Tag Archives: essential-oils

Fog, Fire, and Fresh Air: A Guide to Non-Toxic Lamp Berger Alchemy

(A Tale of Scent, Science, and a Curious Lamp That Saved the City Air)

Step inside a fog-kissed Dickensian tale of alchemy and air purification. Learn how to craft 5 non-toxic Lamp Berger recipes, understand safety tips, and rediscover the forgotten art of clean, chemical-free home fragrance.


The Tale Begins…

London, dear reader, is a city forever haunted by fog — creeping along cobblestones, curling through alleyways, wrapping itself around chimney stacks until even the moon seems unsure of her place in the heavens.

On a night such as this, a small lamp flickered in the window of Miss Adelaide Carroway, a woman of peculiar wisdom and spotless housekeeping. Passersby often paused, wondering how her humble rooms smelled perpetually of fresh morning air while the rest of London stank of coal smoke and wet wool.

The secret, whispered only among the cleverest of housekeepers, was a small French invention newly arrived across the Channel: the Lamp Berger, a vessel that consumed unpleasant air rather than merely disguising it. Miss Adelaide, being both prudent and a lover of animals, refused to trust the heavy chemical fragrances offered by vendors at the market.

Instead, she mastered the art of clean-air alchemy — crafting her own fuels, gentle enough for her aging dog, her rheumatic aunt, and the delicate sparrow that often perched on her sill.

Tonight, dear reader, she teaches you.


THE BASE ELIXIR

Every alchemist must begin with purity.

  • 9 oz 90–91% isopropyl alcohol
  • 1 oz distilled water

Shake gently — even Miss Adelaide treated this step with reverence.


PET-SAFE NOTES (Adelaide Would Insist!)

  • Use only light oils — never the heavy, medicinal kind.
  • Ventilate the room.
  • Keep sessions to 20–30 minutes.
  • When in doubt: choose unscented fuel.

Now let us follow Miss Adelaide into her workshop…


FIVE NON-TOXIC RECIPES FROM ADELAIDE’S LEDGER

1️⃣ London Fog Lifter

Made for mornings when even the curtains feel heavy.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water
  • 2 drops lavender
  • 2 drops lemon

Instructions:

  1. Blend base.
  2. Add oils.
  3. Shake three times (Adelaide swore this mattered).
  4. Rest 6 hours.

Soft, bright, and cleansing.


2️⃣ Thames-Side Hearth

A warm, riverbank comfort.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water
  • 3 drops vanilla
  • 1 drop cedarwood

Instructions:

  1. Combine base.
  2. Add oils.
  3. Shake until the scent settles.

Smells like safety.


3️⃣ Midnight Quill & Ink

A scent for writers, dreamers, and restless minds.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water
  • 2 drops bergamot
  • 1 drop sandalwood
  • 1 drop chamomile

Instructions:

  1. Mix carefully.
  2. Shake with intention.
  3. Allow to steep 12 hours.

Imagine Dickens hunched over his desk — this is that scent.


4️⃣ Cobblestone Clean Breeze

Made to erase the odor of wet coats and weary travelers.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water
  • 2 drops rosemary
  • 2 drops orange

Instructions:

  1. Prepare base.
  2. Add oils.
  3. Shake lightly.

Crisp, tidy, fresh.


5️⃣ Adelaide’s Secret (Unscented Purifier)

The one she used most.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water

Instructions:

  1. Mix.
  2. Shake.
  3. Use confidently in any room, with any pet, at any hour.

No scent — only clean, new air.


REFERENCES & RESOURCES

  • Archives on Lampe Berger history (French perfuming journals)
  • Essential oil safety data from Tisserand Institute
  • Indoor air safety documentation (Poison Control & EPA)
  • Veterinary sources regarding pets + scented products

DISCLAIMER

Use essential oils lightly. Consult a veterinarian for sensitive pets.
This guide is for educational purposes only; always operate catalytic lamps responsibly.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.L. Childers, a modern chronicler of home alchemy and clean living, blends old-world storytelling with practical wisdom. Her guides revive the forgotten art of non-toxic fragrance and the elegance of mindful homemaking in a chaotic world.

