AYURVEDA'S 5,000-YEAR-OLD CLEANING SECRETS ARE COMING TO AUSTRALIAN HOMES

For thousands of years, Ayurveda has been associated with herbal remedies, wellness rituals and holistic health.

Now, the ancient Indian system of medicine is finding an unexpected new role inside Australian homes, with a growing number of consumers turning to plant-based cleaning products inspired by traditional botanical ingredients.

The shift comes as interest in low-tox living continues to grow, prompting households to take a closer look at the ingredients found in everyday cleaning products.

Conventional cleaners often contain chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine bleach, phthalates and synthetic fragrances, ingredients that have increasingly come under scrutiny amid concerns about respiratory irritation, skin sensitivities and indoor air quality.

As a result, brands are looking to natural ingredients with a long history of use in traditional medicine and household care.

One example is Melbourne-based home care company Euclove, which has built its product range around Australian eucalyptus oil and Ayurvedic ingredients including neem and clove oil.

According to the company, the combination draws on generations of family remedies while providing a botanical alternative to conventional household cleaners.

Eucalyptus remains at the heart of the approach. Euclove says its eucalyptus oil contains 85 per cent cineol, a naturally occurring compound recognised for its antibacterial and purifying properties.

Neem oil, widely used in Ayurvedic traditions for thousands of years, is valued for its antifungal and protective qualities, while clove oil contains eugenol, a compound recognised for its antimicrobial activity.

The broader trend reflects changing attitudes towards household products, particularly among families seeking alternatives to heavily fragranced or chemical-based cleaners.

Euclove co-founder Srini Ranganathan says the business was inspired by personal experience after his family revisited traditional remedies when their son experienced respiratory sensitivities.

"What began in our home evolved into a desire to help families embrace healthier, low-tox living," he said.

Sustainability is also playing a larger role in purchasing decisions. Euclove's bottles are manufactured in Australia using 70 per cent recycled plastic, while refill options are designed to help reduce packaging waste.

Whether Ayurvedic-inspired cleaning becomes a mainstream movement remains to be seen, but the growing demand for ingredient-conscious products suggests many Australians are looking beyond traditional household cleaners in search of alternatives that align with a broader focus on wellbeing and conscious living.