Ancient Remedies, Modern Risks: The Double-Edged Power of Essential Oils in Green Cleaning

When you spritz your lavender-scented all-purpose cleaner or mop the floor with lemon-infused soap, you’re not just embracing a trend - you’re participating in an ancient practice.

The use of essential oils for cleaning and purification dates back thousands of years, to civilizations that understood the power of plants long before the rise of modern chemistry.

For centuries, essential oils have been revered for their potent properties. They are used by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to cleanse homes, purify temples and promote well-being.

Today, these same oils are enjoying a modern revival in the world of green cleaning in which they are celebrated for their natural antibacterial and aromatic benefits. But while their historical use is fascinating and their plant-based appeal is undeniable, essential oils are not without risk, especially when used improperly around children, pets, or those with sensitivities.

At Nature Kleen: The Green Cleaning Company, we believe in harnessing the best of nature while respecting its power. In this blog, we’ll explore briefly the storied past of essential oils in cleaning rituals and shine a light on the hidden dangers they can pose in modern homes. Whether you’re a green cleaning enthusiast or just getting started, understanding the safe and effective use of essential oils is key to creating a truly healthy environment.

Today, as we return to natural, eco-friendly products in our homes, we’re rediscovering what the ancients already knew: essential oils don’t just smell amazing - they cleanse, protect and heal.

Let’s explore the fascinating early history of essential oils and how they’ve been used for cleaning through the ages. Then we will take a look at the proper handling of essential oils.

Egypt: The Birthplace of Botanical Purification

The earliest recorded use of essential oils dates back to ancient Egypt, around 4500 BCE. Egyptians were pioneers in extracting aromatic oils from plants like cinnamon, myrrh, cedarwood, and frankincense - not just for embalming and cosmetics, but also for cleansing rituals.

Egyptian temples were regularly fumigated with essential oil-infused incense, believed to purify the air and protect against disease. These were early examples of “disinfecting” public spaces. It's where aromatherapy meets sanitation!

Greece and Rome: Cleanliness Meets Philosophy

The Greeks adopted Egyptian knowledge and added their own observations. Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” believed in the preventive power of aromatic baths and air purification. He recommended using aromatic vapors in homes to prevent disease - a practice eerily similar to modern essential oil diffusing.

The Romans, ever hygiene-focused, took things to a new level. Their public bathhouses were not only social hubs but places where oils like eucalyptus, rosemary, and thyme were infused into the water to cleanse their bodies and their environments.

Roman cleaning included scrubbing marble surfaces with vinegar and essential oils - an ancient green cleaning hack!

China and India: Aromatic Wisdom of the East

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbs and oils like clove, cinnamon, and tea tree were used for their antimicrobial properties as far back as 2700 BCE. Essential oils played a role in purifying rooms during plagues, burned or diffused to drive away “bad qi” (energy).

Meanwhile, Ayurveda, India’s ancient healing system, employed oils like neem, turmeric, and lemongrass to sanitize living spaces and maintain balance between the doshas (body energies). Floors were often cleaned with herbal infusions, not just to remove dirt, but to invite health and harmony into the home.

The Middle Ages: Oils vs. The Plague

During the Black Death in the 14th century, people turned back to natural remedies as conventional medicine failed. Thieves in France reportedly used a blend of essential oils, later known as “Thieves’ Oil,” to protect themselves while looting plague victims’ homes. The blend, typically including clove, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and rosemary, is still used today for its antibacterial and antiviral qualities. This blend became a cornerstone of natural disinfectant recipes - an echo of medieval ingenuity in your modern spray bottle.

Modern Rediscovery: The Green Cleaning Renaissance

While synthetic cleaners dominated the 20th century, concerns about toxins, allergies and environmental harm have sparked a return to plant-based cleaning. Essential oils, once valued for their spiritual and medicinal power, are now celebrated for their:

• Antimicrobial effects (e.g., tea tree, eucalyptus)

• Mood-lifting aromas (e.g., orange, peppermint)

• Surface cleaning and deodorizing properties (e.g., lemon, lavender)

And unlike harsh chemicals, these oils bring no harmful residues, just naturally fresh, effective results. Studies confirm the antibacterial properties of oils like tea tree and thyme rival synthetic cleaners in many settings.

 Why Nature Kleen Chooses Essential Oils

At Nature Kleen, we’re proud to carry forward this legacy of botanical cleaning wisdom. Our products are crafted with 100% pure essential oils, selected not only for their delightful scents but also their proven cleaning power.

When you use Nature Kleen products, you’re doing more than cleaning, you’re honoring centuries of natural wisdom and protecting your home and planet in the process.

Essential oils aren’t a trend, they’re time-tested tools that ancient civilizations trusted to clean their homes, temples, and bodies. Today, with science backing what tradition always knew, these plant-powered allies are once again at the heart of conscious, effective cleaning.

But while essential oils are typically touted as natural and safe, they can be harmful or even toxic when misused. Here’s a clear breakdown of why essential oils can be unsafe, especially in the context of cleaning, home use, or personal care:

Toxic When Ingested

Many essential oils are not safe to consume, despite common misinformation. These examples include eucalyptus, tea tree, camphor and wintergreen.

• Symptoms of ingestion poisoning: vomiting, seizures, liver damage, respiratory distress, or coma (especially in children).

• The National Capital Poison Center warns that just a few drops of some oils can be deadly to toddlers.

Skin Irritation and Burns

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause:

• Rashes, burns, and blisters when applied undiluted (aka “neat” application)

• Photosensitivity (e.g., citrus oils like lemon and bergamot can cause severe sunburn)

• Allergic reactions or dermatitis, especially in sensitive individuals

Harmful to Pets

Many essential oils are toxic to animals, especially cats and dogs. Unsafe oils for pets include tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine and eucalyptus.

• Exposure can cause drooling, tremors, vomiting, liver failure, or even death.

Respiratory Reactions

Diffusing essential oils can irritate the lungs, especially for:

• People with asthma, allergies, or COPD

• Infants and elderly individuals

• Some oils (like peppermint or eucalyptus) can trigger airway constriction

Drug Interactions and Hormonal Effects

Some essential oils can interact with medications or affect hormone levels:

• Lavender and tea tree oils have been linked (in rare cases) to endocrine disruption in children.

• Oils may interfere with blood thinners, sedatives, or other medications.

Fire Hazard

Essential oils are flammable. When used in cleaning or DIY sprays, they can pose a fire risk, especially around heat sources or open flames.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely

When you do use them:

• Always dilute properly (e.g., with carrier oils or water for sprays)

• Never ingest unless guided by a certified medical professional

• Keep away from children and pets

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Store securely and out of sunlight

Bottom Line

While essential oils are part of a time honored tradition and can have wide-ranging benefits when used carefully, they are not risk-free. Treat them as potent chemical compounds, not just “natural” fragrances. Whether you’re cleaning your home or diffusing them for aroma, education and caution are key.