Books That Support Thyroid, Feminine Energy & Ancestral Healing

The Witch’s Almanac Cookbook (2026)

The Lamp of Christmas Eve

The Lamp at the End of the Corridor: A Story of Rejection, Redirection, and Resurrection for the Misfit Soul

The Girl the Darkness Raised: A Memoir of Scarcity, Survival, and Becoming

The Girl in the Mirror Is Thirteen Again: The House That Yelled and the Woman Who Finally Heard Herself 

 Healing Stews & Enchanted Brews (Original Edition)

Healing Stews & Enchanted Brews: Holiday Magic

My Grandmother’s Witchy Medicine Cabinet

Enchanted Realms: A Comprehensive Guide to Witchcraft & Sorcery

Enchanted Realms: A Comprehensive Guide to Witchcraft & Sorcery

Hashimoto’s Crock-Pot Recipes

 Reset Your Thyroid: 21-Day Meal Plan

A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism

Fresh & Fabulous Hypothyroidism Body Balance

The Lies We Loved : How Advertising Invented America

Archons: Unveiling the Parasitic Entities Shaping Human Thoughts

The Hidden Empire

Nightmare Legends
The Girl the Darkness Raised: A Memoir of Scarcity, Survival, and Becoming

Whispers in the Wires

The Gentle Art of Clean Air: A Parlour Keeper’s Guide to Non-Toxic Lamp Berger Blends

(A Dickensian Tale of Fresh Air, Fragrance, and the Modern Home)

Discover 5 non-toxic Lamp Berger recipes, pet-safe scent blends, and a Dickens-inspired tale on clean living and gentle fragrance. Learn how to use catalytic lamps properly, craft safe homemade fuels, and refresh your home without chemicals.


The Story Begins…

In every age, my dear reader, there are two things a household must tend to:
It’s peace and its air.

One must cultivate the first with attention to character, and the second with a gentle hand and a bit of alchemical wisdom. For even the grandest Victorian parlour could be rendered unpleasant by the lingering odor of a damp overcoat, a pot of cabbage stew, or Uncle Henry’s fondness for aromatic tobacco.

And so it was, in the late 19th century, that a humble Parisian pharmacist named Maurice Berger created a small lamp with an extraordinary purpose: not to perfume the home, but to purify it. This curious device — the Lamp Berger — used a catalytic stone that, once ignited, devoured unpleasant airs with astonishing efficiency.

Time has carried this invention far from its modest beginnings. Today, its beauty remains, but its fuels — often thick with chemicals and mystery ingredients — do not always honor the sensitive lungs of infants, elders, or the cherished pets who curl like commas at the edges of our lives.

Thus we return to simple matters, to pure blends, to homemade recipes that would earn a nod from Mr. Berger himself.

Come, let us mix, stir, and restore the old magic with new intention.


HOW TO USE A LAMP BERGER PROPERLY

Before we begin our scentwork, a few rules — for rules prevent calamity:

  1. Fill the lamp halfway — never brim-full.
  2. Let the wick soak exactly 20 minutes.
  3. Light the stone; allow it to burn 2 minutes.
  4. Blow it out gently.
  5. Allow the catalytic reaction to run 15–30 minutes only.
  6. Snuff with the heavy cap — as ceremoniously as closing a novel.

PET SAFETY: A NOTE OF COMPASSION

Cats and small pets possess delicate constitutions. As such:

  • Choose light scents or unscented fuel.
  • Avoid thick oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint).
  • Never operate the lamp in a closed, unventilated room.
  • And remember: sometimes the best fragrance is pure, clean air.

Now, let us proceed to our blends…


THE BASE FORMULA FOR ALL RECIPES

A simple elixir of cleanliness:

  • 90% isopropyl alcohol (91% is acceptable)
  • 10% distilled water

Example:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water

Shake gently, like turning the first page of a new chapter.


FIVE NON-TOXIC RECIPES FOR A GENTLER HOME

1️⃣ Victorian Lavender & Earl Grey Mist

A scent worthy of a London salon at tea time.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water
  • 5 drops lavender
  • 2 drops bergamot

Instructions:

  1. Mix alcohol + water.
  2. Add oils one at a time.
  3. Shake gently.
  4. Let steep 12 hours for a refined finish.

A soft, respectable fragrance — neither boastful nor shy.


2️⃣ Sweet Parlour Vanilla Cream

A comfort reminiscent of warm pudding and kind company.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water
  • 4 drops vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Combine.
  2. Shake lightly.
  3. Allow to rest at room temperature.

Ideal for winter evenings when the wind scolds the windowpanes.


