Essential Oils and Fragrant Medicinals

Monthly Archives: May 2018

Essential Oils for Sleep

There are a lot of essential oils that help the mind and body relax. Here’s a list of some of the most widely recommended:

  • Bergamot: floral citrus aroma is an adaptogen, meaning that it can be both uplifting and calming, depending on what your body needs at the time. Helps calm and reduce anxious feelings.
  • Cedarwood: warm, woody scent that is both grounding and calming, promoting a great night’s sleep
  • Roman Chamomile: sweet floral aroma is calming and soothing to the mind and body, making it one of the most often used essential oils for sleep
  • Frankincense: warm, spicy aroma promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, and satisfaction. A great oil to use to help balance your mood. When combined with other oils, Frankincense often enhances the properties of the other essential oils.
  • Lavender: widely used for its calming properties. It eases tension and induces relaxation.
  • Marjoram: has a slightly spicy, warm aroma that calms and helps you release emotional stress and trauma
  • Wild (Sweet) Orange: sweet citrus scent and, like Bergamot, wild/sweet Orange is also an adaptogen that can be either energizing or calming, depending on what your body needs
  • Patchouli: musky scent is grounding and balancing for emotions
  • Hawaiian Sandalwood: rich, sweet and woody aroma instills calm and relaxation. It’s soothing scent lessens tension, promotes emotional well-being, and has a meditative-like effect.
  • Vetiver: This grass has a rich, exotic aroma that is extremely grounding for emotions.
  • Ylang Ylang: a wonderful choice if you are looking to improve the quality of your sleep. It’s very floral and smells a bit fruity.

Source: One Essential Community

Fresh and Clean Bathroom Blends

Here are a few to try for a fresh and clean scent your bathroom. These blends can be used in a diffuser or a room spray. Experiment with the proportions of each essential oil and create your own custom blend

  • Lavender + Lemon
  • Eucalyptus + Spearmint
  • Orange + Grapefruit
  • Lemon + Rosemary + Lavender

Make A Reed Diffuser


Reed diffusers are great for small spaces and rooms where you may not have easy access to a wall outlet. They’re perfect for bathrooms, foyers, and closets!

It only takes a few ingredients, and you probably have most (if not everything) you need already in your kitchen. There are so many great reasons to make your own reed diffuser:

  • Much less expensive than buying one, and they work great!
  • Almost anything (with a narrow neck) works as a vase– match your décor!
  • Create your own custom scent.
  • It’s really simple. Just mix 3 ingredients together and you’re done.
  • Great for small rooms where a plug-in diffuser just isn’t practical- perfect for bathrooms!
  • Makes a great gift too!

Making A Reed Diffuser

It’s simple. All you need is…

  • A glass container with a narrow opening (to slow evaporation)
  • 1/4 cup of a light oil like apricot kernel oil or safflower oil
  • 15-20 drops essential oil
  • 2 Tbsp of alcohol to help oils travel up reeds (vodka works great)
  • Reed sticks
First You Need A Container

Any narrow-opening container made of an essential-oil-safe material can be turned into a reed diffuser. Glass, ceramic, earthenware, wood, or stainless steel all work great. Look around your home, you probably already have something that will work. Other great places to find a vase or jar for your reed diffuser?

  • Garage sales
  • Consignment stores
  • Goodwill or other thrift stores
  • Craft stores (Michaels, JoAnn’s, Hobby Lobby)
The How To:
  • Add 1/4 cup of a light oil (like apricot kernel oil or safflower oil) to a glass measuring cup
  • Add 2 Tbsp of alcohol to the measuring cup. The alcohol is to help thin out the oils and help oils travel up reeds. Cheap vodka works great!
  • Add 15-20 drops essential oil
  • Use one of the reeds to stir the oil and alcohol mixture. Stir well until the essential oils and carrier oil are somewhat well dispersed in the alcohol.
  • Pour the oil and alcohol mixture into your chosen container
  • Bundle the reeds and insert them into the neck of the vase
  • Fan the reeds out

The oil will saturate into reeds, and as it wicks up the reeds, it will release the aroma into the air. It will take a few days for the reeds to absorb the oil. Flip sticks every few days to refresh scent. Replace the oil-alcohol mixture once it evaporates and replace the reed sticks about once a month.

