This past year I moved into a new house. Finding a new home was not easy! My realtor eventually located a home built around 1980 that met most of my needs but did not have office space. The only possible space was the outside deck facing the mountains. I purchased the home and began my renovations, walling up the deck to create my office.
During the renovations, I wanted to use supplies that were as nontoxic as possible. I was able to purchase windows from Sierra Pacific to endure the significant Livingston, Montana winds on the corner of the house.
The ceiling and one wall were made from stucco which we plastered with mud to have a smoother appearance. Then, we primed with white paint and painted the wall with a color called Fruit Cocktail. A friend thought it was a little loud but when the white bookshelves go in, this will temper the color.
A Secret: Essential Oils and Paint
Here’s a little secret: before I painted the wall, I added Young Living Essential Oils to the paint! Young Living oils have strong anti-fungal properties. However, the fragrance won’t be easy to smell in the paint. It’s really the energy and the unique components of the essential oil you’ll be adding to the paint.
Why I Chose Spikenard Essential Oil
I have been buying Spikenard essential oil for quite a while. I chose to use this oil in my paint. The specific cultivar Young Living uses is called Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansil) and comes from the Himalayas.
Spikenard belongs to the honeysuckle family. Spikenard has anti-fungal properties and a woodsy fragrance. There are about 70 different varieties of Spikenard. The variety mentioned in the Bible is believed to be the most medicinal. In ancient times the caravans transported it along the Frankincense Trail.
Spikenard in the Bible
Spikenard was used to anoint Jesus. His disciples considered this to be an extravagant and expensive oil. Additionally, Spikenard was used in an ointment along with other essential oils for the feet of the disciples. This was important as they pursued their ministry walking throughout the land.
Purity of Spikenard Essential Oil
Spikenard is often used as a perfume and as a flavoring agent. Consequently, is one of the most diluted and contaminated oils on the market. Petrochemicals are added to the source oil. The FDA allows additives to be added to essential oils. If the bottle has at least 25% organic oil in the bottle it can be labeled “Organic.”
For these reasons, you’ll need to beware of purchasing oils that say “Natural” as most have synthetic extenders in them. Please note: Young Living does not always have Spikenard in stock as it is not easy to distill the roots and acquire a large volume of essential oils.
Other suggested essential oils for house paint: Pine, Balsam Fir, Cypress, Lavender, Orange, Infinity, Basil, Thieves, Palo Santo, Lemongrass, Geranium, Copaiba, Yarrow, Blue spruce Bergamot, and Eucalyptus.
Natural Home Additions
Additionally, during my home renovations I installed electrical outlets through the floor. Once the renovations are complete, I plan to add a device which will plug into the wall outlet and protect the body from electrical energy or EMFs.
For my flooring, I used Marmoleum click boards that are made in part from flax fiber for the floor. It wears well and is considered a nontoxic material. I also plan to set up an adjustable standing desk so I can sit or stand while I work.
My final touches will include my essential oil diffuser, which I plan to put on a timer. I will diffuse my essential oil of choice at intervals throughout the day!