3️⃣ Herbal Housekeeper’s Fresh Air Blend

A clean, botanical whisper.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water
  • 2 drops rosemary
  • 2 drops chamomile

Instructions:

  1. Mix base.
  2. Add oils.
  3. Shake with purpose.

Fresh as linens hung in the countryside sun.


4️⃣ Crisp Morning Orchard

Light, citrus-kissed, and bright.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water
  • 3 drops sweet orange
  • 1 drop lemon

Instructions:

  1. Mix.
  2. Shake.
  3. Use sparingly — citrus grows bold quickly.

5️⃣ Sandalwood Drawing Room Blend

Calm, grounding, and refined.

Ingredients:

  • 9 oz alcohol
  • 1 oz water
  • 2 drops sandalwood
  • 1 drop cedarwood

Instructions:

  1. Prepare base.
  2. Add essential oils.
  3. Shake.
  4. Rest 6–12 hours.

A scent that would impress the sternest Victorian patriarch.


REFERENCES & RESOURCES

  • Maison Berger official documentation
  • EPA Indoor Air Quality reports
  • Tisserand Institute essential oil safety
  • Veterinary sources on pet sensitivity to fragrances
  • Historical fragrance lamp archives

DISCLAIMER

This guide is for educational purposes.
Always use essential oils sparingly, especially around pets.
Consult a veterinarian if your household includes sensitive animals.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.L. Childers is a bestselling author, researcher, and lover of old-world charm. She teaches modern homes how to reclaim the simple elegance of clean air, non-toxic living, and intentional fragrance — without endangering pets or health.

Books That Support Thyroid, Feminine Energy & Ancestral Healing

The Witch’s Almanac Cookbook (2026)

The Lamp of Christmas Eve

The Lamp at the End of the Corridor: A Story of Rejection, Redirection, and Resurrection for the Misfit Soul

The Girl the Darkness Raised: A Memoir of Scarcity, Survival, and Becoming

The Girl in the Mirror Is Thirteen Again: The House That Yelled and the Woman Who Finally Heard Herself 

 Healing Stews & Enchanted Brews (Original Edition)

Healing Stews & Enchanted Brews: Holiday Magic

My Grandmother’s Witchy Medicine Cabinet

Enchanted Realms: A Comprehensive Guide to Witchcraft & Sorcery

Enchanted Realms: A Comprehensive Guide to Witchcraft & Sorcery

Hashimoto’s Crock-Pot Recipes

 Reset Your Thyroid: 21-Day Meal Plan

A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism

Fresh & Fabulous Hypothyroidism Body Balance

The Lies We Loved : How Advertising Invented America

Archons: Unveiling the Parasitic Entities Shaping Human Thoughts

The Hidden Empire

Nightmare Legends
The Girl the Darkness Raised: A Memoir of Scarcity, Survival, and Becoming

Whispers in the Wires

Best Essential Oils for Hypothyroidism: A Holistic Approach

Essential oils offer more than just plant-based therapy; they represent a lifestyle that empowers individuals to take control of their health. Countless stories on the internet detail how essential oils have transformed lives, providing heartwarming testimonials and inspiring others to reconsider their health products and care routines. My personal journey with essential oils has been life-changing, and I’m excited to share my experiences in this supportive, judgment-free zone.

Embracing Holistic Health

More and more people are turning to holistic approaches to enhance their well-being, seeking answers beyond conventional care. If you’re exploring pure essential oils and their incorporation into your daily life to improve thyroid health, this guide is for you.

Our ancestors relied on nature’s bounty—plants, seeds, wood, and resins—to care for themselves and their families. Today, we benefit from the convenience of pure, healing essential oils available in little glass bottles. Many individuals worldwide are discovering natural solutions to health issues like diabetes, pain, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and more, often experiencing significant success with essential oils.

Understanding Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants that can be used in various ways, such as in diffusers, topically on the skin, or even in teas. Incorporating certain foods, like Brazil nuts, coconut oil, avocados, wild fish, and fresh produce, can also improve thyroid health. Studies suggest that specific essential oils can help manage thyroid symptoms due to their beneficial compounds.

The Thyroid and Its Connections

The thyroid is interconnected with the adrenals, hypothalamus, and liver. Balancing these systems can aid in managing thyroid health effectively.

Top 10 Essential Oils for Thyroid Health

1. Peppermint

  • Benefits: Calms depression, headaches, brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues linked to an underactive thyroid.
  • Application: Add a drop to hot water with lemon or chamomile tea.

