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| Home > Aromatherapy at Home > Scenting the House
| | | Scenting the House by Aromatheraphy Oils
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 Widespread cosmetic industry dedicated to perfumes, deos, air freshners and incense is the proof for our strong attachment with innumerable Aromas. We inhale fragrance through our nasal membrane, where it directly interacts with the nerves to give profound effect on our physiological and psychological being. Scientific studies have showed that some particular fragrances calm down our heartbeat and nervous system, while others create varied effects. Not only that, an aroma can be emotionally relating. A certain aroma may remind you the favourite perfume of your sweetheart, your childhood home, closeness to nature, or even fears (like aromas related with hospitals, or some bad experience). The sense of smell directly connects to the "limbic" region of the brain, which relates to our memories and emotions.
The universal conclusion remains that inhaling aromas has profound effect on our being, likes and dislikes, moods and temperament along with our physiological processes.
Inhaling an aromatheraphy oil can be simplest of all methods leading to fast and easy effects. Not only that! More than one person can get benefited with it when used in the form of room fresheners and vaporizers. Aromatherapy presents natural perfumes, that pleases the entire body.
Here is a guide to how to prepare and use essential oils for inhalation, with some of the best essential-oil combinations for each method.
Direct Inhalation:
You may inhale undiluted aromatheraphy oil from a tissue or handkerchief, but only in moderation. Two drops of oil tipped directly onto the fabric is enough to last for several hours. Place it on your pillow at night or in your breast pocket or bra during the day. Don`t inhale through the bottle directly for long. Keep the cover of the bottle tightly closed when work is done.
Inhalation with Steam:
 Inhaling the oils with warm steam in a small space means you get maximum benefits in minimum time. It is ideal for treating coughs or colds, or for treating your skin to a steam facial. The best method is to place 1 litre of boiling water in a heat-retaining bowl, and add five drops of essential oil to the surface of the water. Bend forward over the bowl and drape a large towel over your head to trap the evaporating oils and steam. Inhale the vapors for a few minutes, and then add a little more boiling water to evaporate off any remaining essential oil. The congestion and skin pores open up in no time, giving you warm soothing effects.
Best Oils for Inhalation
· Chamomile (for sleeplessness)
· Eucalyptus (for chest / Nasal congestion)
· Frankincense (depression, anxiety)
· Myrrh (for sore throat, coughs)
· Peppermint (for energy, concentration)
Rom Sprays
For a natural, non-aerosol aromatherapy air freshener, add ten drops of essential oil to half a litre (one pint) of water in a pump-action spray bottle (the kind used for watering houseplants). Shake the mixture well before pumping four or five sprays into the air to deodorize, freshen and scent a room.
Oils as aromatherapy air freshner:
· Lavender (to kill airborne germs in the house)
· Lemon (air freshener for the toilet)
· Peppermint (to remove the stale smell of cigarette Smoke)
Recommended Combinations
· 3 drops each pine, rosemary and lavender.
(Disinfecting, for bathrooms, rubbish bins, damp or Mould)
· 5 drops each lemon and lime. (Deodorizing, for wardrobes, cupboards, bathrooms, cooking smells)
Room vaporizers:
 It is advisable to use only single essential oils to scent a room, as combinations of more than one don`t keep their individual aromas particularly well. However, you can change oils every day if you wish, so there is plenty of variation.
One effective method is to buy essential oil burners that have a saucer fixed above a stand that holds a candle. Fill the saucer with hot water, add up to eight drops of essential oil, and light the candle to keep the water hot enough to make the oil evaporate. They scent a room quickly and only need to be placed on a steady, safe surface out of the reach of children or pets. Top up with water and oil every three to four hours.
OR You can make your own version by standing a saucer of hot water on top of a central-heating radiator.
You can also buy small metal or compressed card rings, which sit on top of an ordinary light-bulb and gently warm the four or five drops of essential oil placed on them. They scent a room quickly and almost as potently as the burners.
Best Oils for Room Vaporizers
· Bergamot (uplifting, refreshing, deodorizing)
· Eucalyptus (for chest/nasal congestion, mental Alertness)
· Geranium (energizing yet relaxing)
· Jasmine (for euphoria, confidence, dinner parties)
· Lavender (for tension, nerves, tiredness)
· Mandarin (for sleeplessness, soothing, calming)
· Neroli (calming, soothing, sensual)
· Peppermint (for energy, alertness)
· Sandalwood (relaxing, mellowing, romantic)
· Ylang-ylang (hypnotic, sensual, uplifting)
Pot- Pourri
Make your own Fragrance emitter by following guidelines:
· Mix together dried leaves, flowers and herbs (geranium, rose, lavender, pinks, cornflowers, citrus blossoms, etc)
· Add spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, allspice), a little talcum powder and favourite essential oils.
· The basic mix should contain six cups of dried plants, two tablespoons of talc and 12 drops of essential oils.
Leave it in an airtight container, shaking and inverting it daily for a fortnight until the talc and dried materials have absorbed the aromas. Then place it in an open bowl or jar to fragrance a room. Refresh it when needed by adding a few more drops of essential oils.
Wod Fires
Since heat makes essential oils more potent, pour a maximum of 12 drops on three pieces of wood about 15 minutes before lighting the fire. It will warm and scent your room simultaneously. If you don`t have an open fire, a similar effect can be achieved by dropping your favourite essence onto a radiator.
Best Oils for Wood Fires are Geranium, Neroli, Lavender, Sandalwood, lime, Rose, Orange and jasmine.
Combination Aromas
For winter
4 drops each ginger, orange and sandalwood
For summer
4 drops each bergamot, geranium, lavender
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