The Best Air Freshener—Oranges
When it comes to air fresheners, there are probably few households that haven't used them. Whether they are spray types or small iron boxes, and whether they cost one or two yuan each or over ten yuan a bottle, many people are accustomed to using them as the main helper to eliminate odors or freshen the air at home. In many households, especially in bathrooms, air fresheners and deodorizers have become "permanent residents."
However, in the use of air fresheners, many people may have a misconception that as soon as they use an air freshener, the air in their home is clean. This is not the case. Most air fresheners are chemically synthesized and cannot purify the air; they only "dilute" odors by releasing fragrances to confuse the human sense of smell, and they cannot remove odorous gases.
Some air fresheners, due to poor product quality, can also become sources of air pollution themselves. If the freshener contains impurities (such as methanol), releasing them into the air can be even more harmful to human health. These substances can cause poisoning of the respiratory and nervous systems and acute adverse reactions in people, leading to headaches, dizziness, throat itching, and stinging in the eyes. Furthermore, the smoke particles produced by lighting some incense or scented sticks can also cause secondary pollution to the indoor air.
Therefore, to keep the air at home fresh, the best method is to often open the windows for ventilation.
If you must use an air freshener at home, do not use it when infants, young children, asthmatics, or people with allergies are present. For deodorizing the toilet, do not rely too heavily on air fresheners. As long as you clean it diligently, you should be able to "send" the air freshener "packing."
Compared to the various air fresheners in supermarkets, there are many natural "air fresheners" that can be bought at farmers' markets. Placing an orange in the bedroom, its fresh scent can stimulate the nervous system, refreshing the mind, clearing the stale air, and beautifying the indoor environment.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the fragrant aroma of oranges can transform dampness, awaken the spleen, expel foul odors, and open the senses. Besides its invigorating effect on the mind, when you feel fatigued, have a full stomach, and have no appetite,适当 smelling the fresh scent of oranges can also relieve discomfort. The fragrant aroma of oranges can also calm the nerves, and the gentle color of an orange can give people a warm feeling. Therefore, placing an orange by the bedside is also beneficial for promoting sleep. In addition, aromatic medicinal herbs like dried tangerine peel and mint can also be used as natural fragrances. Professor Chang says that at present, with the fragrance of sophora flowers in the air and new tea on the market, these are all "miracle cures" that can be used to freshen indoor air.