2. Frankincense

  • Benefits: Relieves constipation, indigestion, dry skin, and promotes sound sleep by reducing stress.
  • Application: Take a drop of food-grade frankincense oil orally.

3. Lavender

  • Benefits: Eases anxiety, stress, insomnia, and hair loss associated with thyroid problems.
  • Application: Rub on your pillow, add to bath water, or mix with shampoo.

4. Lemongrass

  • Benefits: Alleviates headaches, digestive issues, and inflammation from an underactive thyroid.
  • Application: Use in cooking, add to tea, or apply on the skin.

5. Grapefruit

  • Benefits: Enhances metabolism, focus, stress levels, and reduces depression.
  • Application: Combine with a carrier oil for topical use or add to warm water.

6. Rosemary

  • Benefits: Helps with digestion, stress, hair loss, joint pain, and inflammation.
  • Application: Use alone or in an oil blend, massage onto the scalp daily.

7. Endoflex

  • Benefits: A blend that supports thyroid function, including hyper and hypothyroidism.
  • Application: Apply directly to the thyroid area without dilution.

8. Copaiba

  • Benefits: Treats inflammation related to thyroid problems and enhances the body’s response to irritation.
  • Application: Rub on sore tendons or take in capsule form, mix with water for internal use.

9. Other Essential Oils

  • Clove Oil: Contains antioxidants and phenols to improve cell communication.
  • Myrrh Oil: Relieves stress and inflammation with sesquiterpenes that help reset cell memory.
  • Basil Oil: Supports adrenal glands and relieves inflammation.
  • Marjoram Oil: Supports spleen function, aiding in healthy antibody levels.

10. Combining Essential Oils

  • Mix myrrh and lemongrass oils for thyroid application.
  • Use peppermint with citrus oils to combat fatigue.
  • Create baths with clove, lemongrass, myrrh, and geranium oils for pain relief.

Application Techniques

Topical Application: Essential oils can be absorbed through the skin, offering localized effects and systemic benefits. They can be diluted with carrier oils or used neat (undiluted).

Aromatic Diffusion: Diffusing essential oils can improve mood, purify air, and provide emotional benefits. Low or no-heat diffusers preserve the integrity of the oils.

Personalized Protocols

Protocol 1:

  • Blend 1 (Week 1): 1 part Lemongrass, 1 part Myrrh (or Peppermint), 1 part carrier oil. Apply to thyroid area and reflexology points (big toe) thrice daily.

Protocol 2:

  • Blend 2 (Week 2): 1 part Zen, 1 part Geranium, 1 part carrier oil. Alternate with Blend 1 weekly.

Additional Blend:

  • 25 drops Lemongrass, 25 drops Clove, 10 drops Frankincense, 25 drops carrier oil. Apply to thyroid area and reflexology points (big toe) thrice daily.

Conclusion

Essential oils can be a valuable addition to your health regimen, supporting thyroid function and overall well-being. If you’re currently on medication for hypothyroidism, consult your doctor before making any changes. Certain essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

About Audrey Childers

Audrey Childers is a published author, blogger, freelance journalist, and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She is the creator and founder of The Hypothyroidism Chick, a website dedicated to providing tips for living with hypothyroidism. Audrey’s books, available on Amazon, include “A Survivor’s Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism Booty,” “Reset Your Thyroid,” “Hypothyroidism Clarity,” and more. For more information and resources, visit The Hypothyroidism Chick.

Disclaimer: The information and recipes in this blog are based on the author’s research and personal experiences and are for entertainment purposes only. They should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions. The author is not responsible for any loss incurred from using the information provided. This blog is designed as an educational and entertainment tool only.

Our full disclosure, terms of use, and privacy policy. | thehypothyroidismchick

Audrey Childers is a published author, blogger, health journalist, and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She is the creator and founder of The Hypothyroidism Chick, a website offering great tips on everyday living with hypothyroidism. Audrey enjoys raising her children and being a voice for optimal human health and wellness. She is the author of several books, including “A Survivor’s Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism Booty,” “Reset Your Thyroid,” “The Ultimate Guide to Healing Hypothyroidism,” and “A Survivor’s Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism Booty: The Slow Cooker Way.” These books are available on Amazon.

Thank you for reading my latest blog. If you need any support with it, please let me know.