Some Favorite Essential Oil Blends

The following blends are perfect for using in this reed diffuser:

  • 10 drops Eucalyptus + 10 drops Spearmint
  • 6 drops Grapefruit + 6 drops Orange + 4 drops Lemon + 2 drops Bergamot
  • 3 drops Geranium + 9 drops Lavender + 6 drops Orange
  • 9 drops Lavender + 6 drops Clary Sage + 6 drops Orange
  • 6 drops Lemongrass + 6 drops Lavender + 6 drops Eucalyptus
  • 6 drops Tangerine + 6 drops Spearmint + 6 drops Lemongrass
  • 3 drops Geranium + 6 drops Lavender + 9 drops Lime
  • 12 drops Lemon +3 drops Frankincense + 3 drops Ylang Ylang
  • 6 drops Lavender + 6 drops Lemon + 6 drops Rosemary
  • 6 drops Lavender + 6 drops Lemon + 6 drops Peppermint
  • 6 drops Lemon + 6 drops Lavender + 6 drops Grapefruit

Source: One Essential Community

A Nice Room Spray

I personally love this blend because it has that clean citrus smell with the sweetness of vanilla, plus rosemary is beneficial for respiration.

This recipe is for a 4 oz. spray bottle, but of course it can be doubled or halved as needed.

  • Spray Bottle (4 oz)
  • 12 drops of Vanilla essential oil
  • 8 drops Orange essential oil
  • 10 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 tablespoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol
  • 6 tablespoons of water
  • Optional – a bottle sized piece of one of your ingredients (I used Rosemary)

Put the vodka (or rubbing alcohol) into the bottle, and then add the essential oils. Shake well. Add the optional herb if desired. Then add the water. Shake well before each use.

Source: Salome Gemma

Focus & Get Shit Done Blend

These recipes are for a 4 oz. spray bottle, but of course they can be doubled or halved as needed.

You will need:

  • Spray Bottle (4 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol
  • 6 tablespoons of water
  • 8 drops of Peppermint essential oil
  • 10 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
  • 10 drops of Rosemary essential oil
  • Optional – a bottle sized piece of one of your ingredients (sprig of Rosemary or Peppermint)

Put the vodka (or rubbing alcohol) into the bottle, and then add the essential oils. Shake well. Add the optional herb if desired. Then add the water. Shake gently before each use.

Source: Salome Gemme

 

Almost Eternal Sleep Blend

This recipe is for a 4 oz. spray bottle, but of course it can be doubled or halved as needed. It’s really simple to make, here is what you will need:

  • A 4 oz Spray Bottle.
  • 1 tablespoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol
  • 10 drops of Lavender essential oil
  • 12 drops of Vanilla essential oil
  • 7 drops of Chamomile essential oil
  • 6 tablespoons of water

Optional: A  sprig of Lavender, or a piece of Vanilla bean- small enough to fit into the bottle. This is mainly decorative, and does boost the scent a bit.

Pour the alcohol into the spray bottle and then add the essential oils. Shake well to blend. Add the optional ingredient, and the water. Shake well before using.

Source: Salome Gemme

Make Your Own Room Sprays

I love making room sprays! It’s an all-natural (chemical and toxin-free) way to freshen my home, bring in the scents of the season, and get the amazing therapeutic benefits of essential oils. They’re so easy to make and they save money over those commercial sprays.

These room sprays are, of course, great to use in your own home, but they also make FABULOUS GIFTS for teachers, friends, hairdressers, moms, neighbors, sisters, … makes a unique hostess gift, thank you gift, gift exchange item, teacher gift, …. They’re cute, functional, non-toxic, and smell AMAZING!!

