How to Use Herbs to Freshen Your House
Our sense of smell is one of the strongest ways we connect to our memories. Pine needles conjure up the holiday season, this or that soap takes you right back to Grandma's house, wet earth for spring and pumpkin spice for autumn; it goes on and on.
Posted — UpdatedOur sense of smell is one of the strongest ways we connect to our memories. Pine needles conjure up the holiday season, this or that soap takes you right back to Grandma's house, wet earth for spring and pumpkin spice for autumn; it goes on and on.
Spices such as cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cardamom pods, fennel seeds, etc, can be boiled in a pot on the stove. They'll fill every nook and cranny with a warm, spicy, autumn-y aroma. To shake it up a bit, throw some orange slices in there.
Aromatic plants like jasmine, honeysuckle, and tuberoses can all be grown indoors. Herbs such as rosemary and mint are also easy houseplants, though they're less fragrant then their flowery alternatives.
A beautiful bowl of potpourri is perhaps the most straightforward solution to scenting up your abode. The mix can be made from any number of flowers (think roses, lavender, and chamomile) or herbs (think lemon balm, peppermint, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary). You can also add fruits, such as lemon or orange peel. Make sure all the ingredients are completely dried before mixing and setting out.
To freshen up your carpet or rug, combine 6 parts baking soda, 3 parts dried ground lavender, and 1 part corn starch, then set aside the mixture for a few days. Once it's fully steeped, sprinkle the concoction over your carpet, allow it to penetrate for at least an hour, and then vacuum it up.
Mix 1 part dried, freshly ground herbs (use a blender or mortar and pestle) with 1 part baking soda. Sprinkle a bit of the powder mixture directly onto your mattress each time you change the sheets. You'll notice a lovely, subtle smell that permeates your resting place.
Are there any other ways you like to use herbs to spruce up your living space? Please share in the comments!