12 Surprising Uses for Herbs

1. Air freshener

Lightly mist this delicious-smelling air freshener in a room whenever you feel the need.

500ml vodka
¼ tsp bergamot essential oil
8 drops clove essential oil
5 drops lemon essential oil
200ml distilled water

1. Put the vodka and oils in a spray bottle and shake to disperse the oils. Add distilled water and shake again to thoroughly combine.

2. Leave for a few days to mature. Spray briefly to refresh a room.

2. Moth repellent

Combine equal amounts of lavender, rosemary, clove and lemon essential oils in a small bottle. Take everything out of your cupboards and wipe the interior with a damp cloth that’s been sprinkled with a few drops of the oil blend. You can also sprinkle it onto cotton-wool balls, then place them in the wardrobe when you replace the clothing.

3. Fabric softener

This simple treatment will leave fabrics soft and fluffy without the cloying scent of artificial perfumes.

1 cup (250ml) white distilled vinegar
1 cup (250g) bicarbonate of soda
2 cups (500ml) water
10 drops rose geranium, lavender or
lemon essential oil or eucalyptus essential oil (or a combination of your favourite oils)

1. Combine ingredients slowly and carefully over the sink, because the mixture will fizz. Pour into a plastic bottle and replace the lid.

2. Add ¼ cup (60ml) to the final rinse or place it in the fabric softener dispenser of your washing machine.

4. Smell buster

Mix a few drops of antibacterial essential oil (such as lavender, tea-tree or rosemary) into some bicarbonate of soda. Pack the mixture into a sock or stocking and stuff it into your trainers. Leave in overnight to deodorise. When re-using the mixture, add extra oil.