When I began having leg issues and went to the podiatrist, she was horrified to learn that we exercised on concrete floors. Well, it's a basement so, you know. Work with what you've got. She said half the problems could be solved if we got padded floor tiles. That's fine and good but they're pretty absorbent and we sweat on them. They needed a good squirt of disinfectant to help keep grody stuff from forming. In an effort to get away from disinfectant sprays with harsh chemicals, I've been using a lot of essential oils lately and I decided to make my own.
I've been using essential oils in place of the bad chemicals as much as possible. Like air freshener in the bathroom? Done! I've even got seasonal blends like Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Wreath so I don't feel like I'm missing out on those traditional scents.
The best thing I like about this particular blend is not only do I use it to keep the creeping crud at bay on our mats but I peel off my socks and give a spray to my tootsies as we're stretching after a workout. That way if I'm making dinner before grabbing a shower, my feet won't still be teeming with sweat/bacteria. Multitasking....gotta love it!
To make your own, here's what you'll need.
4 Ounce Aluminum Spray Bottle
(affiliate link)
20 drops Tea Tree Oil
10-15 drops Lavender Essential Oil (I got
this set
that had both
(affiliate link) )
2 1/2 oz rubbing alcohol
1 1/4 oz distilled water (boil water and let cool completely if you don't have distilled on hand)
I put the water in the spray bottle first, then the alcohol and finally the essential oils.
Because we all know oil and water don't mix, the oil will float on the top.
Before using it, give it a few vigorous shakes and it'll combine to be used at it's maximum potency.
See... how simple that was!?
Obviously you can experiment with all kinds of different scents. The aluminum bottle is great not just because it doesn't have chemicals that can leech into your mixture like water but if you reuse the bottle and use citrus oils like orange and lemon, people have reported they break down plastic over time.
Tea tree oil is an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral component and when combined with the soothing scent of lavender, it makes post workout rituals much more pleasant!
Do you use essential oils?
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I don't use essential oils, but it's something I've been meaning to look into.
ReplyDeleteI use a little bit of Lavender oil on the back of my neck and the heels of my feet before I go to bed sometimes to help me sleep. When I had surgery a massage therapist came in to give me a 10-minute massage and used lemon essential oil which I just loved. I had to smile when I saw your bottle of 70% alcohol -- now that I use a lot. I even use it as a deodorant to keep me from sweating too much. =o)
ReplyDeleteI love my Young Living Essential Oils!!! I use them for all kinds of things. www.youngliving.org/JoyceLail
ReplyDeleteIf you're on FB Scott A Johnson posts great research based links on indications for the Essential oils.