Recipe #1:

  • 16 oz glass spray bottle
  • 8 oz distilled water
  • 2 oz. organic witch hazel (or substitute 2 tsp Epsom salt)
  • 30-40 drops essential oil
  • Shake well before each use

Recipe #2:

  • This recipe calls for a 2 oz glass spray bottle.
  • Fill 1/4 of the bottle with vodka.
  • Add 10 – 15 drops essential oil and shake.
  • Fill the rest of the way with distilled water.

Recipe #3:

  • 4 oz spray bottle
  • 1 tablespoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol
  • 20 – 30 drops essential oil
  • 6 tablespoons of water

The glass spray bottles can be found on Amazon (here), and come in amber, blue, and clear.

When You Don’t Have A Diffuser

You don’t have to have a diffuser to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. Here are some simple ideas for how to benefit from the healing fragrances of essential oils  without having to buy a diffuser

  • Inhale Directly from an Essential Oil Bottle

This basic approach to getting the aromatic benefits of essential oils works great in a pinch. Simply uncap the essential oil bottle, hold it a few inches from your nose and move your hand back and forth over the top of the essential oil bottle, moving the essential oil vapors towards your nose.

  • Use Your Hands

Put a drop of essential oil in your hand, rub your hands together, then cup your hand over your nose and inhale deeply

  • Toilet Paper Roll

Put a few drops of essential oil on the cardboard tube inside a roll of toilet paper. Every time someone unrolls some toilet paper air will flow across the essential oil and diffuse it into the air. Use single oils like lavender, lemongrass, or orange. Or combine a couple different essential oils for great new blended scents.

  • Furnace Filter

Put a few drops of essential oil on your furnace filter. When the furnace blows air over the filter the essential oils will be diffused throughout your home. The scent will fade after a couple of days. You’ll need to add additional drops of essential oil to the furnace filter every couple of days.

  • Use a Cotton Ball

Just need a quick burst of essential oils? Try using a cotton ball. Put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and then place the cotton ball in your car vent, in your floor vent, or even on the blade of a fan (please be safe– unplug fan and then tape the cotton ball to the fan and completely remove hands from the fan before plugging it back in and turning it on).

  • Tissue Method

Don’t have a cotton ball? No Problem. You can use a tissue instead. Put a couple drops of essential oil on a tissue and put it near where you work or sleep.

  • Pillow Method

Don’t have a cotton ball or a tissue? No problem. Use a cloth or even your pillow case. Put a couple drops of essential oil on the corner (or even underside) of your pillow. Perfect way to drift off and have a great night’s sleep.

  • Stuffed Animal

Similar to the pillow method, you can also put a couple drops of a kid-safe essential oil (like lavender) on a favorite stuffed animal.

  • Facial Steamer

Pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of essential oil, cover your head and the bowl with a towel, and breathe deeply.

  • Baking Soda in a Jar

Want the perfect little air freshener for a closet or mud room? Try baking soda and essential oils in a mason jar. Easy and effective! Fill a wide mouth 1 pint mason jar 1/2 full of Baking Soda, then add about 8-12 drops of your favorite essential oil.

You can paint the outer ring of the lid with spray paint to match your decor. The inner disc of the lid can be replaced with card stock or other thick decorative paper that has been cut to fit. This makes it easier to poke holes in the lid to allow the aroma to diffuse into the room.

  • Scented Pinecones

If you have collected pinecones from your yard or nature, then first start with baking the bugs out of your pinecones. Bake in 200 degree oven for 1 hour and then let completely cool

If you bought your pinecones at a store or are reusing ones from your collection of decorations, then you can skip the baking step.

Place your pinecones in a large glass or stainless steel bowl. Sprinkle pinecones with 15-20 drops of cinnamon essential oil (or Christmas blend of your choice). Toss them to coat. Cover bowl tightly. Every couple of days shake pinecones to distribute essential oil and scent. After a few weeks the pinecones are ready to use.

