I was at a large Swedish furniture store yesterday and when I walk through the candle department there, my stomach always turns. Do you recognize that feeling too? That overwhelming smell of cheap, synthetic fragrances? It smells chemical and artificial and after a while it gives you a headache.
The irony is that many people bring in these fake perfumes to make their homes smell “nice. But is that really what we want? Fill our living spaces with potentially harmful substances and false aromas?
That are bad for yourself, your kids and/or your pets? Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that caress our senses without harming our health, in contrast, they can positively support you in many ways themselves!
True aromatherapy is much more than scent. It is an experience for body, mind and soul.
In this blog, I'm going to talk about the benefits of using 100% pure essential oils to make your home wonderfully and safely fragrant. I'll show you how to make your own beautiful fragrance sticks with a few simple ingredients. Ideal for the living room, bathroom or bedroom, for example …and there you can do more than provide tranquility 😉 Did you know, that there are also “exciting” aromas?
The dirty truth
Sorry, but we have to face the truth for a moment: even if the advertising shows you happy families enjoying their fragrance sprays, don't be sold for stupid. You are literally bringing poison into your home with synthetic fragrances. They are everywhere: in cleaning products, laundry detergents, home perfume products and even your personal care items. That delicious-powdery scent in that yellow bottle you bathe your kids with? Yes, that too is really not as innocent as it seems.
Most synthetic fragrances contain a mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, phthalates, benzene and toluene. These are industrial chemicals that can be harmful to health. Exposure to these substances can cause headaches, nausea, skin irritations, respiratory problems and hormonal disturbances. Some are even carcinogenic according to studies.
For pets with their sensitive olfactory senses, these chemical odors can be completely intoxicating, with risk of poisoning. And let's not forget the environment – these substances can remain in the air and groundwater as pollution for a long time after use.
So how ‘nice' do those fragrance diffusers really smell? I think you'll agree with me and let's just veterinarily choose safe, natural alternatives that won't harm your body or your environment, because obviously wanting to keep yourself and your home smelling nice is a great idea!
Conjuring a healthy fragrance oasis
Of course, you can conjure a healthy fragrance oasis in your own home! I have been choosing doTERRA essential oils for 9 years and I do so very consciously: with doTERRA, you are choosing 100% natural ingredients and, more importantly, 100% integrity towards people and the environment.
The simplest and safest way to use essential oils at home is through an oil diffuser that works with water. You pour 4-6 drops of your favorite oil or oil blend and clean water into the diffuser, set it in a safe place away from pets and children, turn it on and enjoy!
My favorite oils for the diffuser include:
– Adaptiv (for a calm atmosphere, ideal during the day or in the office)
– Air (the fresh smell of mountain air)
– Balance (the delightful scent of a lush green hue)
– Serenity (blissful for a relaxing evening)
– Passion (an uplifting scent, also at night before you go to sleep 😉may of course also be during the day or in the morning, whatever tickles your fancy)
In addition, use essential oils to support your health, such as:
– On Guard (as soon as someone in the house starts sniveling to prevent everyone else's turn later)
– A blend of Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint (for complaints due to too much pollen or dust in the air)
– Peppermint (refreshing for a tired and heavy head)
– Wild Orange (brings sunny cheer to gloom)
The beauty is that with doTERRA's oils, you have a safe, natural way to dress up your living environment while supporting your well-being. Both fragrant and beneficial!
Want to make your own space spray and fragrance sticks? You certainly can, very easily! Below are two easy DIY recipes for a space spray and essential oil fragrance sticks:
DIY Space Spray
You'll need this:
– Glass or ceramic plant sprayer/sprayer
– 1/4 cup distilled water
– 1/4 cup vodka
– 15-25 drops of essential oil(s) of your choice
Here's how to make it:
– Half fill the plant sprayer with distilled water
– Add the vodka
– Drizzle in the essential oil(s), shake well before each use
– Spray several times in the desired space and diffuse the fragrance
Fun oil combinations: Wild Orange & Peppermint, Douglas Fir & Frankincense, Lemon & Juniper Berry
DIY Fragrance Sticks
You'll need this:
– Cane sticks or bamboo sticks
– Glass jar or vase
– 1/2 cup carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil
– 20-30 drops of essential oil(s)
Here's how to make it:
– Mix the carrier oil and essential oil(s) in the jar
– Place the sticks in so that they dip well
– Let the mixture soak for 24 hours
– The sticks now gradually diffuse the fragrance
Fine combinations: Ylang Ylang & Siberian Fir, Lavender & Geranium, Cedarwood & Vanilla
So you've created your own natural fragrance systems quickly and easily! Vary nicely with your favorite doTERRA oils for unique aroma combinations.
So you see, making your own natural fragrances with essential oils from doTERRA is a piece of cake. No more crazy sprays or chemical junk, just pure nature for a healthy fragrance experience. Choose the oil combinations that suit your mood and intention and start experiencing that it makes a world of difference. From fresh and uplifting to soft and relaxing – the possibilities are endless with these scents of Mother Nature.
Your home, fellow residents, pets and health will surely be grateful.
