There is something incredibly empowering about learning to create simple, natural products for your home and wellbeing. Yesterday’s Apothecary Workshop was a beautiful reminder that wellness begins in the small everyday rituals — the products we clean with, the scents we breathe in, and the conscious choices we make for ourselves and our families.
Our Spring Cleaning Workshop was centred around reducing toxic load within the home and helping people feel empowered to slowly make healthier, more mindful swaps. We spoke about how modern living exposes us to so many chemicals daily through cleaning products, fragrances, skincare, plastics, and environmental toxins — and how even small changes can make a profound difference over time.
One of the most important messages from the workshop was that this journey does not need to happen overnight. It’s about awareness, education, and slowly replacing products as they run out with more natural alternatives that support both our health and the environment.
Together we created a beautiful collection of natural home products including toilet tablets, dishwashing tablets, all-purpose cleaning spray, room sprays, cream cleaners, hand sanitisers, and natural dish soap. Watching everyone blend ingredients, explore essential oils, and realise how easy and effective these products can be was truly so special.
There is something deeply grounding and nourishing about returning to traditional ways of living — using simple ingredients, working with nature instead of against it, and creating products with intention and care. The workshop became more than just making cleaning products; it became a space of connection, empowerment, learning, and inspiration.
I love seeing people leave these workshops feeling excited and confident to begin making changes within their own homes. Often people can feel overwhelmed when it comes to health and wellness, but yesterday reminded us that wellness is built through small consistent steps. Every product replaced, every toxin reduced, every conscious choice made is a beautiful act of self-care.
The atmosphere was filled with creativity, laughter, curiosity, and meaningful conversation. We shared knowledge, stories, essential oils, and ideas for creating healthier homes and lifestyles in a way that feels achievable and supportive rather than restrictive.
These Apothecary Workshops are something very close to my heart because they bring together so many of the things I am passionate about — natural living, aromatherapy, wellness, ritual, community, and empowering others through education.
I feel incredibly grateful to hold these spaces and to witness people reconnecting with the simplicity and beauty of natural wellness. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so special.
Here’s to cleaner homes, lighter toxic loads, empowered choices, and creating wellness one ritual at a time.
One of the things I loved most about yesterday’s Spring Cleaning Apothecary Workshop was all of the beautiful conversations, questions, and curiosity that came from everyone attending. It’s so inspiring to see people wanting to continue learning and slowly incorporating more natural living practices into their homes and daily rituals.
A few topics that many people wanted to know more about were natural linen sprays, pet-safe essential oils, and natural insect repellents — so I thought I would share a few simple recipes and tips here to support you on your journey.
Simple Natural Linen Spray ✨
A beautiful way to freshen your home, linens, pillows, towels, yoga mats, or sacred spaces naturally.
Ingredients:
100ml distilled water
1 tbsp witch hazel or vodka (helps disperse oils)
10–15 drops essential oils
Beautiful Oil Combinations:
Lavender + Cedarwood → calming & grounding
Lemon + Eucalyptus → fresh & uplifting
Wild Orange + Frankincense → warm & comforting
Lavender + Bergamot → relaxing & soothing
Method:
Add all ingredients to a glass spray bottle, shake well before each use, and lightly mist linens or around the home.
Pet-Safe Essential Oils 🐾
One of the most important things to remember is that animals are much more sensitive to essential oils than humans. Always use oils with caution, ensure good ventilation, and never force exposure.
Some generally considered gentler oils when properly diluted and used carefully around dogs include:
Lavender
Frankincense
Cedarwood
Copaiba
Roman Chamomile
Important Notes:
Avoid applying essential oils directly to pets unless guided by a qualified professional.
Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils and require extra caution.
Avoid diffusing oils continuously in enclosed spaces.
Always provide pets with the ability to leave the room.
When using essential oils around pets, especially dogs and cats, it’s really important to remember that animals process oils very differently to humans. Cats in particular are much more sensitive because their livers cannot metabolise certain compounds efficiently.
Here are some essential oils that are generally recommended to avoid around pets, especially in strong concentrations, direct application, or continuous diffusing:
Essential Oils Commonly Considered Unsafe or Use With Extreme Caution Around Pets 🐾
Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
Peppermint
Wintergreen
Pine
Cinnamon
Clove
Oregano
Thyme
Birch
Eucalyptus
Citrus oils in large amounts (lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, lime)
Ylang Ylang
Camphor
Pennyroyal
Anise
Juniper
Sage
Rosemary (especially around pets with epilepsy/seizure history)
Extra Caution Around Cats
Cats are especially sensitive to:
Tea tree
Citrus oils
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Cinnamon
Pine
Clove
Wintergreen
Ylang ylang
Even passive exposure through heavy diffusing can sometimes cause issues in sensitive animals.
Signs of Essential Oil Sensitivity in Pets
If a pet reacts poorly, signs may include:
Drooling
Vomiting
Lethargy
Tremors
Difficulty breathing
Excessive grooming
Watery eyes
Skin irritation
Hiding or agitation
If this happens, stop using the oil immediately, move the pet into fresh air, and contact a vet.
Safer Ways to Use Essential Oils Around Pets 🌿
Diffuse lightly and intermittently
Ensure windows/doors are open or ventilation is good
Allow pets to leave the room freely
Avoid applying oils directly onto pets
Store oils securely away from animals
Use hydrosols or very diluted blends instead
Generally, gentler oils such as lavender, frankincense, cedarwood, copaiba, and Roman chamomile are often considered better tolerated when used carefully and in moderation around dogs — but every animal is different.
A good rule is:
less is more when it comes to essential oils and animals.
Natural Insect Repellent Spray 🌿
Perfect for summer evenings, walks, outdoor dining, or retreat spaces.
Ingredients:
100ml distilled water
1 tbsp witch hazel or vodka
10 drops citronella
10 drops lavender
5 drops peppermint
5 drops eucalyptus
Method:
Combine in a spray bottle and shake before use. Spray around outdoor areas or lightly onto clothing (patch test fabrics first).
Not only does it help naturally repel insects, but it also smells fresh, uplifting, and beautiful.
What I hope people take away from these workshops is that natural living doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. You do not need to replace everything overnight. Wellness is created through small conscious changes, education, and simple rituals that support both ourselves and our environment.
One product.
One choice.
One ritual at a time.