Good scents for your home

Natural Health, March, 2005

"I thought Harry gave up cigars," sniffs the persnickety neighbor in an old TV commercial. OK, so your home may suffer the occasional unpleasant odor, but go easy on the sweet sprays. Air fresheners and aerosols contribute to a complex mixture of chemicals and a buildup of volatile organic compounds in the home, according to a report from the University of Bristol in England.

Researchers found that the use of air fresheners and aerosols was associated with an increased risk of diarrhea and earaches in children, and headaches and depression in mothers. Here are some chemical-free air fresheners that provide an aromatic scent without compromising your health.

            Essencia         Vermont
            Orange           Naturals
            Blossom Air      Clean Air
            Freshener        Spray

            A spritz of      Its supersubtle
            energizing       fragrance
the         citrus leaves    neutralizes
scent-      the room         smoke and
sation      smelling like    other odors.
            an orange
            grove.

use it in   the kitchen      the bathroom

bonus       Neroli           The company
benefit     provides anti-   donates a
            depressant       portion of its
            effects.         proceeds to
                             conservation
                             Programs.

where       essencia         vermont-
to buy      online.com;      naturals.com;
            $14 for 4oz      $9 for 4 oz

            Kiss My Face     Ecco Bella
            Sanctuary        Bontanical
            Airea Room       Lavender Ecco
            Spray            Mist

            Spicy clove      Delicate
            and soothing     lavender
the         ylang-ylang      instantly
scent-      warm up your     calms and
sation      Surroundings.    soothes.

use it in   the living       the bedroom
            room

bonus       The packaging    It helps
benefit     is 100 percent   freshen linens
            biodegradable.   and clothing.

where       kissmyface.com   eccobella.com;
to buy      $9 for 8         $8 for 8 oz