Coming Home to Nature: The Life-Changing Power of Natural Living Swaps

Coming Home to Nature: The Life-Changing Power of Natural Living Swaps

Written by Luna Crag

There was a moment, not so long ago, when I stood in the cleaning aisle of a store, scanning label after label. Words I couldn’t pronounce. Warnings in fine print. And it hit me—why am I filling my home, my body, my family’s life with all of this?

That question sent me down the path to where I am now—choosing a lifestyle rooted in nature, intention, and simplicity.

But I’ll be honest: it didn’t happen overnight.

Making the switch to natural living can feel overwhelming at first. You start reading ingredient lists and suddenly realize how many everyday products are loaded with toxins, hormone disruptors, and chemicals that do more harm than good. It’s frustrating. It’s scary. And it’s also empowering—because every small change is a powerful act of love.

Today, I want to share a growing list of simple, meaningful all-natural living swaps. These are things that helped me cut out toxins from my home, my body, and my kitchen—one mindful choice at a time.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. About coming home to the earth’s wisdom. About creating a space that supports your health, your energy, and your peace.

Home Cleaning: Ditching the Chemicals for Clean That Heals

Cleaning should never leave you dizzy, headachy, or concerned about your kids or pets walking barefoot across a freshly mopped floor. But many commercial products do just that. Here’s what changed the game for me:

All-Purpose Spray: A simple mix of vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil cleans almost anything—and smells like fresh beginnings.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Baking soda and castile soap scrub away grime without harsh fumes.

Glass Cleaner: A mix of vinegar, water, and cornstarch leaves mirrors gleaming without ammonia.

Laundry Detergent: Soap nuts or DIY powder (washing soda + borax + grated castile soap) clean deeply without chemicals.

Dryer Sheets: Wool dryer balls with a few drops of lavender oil? Heaven.

Air Fresheners: Simmer pots of cinnamon and citrus, or herb bundles hanging near a window, offer scent and soul.

These swaps aren’t just safe—they feel sacred. Cleaning becomes a ritual of care, not a task to endure.

Personal Care: Tending to the Body with Nature’s Gifts

Once I learned what was in conventional deodorant, toothpaste, and lotion, I felt betrayed. So I started making my own—and I’ve never looked back. Here’s what I use now:

Deodorant: Coconut oil, arrowroot powder, baking soda, and a few drops of tea tree oil. Keeps you fresh without aluminum or parabens.

Toothpaste: Bentonite clay, coconut oil, baking soda, and peppermint oil make a mineral-rich paste that heals gums and whitens teeth.

Shampoo & Conditioner: Herbal rinses like rosemary or nettle tea strengthen hair naturally. ACV adds shine.

Body Lotion: Whipped shea butter with infused oils soaks into the skin like a kiss.

Makeup Remover: Jojoba oil or aloe + witch hazel remove makeup gently, without drying your skin.

Lip Balm: A tiny tin of beeswax and mango butter balm—safe enough to eat, because let’s face it, we all kind of do.

When you replace your chemical-filled self-care products with natural ones, it’s like saying to yourself every day: I deserve better. Because you do.

Kitchen + Food: Where Wellness Truly Begins

The kitchen is the heart of any home—and the first place to start detoxing.

Cookware: Ditch the Teflon. Cast iron and stainless steel are long-lasting and safe.

Storage: Glass jars, beeswax wraps, and silicone bags help you ditch plastic with ease.

Dish Soap: Castile soap with lemon oil cuts grease and is safe for your hands and dishes.

Produce Wash: Soak your fruits and veggies in a mix of vinegar and water to remove pesticide residue naturally.

Tea + Remedies: Herbal infusions (like nettle, chamomile, or peppermint) are my go-to for common complaints before any medicine bottle.

These swaps not only protect your health—they save money long-term. The herbs in your cabinet and the vinegar under your sink do so much more than you think.

Lifestyle Shifts: Creating a Home and Life That Breathes

This is where the magic really happens—when the swaps turn into rituals.

Candles: Beeswax or soy candles scented with real essential oils burn cleaner and feel grounding.

Bug Spray: I use witch hazel and essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, and lemongrass.

First Aid: Comfrey salve for bruises, calendula for cuts, and lavender for calming burns.

Feminine Care: Switching to cloth pads was scary at first—but they’re softer, cheaper, and better for your body.

Pet Care: My pets now enjoy herbal flea sprays and homemade oatmeal shampoo—and they’re thriving.

These little choices add up. They create a home that feels good to walk into. They create a life that aligns with the rhythms of the earth.

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

Going all-natural isn’t just about products. It’s about mindset. About trust. About believing that what grows from the ground is good enough.

You’re not just cutting out toxins—you’re inviting in healing, intention, and connection. You’re slowing down to remember that your great-grandmother made her own soap. That your ancestors used herbs not because it was trendy, but because they worked. And they still do.

Where to Start

If all of this feels like too much—start small. Pick one thing. Maybe it’s your deodorant. Maybe it’s ditching dryer sheets. Maybe it’s learning how to infuse oil with lavender or calendula.

One step becomes two. Then five. Then suddenly you look around and realize—you built a home where your body is safe. And that’s a gift.

Stay wild,

Luna Crag