Scentsational: DIY aromatherapy recipes for cleaning and the home

Georgia Madden on Houzz

Each of us has our favourite scents and the memories that go with them, whether it’s the aroma of freshly baked bread that reminds you of your mother’s kitchen, or the smell of newly cut grass that takes you straight back to the first day of summer.

Aromatherapy, using pure essential oils, is considered by many to have a powerful effect on the body and mind, calming you, energising you and altering your mood. We’ve asked aromatherapy specialist and founder of Hanako Therapies, Rachel Holm, to reveal her all-time favourite recipes, which you can recreate in your own home.

What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of pure and natural essential oils. These oils are concentrated extracts from flowers, plants, trees, shrubs, resins and seeds. Essential oils are not only aromatic, but are known for their healing properties, promoting physiological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

What’s so special about them?
Plants have been used for thousands of years for healing, health, beauty and purification. Pure essential oils made from plants contain antibacterial, anti-fungal, calmative and anti-depressive properties, just to name a few. On an emotional level, they have the power to both re-energise and calm the nerves.

Adding them to your home and wellness regime is a great first step to setting up a beautiful, non-toxic living environment.

Is there a difference between essential oils and fragrances?
While synthetic fragrances may smell lovely, researchers have found that only pure, natural essential oils can gift you the benefits of aromatherapy.

It’s also important to be aware that not all essential oils are the same quality. Seek out pure, unadulterated essential oil, ideally organic or wildcrafted.

Pure essential oils can be incorporated into every room of the house. Just remember, these oils are very potent and should be used with care.

Here are a few of my favourite recipes:

Kitchen Benchtop Cleaning Solution

In a large spray bottle, combine:
1 teaspoon unscented liquid castile soap*

1 cup water

10 drops lavender pure essential oil

10 drops rosemary pure essential oil

10 eucalyptus pure essential oil

Shake and spritz on benchtops.

* Liquid castile soap is a vegetable-based soap that contains no surfactants and is free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, phthalates, formaldehyde and PEGs.

Toy-Cleaning Solution

In a bowl or bucket combine:
1 tablespoon unscented liquid castille soap

1 cup hot water

1 cup white vinegar

50 drops lemon pure essential oil

Place toys in the bowl or bucket and and give them a good scrub all over; leave to dry on a dishrack or out in the sun.

Moth Ball Recipe

Put a few drops of lavender and rosemary essential oil onto a handful of cotton balls and place inside drawers or cupboards.

Insect Repellent Recipe

Pour your favourite carrier oil* into a small bottle. Add 5 drops of lemongrass pure essential oil and 5 drops of lavender pure essential oil.

Shake and rub onto the skin before heading outside.

* A carrier oil is a seed or plant oil used to dilute the pure essential oils, so they are safe to use on the skin and are more easily absorbed. There are many types to choose from, including avocado, olive, sweet almond, coconut and jojoba. Seek out organic, cold-pressed or unrefined types.

Stress Busters

Feeling anxious or stressed? Try these soothing solutions.

Choose from lavender, rose geranium, clary sage, sandalwood, neroli, bergamot, marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang or frankincense essential oil.

Place a few drops of one of these into a diffuser to create a relaxing haven.

Or add a few drops of lavender and rose geranium to a warm bath and let the day melt away.

To relieve tension, place a few drops of lavender essential oil and some Epsom salts into a warm bath.

To soothe sore muscles, use a few drops of peppermint or juniper essential oil instead.

Flu and Headache Relievers

To ease a stuffy nose, add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a vaporiser and let it steam away overnight, or place a few drops onto a tissue and breathe in.

To ease a headache, mix 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil with 1 or 2 drops of pure peppermint essential oil, and rub onto temples and pulse points.

Brain Boosters

Do you need help focusing, or do you want to help your teenager study for their exams? If so, peppermint, lemon, clary sage, basil, cedarwood, lemongrass, rosemary, juniper or cypress essential oils can all boost concentration. Add a few drops of your chosen oil to a diffuser, or place onto a tissue or piece of fabric and inhale the scent.

Alternatively, put a drop into the palms of your hands and rub them together; close your eyes and place your hands over your face, then take three deep breaths. Slowly pull your hands away from your face and open your eyes.

Fatigue Fighter
Need help getting up in the morning? Here are some ideas:

Juniper, orange, rosemary, cardamom, basil, black pepper, grapefruit, clove and bergamot essential oils will all help put the spring back in your step.

Add a few drops of one of these along with some organic almond oil to a small glass bottle. Massage into your skin and then rub with a dry skin brush before showering (for an extra boost, set the water to cool for two minutes). You will feel amazing and won’t even need to apply moisturiser afterwards.