities that make spices perfect allies to eliminate bad smells and perfume rooms and clothes, eliminating bacteria and keeping insects at bay.
But what are spices? These are natural ingredients obtained fromdrying of parts of plants. For example, cinnamon, an excellent remedy for bad smells, is obtained from the bark of the branches of Cinnamonum verum, a tree widespread in India, China and South East Asia, while paprika is a spicy powder that derives from the drying and grinding of chilli fruits. In addition to spices, herbs can also be used to perfume the house in a natural way herbs in the form of dried leaves and essential oils extracted from plants.
Perfuming the house with spices and aromatic herbs allows you to eliminate bad smells that are produced in the kitchen and bathroom or due to the presence of pets, purify the air in closed environments, give a feeling of mental well-being and free the respiratory tract.
Which ones to use
Cinnamon is certainly one of the most suitable spices to perfume the house. The dried bark of Cinnamonum verum, chopped or pulverized, gives off a pleasant aroma with a tonic action on the whole organism. Symbol of winter, cinnamon is considered one warming spice and has bactericidal action. Cinnamon is perfect for eliminating bad smells from the bathroom and for giving your home a warm and welcoming scent. The aroma of cinnamon goes perfectly with orange and vanilla.
Another spice with bactericidal action, an excellent remedy against bad smells that are generated in the bathroom, is represented by cloves. These are the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, collected before the flowers open and dried. In addition to being used in the kitchen, cloves are perfect for scenting the home.
Excellent for eliminating bacteria and bad smells as well as for perfuming the kitchen, the study and the rooms where guests are received, they are also:
- the anise fruits (Pimpinella anisum) and of star anise (Illicium verum);
- the cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum);
- the fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare);
- the ginger (Zingiber officinale).
To eliminate bad smells are also excellent herbs fresh or dried like lavender flowers and thyme, bay leaves, oregano, sage, marjoram, rosemary, savory and mint. Rich in essential oils, aromatic herbs delicately perfume all rooms in the house and effectively repel ants, moths and other unwanted insects.
How to use spices against odors
Spices and herbs can be used alone or in synergy with each other to create natural DIY home fragrances.
Infusions
The simplest way to perfume the house with spices and herbs is to prepare an infusion, capable of release the essence present in leaves, flowers and barks. Unlike herbal teas to drink, deodorant infusions must be prepared with one increased amount of spices and herbs and they must be left on the fire longer. Typically you use a spoonful of powdered or spice two to three tablespoons of dried herbs, to be heated in a saucepan of water for fifteen minutes without a lid. Once the fire has been extinguished, it is always left to cool without a lid, so that the essences continue to evaporate. The infusions to perfume the house can be prepared with blends of aromatic herbs to which ginger or citrus peel is added, or with a mix of spices such as cinnamon, anise, cardamom. In addition to perfuming the rooms, the infusions purify the air at home, they have a beneficial effect on the psyche and help to clear the respiratory tract in case of cough and cold.
Potpourri
Potpourri are another easy way to perfume your home and decorate it at the same time. They are prepared by mixing dried flowers, for example rose petals and chamomile or helichrysum flower heads, mixed with spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise, to be placed in a glass or wooden bowl. The potpourri can then be enriched with dried lemon or orange peel or with engraved vanilla pods. Since perfumes are given by volatile molecules, the potpourri will need to be replaced once a month or revived periodically with drops of essential oil.
Scented bags for linen and shoes
To perfume in a natural way cabinets, drawers, wardrobe and shoe racks you can make DIY bags with dried lavender flowers to which you can add star anise or ginger cut into thin slices and dried. The linen perfume bags are easily made with cotton, linen, tulle or other breathable fabrics; to increase the deodorizing power, you can add a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate to each bag. Once closed with a ribbon they can be hung in closets or placed on shelves of drawers and shoe racks.
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