Essential Oils

neuroleptical · 06-13-2004, 09:22 AM

I just bought a new natural disinfectant spray from Home Hardware featuring thyme, clove & lemon oils. It is recommended for use on baby toys & cribs & high chairs. Would this make it fine for a chin cage? Should I rinse it off afterwards? (It is a "no rinse" spray). Thanks.

kingsborochins · 06-13-2004, 11:20 AM

I would avoid it, personally. Essential oils can be harmful and I just wouldn't chance it. There is a possibility that Cub may lick the spray. I would stick to bleach and/or vinager.

neuroleptical · 06-13-2004, 11:33 AM

Thanks!! I guess I will just use it on human-use surfaces.

petart pam · 06-13-2004, 12:00 PM

I know that lemon oil can be toxic in large amounts. Just because it is natural and is an essential oil does not mean it is harmless. A baby licking on something is still a lot bigger than a little chinchilla. I make an orange oil and tea tree base disinfectant for cage cleaning that is great but I still always rinse it off.

najiwench · 06-13-2004, 01:40 PM

just look into the individual ingredients and their possible problems or benefits...

http://www.viable-herbal.com/herbology/herbs25.htm

though that just shows human interractions

Clove (Eugenia Caryophyllata) - An antiseptic and stimulating oil useful in mouthwash and gargle. Comforting rubbed onto gums, traditionally used to relieve toothache. Could be an effective mosquito repellent. Warning: Clove is a powerful skin irritant and should be used carefully. Do not use during pregnancy.

Lemon (Citrus Limonum) - Widely used in beauty care. It cleanses, refreshes, cools and stimulates. Astringent and antiseptic oil. Useful for oily skin. Can be used to lighten dull, stained hands or to tone and condition nails and cuticles. Blends well with other oils. Warning: Do not use lemon on the skin in direct sunlight. Dilute to 1% and use only 3 drops in a bath as it may cause irritation of the skin

Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) - Long known since ancient times as a medicinal and culinary herb. Vaporize as a household disinfectant. It has a strong pungent aroma and is said that it can ward off rodents and get rid of fleas. Warning: Do not use Thyme when pregnant or having high blood pressure. Dilute to no more than 2% Thyme before use. It may cause irritation to sensitive skins.

neuroleptical · 06-13-2004, 01:42 PM

Thank you!!

I used it on the keyboard, mouse, & phone here @ work & it smells lovely!!

najiwench · 06-13-2004, 01:48 PM

i swear by my essential oils...there are times i can't sleep without a dab of lavender on my pillow...but i don't use them around my pets..just because i'm big and they are so teensy and i don't want to risk what might happen, and because mice have such fragile respiratory systems...so prone to respiratory distress...

but for me, i adore it

and i know that stuff like lavender and mint can really help when dealing with spooky horses...

neuroleptical · 06-13-2004, 01:51 PM

... & you wouldn't have to worry about a horse like you would a chin!!!

I also bought an essential oil based cat flea collar by Beaphar. Do you think this is safe?

najiwench · 06-13-2004, 02:59 PM

does it use umm...ooh can't think of the name of the chemical..it's from geraniums i think....

i know it is a pretty common and fairly safe as long as it is the true extract and not a chemical replica or whatever...

najiwench · 06-13-2004, 03:09 PM

http://snips.8m.com/pages/snips%20Na...revention2.htm

there's a really cool site

oh and i found it, the name of the chemical is PYRETHRUM and it comes from CHRYSANTHEMUMS, not geraniums...heh