Are we friends on Facebook yet? If not, let’s connect now through the Healing Hypothyroidism group. I like to connect on a personal level there, offering social media-only products, daily updates, and recipes. Remember, sharing is caring! Please share and comment on this blog. I would love to hear from you. Sign up for my blogs at The Hypothyroidism Chick. You can also follow me on Instagram @Thyroidismchick or Twitter @Thyroidismchick.

Health and Happiness,

Audrey
XoXo

Disclaimer

The information and recipes contained in this blog are based on the research and personal experiences of the author. They are for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not providing legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, incurred by using the information provided. This blog is not intended to replace professional healthcare advice. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a healthcare professional. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other supplements. Knowledge is power, so educate yourself and find the answers to your healthcare needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier and healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.

Hypothyroidism and Synthetic Fragrances: The Hidden Dangers

We all love to smell good. There’s nothing quite like the confidence boost that comes from wearing a pleasant fragrance. Whether it’s a favorite perfume, body mist, or scented lotion, these products can make us feel attractive and memorable. However, the synthetic fragrances we use daily could be causing more harm than we realize, particularly for those with thyroid issues.

The Hidden Risks of Synthetic Fragrances

Many beauty products we use on our skin and hair contain artificial fragrances. While the FDA requires brands to list ingredients on labels, there’s a significant loophole allowing manufacturers to hide chemicals under the term “fragrance.” This broad term can include harmful substances like benzene, styrene, phthalates, and petroleum derivatives. These chemicals can disrupt our hormones, contributing to thyroid problems and other health issues.

The Connection Between Fragrances and Thyroid Health

Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and affect every cell in your body. Synthetic fragrances can interfere with these hormones, leading to or exacerbating thyroid issues. Studies have shown that exposure to certain chemicals in fragrances, such as benzene and styrene, is linked to thyroid cancer and other serious health conditions.

Making the Switch to Natural Fragrances

Switching to natural fragrances can be a healthier choice for those with thyroid concerns. Coconut oil is an excellent base for homemade perfumes, and you can create body mists by combining filtered water with essential oils. Here are some easy and delightful recipes to get you started:

Solid Perfume and Lotion Bar

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 tablespoons almond oil
    • 2 tablespoons beeswax
    • 2-4 drops jasmine essential oil
    • 2 drops clove essential oil
    • 2 drops vanilla extract
  • Instructions:
    1. Pour the almond oil into a small container.
    2. Slowly heat the beeswax in a double boiler until melted.
    3. Combine the melted beeswax with the almond oil and quickly transfer to a clean container.
    4. Let the mixture harden (place in the freezer to speed up the process).
    5. To apply, rub with your finger to soften slightly and apply to the skin.

Perfume Recipe #1

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/4 cup almond oil (walnut or jojoba oil can also be used)
    • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil
    • 2-3 drops clove oil
    • A small spray bottle
  • Instructions:
    1. Combine all ingredients, except for the clove oil, and pour into a small spray bottle.
    2. If the vanilla scent isn’t strong enough, add more vanilla extract or essential oil.
    3. Add the clove oil last, as it can easily overpower other scents.
    4. Shake well before each use.

Natural SPF Coconut Body Oil

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil (SPF 8) or almond oil (SPF 5)
    • 1/4 cup avocado oil (SPF 15)
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essential oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon jasmine essential oil
    • 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil (SPF 40) or red raspberry seed oil (SPF 30)
  • Instructions:
    1. Melt the coconut oil and avocado oil together over low heat.
    2. Allow the mixture to cool briefly.
    3. Add the essential oils and carrot seed or red raspberry seed oil.
    4. Stir to combine and transfer to a mason jar with a sealable lid.

Taking a Stand for Your Health

Switching to natural, homemade fragrances is a simple yet powerful way to protect your thyroid health and overall well-being. By avoiding synthetic chemicals, you reduce the risk of hormone disruption and support your body’s natural functions.

About the Author

Audrey Childers is a published author, blogger, freelance journalist, and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She is the creator and founder of The Hypothyroidism Chick, a website dedicated to providing tips for living with hypothyroidism. Audrey’s books, available on Amazon, include “A Survivor’s Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism Booty,” “Reset Your Thyroid,” “Hypothyroidism Clarity,” and more. For more information and resources, visit The Hypothyroidism Chick.

Disclaimer: The information and recipes in this blog are based on the author’s research and personal experiences and are for entertainment purposes only. They should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions. The author is not responsible for any loss incurred from using the information provided. This blog is designed as an educational and entertainment tool only.