Being a woman of Caribbean descent, whose family is from Puerto Rico, I’ve learned my fair share of superstitions and customs pertaining to the medicinal and spiritual properties of plants and oils. Moving across the country from Florida to California, far away from family, I continued to actively incorporate the use of herbs and oils into my daily lifestyle to appease feelings of homesickness. One of those ways is how I like to clean my home. I’m constantly creating my own sprays and sprucing up mop water to clean the floors with or wipe the walls with, and of course, there are oil warmers and simmer pots all around my house. When it comes to mopping I like to use the Cedar mop and pail and always boil my mop water because that’s just how I was taught, but any mop and bucket will do and so will water straight from the faucet. Once the bucket is filled I always add a little splash of bleach because I’m a germaphobe and like the assurance of sanitation bleach provides especially during cold and flu season. I then add 2-3 drops of cinnamon oil, 2-3 drops of vanilla oil, and 2-3 drops of sandalwood oil using the mop to stir everything together for a moment before moping the floors, repeating once and every time the water turns brown or gray.
Not only does this concoction clean my floors but it also provides a warming and pleasant scent of aroma therapy while simultaneously paying homage to the superstition passed down by the elders which means a lot to a woman of Caribbean descent like myself. Cinnamon essential oil is believed to attract wealth, provide protection, repel negative energy, and sweeten all chances of opportunity that may come along into your life. Vanilla essential Oil is believed to soothe feelings of hostility and anxiety, help enhance personal empowerment, and provide good luck. Sandal Wood is believed to provide healing and a sense of emotional balance. All three oils are antimicrobial which kills microorganisms including certain bacteria, viruses, and even fungi such as mildew and mold. As a bonus, cinnamon is strongly opposed by rodents deterring them from nesting where they aren’t welcomed especially during the colder months. 🙂
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