Home-made aromatherapy sprays are one of the easiest yet most profound methods of using the aroma-therapeutic aspects of essential oils. They're also a great way to create a natural air-freshener for use in any space, one that will far surpass the aromatic beauty of a store-bought synthetic fragrance. In fact, many folks who find air fresheners distasteful, or may be allergic to them, will find scents made with pure and natural essential oils to be pleasant and satisfying. Further, you can create aromatherapy sprays to suit special health needs for yourself and your family by selecting oils with specific therapeutic effects. This little project is something you can do alone, or with older children in the family. Getting your loved ones involved will have two important benefits: First, they're likely to let you know which scents appeal to them the most. Often in aromatherapy, it is the scents we are most fond of that can have the strongest supporting effects for emotional health. Second, they're also more likely to use and enjoy the oils they've had a part in making. This not only will give them greater satisfaction with the sprays, but will likely open their eyes and minds a little bit more to the world of natural health and wellness - certainly an area where getting started young can have life-long benefits. Just a few easily found items are required - 1 or 2 ounce dark glass bottles with pump spray tops are great containers. The dark color helps preserve the essential oils, and their small size makes them relatively durable, easily handled, and portable. An eye-dropper makes it easy to dispense the oils drop by drop (as the recipes call for 'drops' of each essential oil). Plastic ones are most appropriate if children are involved, as the droppers tend to be somewhat delicate. As for the 'carrier' of the essential oils, filtered or spring water is all you need; if you'd like to store the blends for longer than a couple of months, use 1/5th Witch Hazel (available at most natural foods stores and online) and 4/5ths water. Then there's the essential oils - there are over a hundred to choose from, though you can start with just one or two of the more common ones and still make wonderful, effective formulas. It is important, however, to find the highest quality oils you can. You'll find that even with the much-used Lavender essential oil, the aromas will vary considerably from one to the next. They may cost a little more, but are generally worth it, especially as you'll only need a few drops of each oil to get started. The nicer the oil you start with, the nicer the resulting aroma-mist you'll create. And the nicer mists will get used more often, with bigger smiles on everyone's faces from the brilliant aromas from finely-crafted oils. If you'll be making blends with or for children, you'll also want to consider safety. We'll note here of any safety concerns with these recipes, but if you venture to make your own, check in to the safety of the particular oils you'll be using. Flower oils like Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood and Rose are safe and non-irritating. Citrus oils, with their uplifting aromas are safe in the quantities described, though they should not be applied to the skin frequently or in significant amounts. Evergreen oils like Pine, Spruce and Juniper similarly may cause skin irritation if overly sprayed on the skin. Finally, very pungent oils like Peppermint, Clove and especially Cinnamon may cause irritation if inhaled in even moderate quantities, and it is these oils you'll want to keep from having little children handle if they are making blends with you. In general, with the dilutions used in aromatherapy sprays, you should be safe with misting a room for a pleasant aroma; As a rule, do not spray any essential oils near the eyes or on the face. So, now you can create your misters! The basic formula is exceptionally simple: fill your small bottles almost to the top with water or 1:4 Witch Hazel and water mixture, then add the essential oils drop by drop. Once the oils are added, just tighten the cap and shake well until you no longer see the oil and water quickly separating when done. Don't worry if the oils DO still separate a little, this is natural - just shake gently before each use and you'll spritz quite enough aroma into your space. For the most simple formulas, just use a four to sixteen drops of any one essential oil per ounce of water. French Lavender, Geranium, Rose, Sandalwood and Chamomile are excellent choices, as are any of the evergreen oils, or the citrus oils. Steer toward smaller amounts of the essential oil if intending to use the formula with children. If you'd like to make something a little more fancy for children and even infants, try two drops each of Lavender and Roman Chamomile in pure water. Both these oils are broadly appealing, and have very soothing effects on children. This recipe might even be used regularly as a sleep aid at night or at nap time. For a more lively, uplifting aromatic, mix together your favorite citrus scents. Essential oils are pressed from all the citrus fruits - you'll find orange, lemon, lime, tangerine and grapefruit readily available. The aromas mix well together, and it is easy to adjust their ratios to your liking. Mandarin, a member of the tangerine family, has a certain soothing effect unique to this fruit, and again, works particularly well with children. Perhaps the most effective 'space clearing' scents are those from the needles and twigs of evergreen trees: Pine, Spruce and Balsam Fir. Like the citrus oils, these all blend nicely together; you can try a blend of them with equal amounts of each, and/or vary their amounts to suit your preference. Juniper can be added in small amounts for an extra touch. These oils are also naturally uplifting, yet they bring a sense of calm and 'earthiness' as well. Really, any essential oil will work in an aroma-mist. Using flower essences in addition to essential oils would create an especially therapeutic blend. Experiment to your heart's content; you can easily create a blend for every room, or every time of day. This is a wonderful way to bring the healing effects of nature into your home, and support your family's health and wellbeing with essential oils.
About the Author:
The author utilizes pure therapeutic essential oils for aromatherapy, with their natural healing properties. More information is available through The Ananda Apothecary at www.anandaapothecary.com.
Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:19:10 - 100%
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