Last week we described some of the toxins that are affecting us, and today we are happy to give you some natural remedies to avoid and counteract the effects.
The first one we discussed was:
“Let’s look at air pollution:”
- WHO (World Health Organization) data shows 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants.
- The combined effects of outdoor and household air pollution cause about 7 million premature deaths every year.
- Air pollution increases mortality from heart disease, COPD, stroke, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
So now let us have a look at what we can do to stay healthy, even when we are exposed to various air pollutants.
The remedies for today are for Air Pollution indoors:
Did you know that the air inside many homes and offices can be 2 to 5 times more polluted and toxic than the air you breathe outdoors? It’s appalling, really. You go for regular health check-ups, pop vitamin supplements on a daily basis, stress over allergies, but neglect the most basic thing there is – the quality of the air you breathe 24/7. Everything from the furniture you sit on to your favourite dress or jacket can contain harmful chemicals and toxins. Breathing in toxic gases can cause rashes, coughing, irritation in the eyes, as well as asthma like symptoms.
Formaldehyde, a toxic gas, is found in insecticides, glues, shampoos, shaving creams, carpets, and is actually a carcinogen. It is even found in cigarette smoke which is a major contributor to air pollution and can lead to potentially fatal complications, even if it’s second-hand smoke. Also, chemicals from paint, woodwork in the house or office, hair and nail products, cleaning products and detergents – all contribute to air pollution inside our homes. It is surprising how so many potentially harmful contaminants get trapped inside your homes, and sometimes you can’t even open a window to get some fresh air! So create a small list of natural ways to purify the air at home and your workplace, since we spend so much of our time indoors (an average of 90%). After all, breathing in clean air should be a priority.
6 Natural Ways to Purify the Air Inside
- Increase Ventilation
Ventilating homes reduces moisture levels, a major problem for indoor air quality. But no, we’re not asking you to open a window and let all the outdoor air pollution enter your living space. Instead, install trickle vents to purify and cycle the air you breathe indoors.
Another great alternative is to use exhaust fans which help carry pollutants outside.
Also make it a point to ventilate your kitchen since cooking can be a major source of indoor air pollution, especially if you have a gas stove. Scientists who measured indoor air quality found that cooking a single meal on a gas stove can produce levels of nitrogen dioxide that the EPA considers unsafe to breathe. Also, after you take a shower, be sure to turn the fan so you vent out all the steam and extra moisture in the air which can cause mould and mildew growth.
- Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles act as natural air purifiers. If you love to fill your home with scented candles, avoid paraffin candles which are petroleum derived and release benzene, toluene and soot into the air. Since these candles do more harm than good, it is better to go for beeswax candles which ionise the air and neutralise toxic compounds and other contaminants. Besides improving the air quality at home, beeswax candles burn slowly so you don’t need to replace them so often. In fact, pure beeswax candles burn with almost no smoke or scent. They are especially helpful for asthmatics and to remove common allergens like dust from the air.
- Salt Lamps
A salt lamp is another great natural air purifier. Salt crystal products tend to reduce airborne irritants, pathogens and allergens by pulling water vapour out of the air. Himalayan pink salt is a natural ionic air purifier that pulls toxins from the environment and neutralises them. Himalayan salt lamps are not merely a source of soothing your aesthetic sense; rather they have a much greater use. Himalayan Salt Lamp are very crucial things when it comes to reduce the indoor air pollution. Himalayan salt lamps are made with the millions of years old salt blocks fitted with a small bulb inside.
As the bulb is switched on, a warm light adds serenity to the surrounding. At the end, pollutants in the air are greatly reduced and they are in fact known for this only. Simply adding a Himalayan pink salt lamp in your room or near your desk at the office does the trick, in terms of both functionality and décor. You can leave it on at night as well, since the natural orange glow doesn’t disrupt sleep hormones. Another interesting fact to remember is that salt lamps not only improve air purification when they are turned on, but they surprisingly also work when turned off.
- Activated Charcoal
Use activated charcoal as a natural air purifier. A fantastic way to purify indoor air is with activated charcoal, also referred to as active carbon. It is odourless, highly-absorptive and works wonders with eliminating toxins from the air. Activated charcoal helps to remove toxin particles by binding with them to the surface. They are used in water purifiers and air purifiers to soak up all the dust and get rid of them easily. Another fantastic way to purify air at home naturally is bamboo charcoal.
- House plants
NASA conducted a study which stated that house plants can purify and rejuvenate air within the house and workplace, safeguarding us from any side effects associated with prevalent toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde and also benzene.
This seems to be an easy and beautiful way to counter the impact of pollution indoors, particularly if you have a family member with some respiratory illness. They suggest that you have at least one plant per 100 square feet of home for efficient air cleaning to be accomplished. The best plants to filter toxins from the air are:
- Peace Lily which prefers moderate sunlight,
- Lady Palm or Broadleaf Lady Palm which is adaptable but prefers bright, indirect light.
- Areca Palm, also referred to as Butterfly Palm, Golden Cane Palm and Bamboo Palm grow in bright, indirect light and can be kept anywhere, especially in carpeted rooms or those which have recently been painted.
- Chrysanthemum, commonly referred to as Pot Mums loves bright sunlight, and
- Money Plant i.e. Golden Pothos – also called Devil’s Ivy, Money Plant, Silver Vine, Centipede Tongavine – is adaptable.
- English Ivy – often called Common Ivy or European Ivy and can be kept in rooms with computers, printers, fax machines et al.
- Boston Fern also grows easily in bright light and is best for hanging baskets.
- Spider Plant is useful in kitchens with gas stoves as it helps control carbon monoxide and xylene.
- Essential Oils
In the presence of essential oils like cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, thyme, grapefruit lemon, clove, tea tree – viruses, fungi, bacteria and even mould cannot survive. Studies from Weber State University show that Thieves Oil has a 99.96% kill rate against airborne bacteria. It is an antiseptic blend of pure essential oils including pine needle, cinnamon, thyme, eucalyptus, lemon and grapefruit which helps keep the home free from germs and purifies the air. You can add it to soaps and detergents to breathe fresher, cleaner air.
10 Quick Tips
- Carpets are a toxic sponge. Clean them often, especially the part of the carpeting near the entry of the house. According to an EPA study, if you use a doormat and take shoes off at the door – common toxins are reduced by about 60%.
- Eliminate excessive moisture, dust build-up and the use of chemical products like paint, detergents, and synthetic fibres. Side note: Say no to dry dusting! Use a damp cloth to clean up and to avoid breathing in all the dust particles which are lifted into the air while you clean.
- Quit smoking, and prevent guests from smoking inside your house.
- When it comes to household items, always be on the lookout for natural alternatives to chemical-laden items.
- If you have plants at home, clean leaves regularly to get rid of dirt.
- Take off your shoes! Shoes carry coal tar, cigarette ash, pesticides, fungal spores, lead dust, pollen, wood smoke, industrial toxins, mutagens, dust mites, and who knows what else!
- Resist the temptation to open windows and cool your home by using ceiling fans, heat-blocking window treatments and minimising the use of heat-producing appliances.
- Since dry cleaning solvents can be toxic to breathe, first let dry-cleaned items air outdoors before bringing them inside in order to prevent chemicals from entering your home.
- Know the limitation of air purifiers, as they can help reduce some of the tiniest air borne particles to an extent but fail to get rid of larger particles effectively.
- Clean your air conditioner regularly to help keep asthma triggers away from your house. And as soon as you notice drips and leaks, get it fixed.
That is it for today, if you know of any other useful natural tips and remedies, please join our Facebook group and share them, we love to hear from you.
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