Essential oils

Essential oils are a mainstay of any domestic goddess. But do make sure you’re getting the real oil. Also, be aware that some oils can be too strong for pregnant women and small children. For information, I can recommend The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood.

Dear Wendyl, Your lemon dusters sound good, but I am not sure where to get lemon oil that’s not artificial and watery. Also, I have heard that when you wipe lemon oil around doorways and windows it stops spiders entering the house. Jenny, email

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Dear Jenny, I buy most of my oils from Trade Aid and they are very good quality at a good price. oost health shops and some pharmacies have good essential oils too. Check the label for the words “100% pure and natural”. Anything with”fragrance added” or “fragrance oil” will be synthetic and no use at all. Always check with your nose too. Good oils smell fantastic and blow you away, bad oils are weak and unconvincing.

Thanks for the great tip too. Although, of course, some people like a few spiders around the house – they’re natural fly-killers!