Source: One Essential Community

Snuggle Blend Room Spray

You will need:

  • 16 oz. spray bottle
  • 8 oz. distilled water
  • 2 oz. Witch Hazel
  • 15 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil
  • 15 drops Clove essential oil
  • 15 drops White Fir essential oil

Put the witch hazel into the spray bottle and then add the essential oils. Blend the mixture, and then add the water and shake well before using.

Note: Vodka can be substituted for the Witch Hazel.

Source: One Essential Community

Using An Ultrasonic Diffuser

The most utilized type of diffuser for essential oils today is an ultrasonic diffuser. This type uses ultrasonic waves and water to disperse essential oils into the air. They are widely available in many sizes, shapes and price ranges.

How To Use An Essential Oil Ultrasonic Diffuser:

  • Choose the Location

Pick an open area in a room or office with a solid surface or tabletop. You will need a outlet to plug it in. Also, since water is being used, it is good to have a place mat or towel down if you are using on a wood surface. For best use, avoid placing in direct sunlight or near a fan.

  • Add Water

Once you have your place picked out. Fill your diffuser to the fill line of the water reservoir with clean tap water that is room temperature. Most diffusers have a fill line on the inside of the water reservoir or a measuring cup to fill up and then add to reservoir, refer to your diffuser manual for recommended water amount your diffuser requires.

*DO NOT OVERFILL or your diffuser may not run properly.

  • Add Essential Oils

Next, add 3-10 drops of essential oils to water. You can use a single essential oil like lavender, or an essential oil blend. See below for recommend oils to diffuse. Usually 6 drops is enough but sometimes you may want more oil for a stronger scent. You can experiment with the essential oil amounts to see what you prefer.

  • Turn It On

Place cap or top of diffuser back on as your diffuser requires. Turn on. Set which features you would like if your model has options.

Not all diffusers are the same, some have options depending on the model you purchase. You may be able to set the length of time you want the diffuser on, or different time cycles you can choose from like on for 30 seconds then off for 15 seconds. Some also have light options you can turn on for a display of colors or a solid color. These features vary widely depending on brand and model.

Quick Cleaning Of Your Diffuser:

It is also best to do a quick clean after use. Just unplug diffuser and remove any water left in reservoir. Clean inside with a small brush and warm water (most diffusers come with one or you can use a clean paint brush dedicated to cleaning your diffuser). Rinse out and dry off. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean ultrasonic chip found in most water reservoirs. Let air dry.

Best Single Oils To Diffuse:

Here are some great single essential oils to diffuse alone in a diffuser along with their fragrant influences.

  • Frankincense: use during meditation, yoga, good for balancing, lifting spirits, improving focus, anxiety, spiritual awareness
  • Grapefruit: helps reduce food cravings, uplifting, balancing, enhances mood, relieves anxiety, stress, tension
  • Lavender: scent is calming, relaxing, good for sleep, anxiety, sadness, restlessness, reducing stress
  • Lemon: good for uplifting, detoxifying, cleansing, purifying, deodorizing, energizing
  • Peppermint: improved concentration, focus, alertness, respiratory support, refreshing aroma, mental fatigue, seasonal allergies, headaches

Source: Loving Essential Oils

Important Notice

Almost anyone can enjoy the benefits of an aromatherapy oil, but certain individuals, such as pregnant women, persons with allergies, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma should only use essential oils for aromatherapy under the guidance of a trained professional.

Keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated botanical extracts and should never be ingested or applied to skin at full strength. Consult a professional aromatherapist or an accredited reference on aromatherapy for advice on these uses.

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For the fragrance that came to each was like a memory of dewy mornings of unshadowed sun in some land of which the fair world in Spring is itself but a fleeting memory…

~Tolkein, The Return of the King

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I think it’s time to go shopping… maybe even buy some really cool stuff at my online shops!!

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