A Fresh Start to the New Year - Natural Home Fragrancing

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to be kinder to yourself and the planet why not throw out all your plug-in or spray air fresheners and try our more natural, therapeutic approach to home fragrancing. Not only will this reduce the chemical intake in your house but it will also help to enhance you and your family's physical and emotional wellbeing!

Kitchen and/or Dining Room
Blend Lemongrass and Palmarosa. Both are pungent citrus oils that can mask smells without being overpowering and without clashing with the delicious aromas of fresh coffee or baking. Many people make the mistake of using Lemon in the kitchen. The molecules in Lemon oil are very small which means the oil is volatile i.e. it disappears quickly. If you do want to use Lemon or Lime then combine it with a touch of Vanilla. Vanilla is a base note (with big molecules) and it will help hold the scent of the citrus oil in the air.

Lounge
Bergamot, Orange Sweet and May Chang with a touch of Frankincense. As the day moves to evening more Frankincense can be added to increase the relaxing effect. Frankincense is another base note and helps to fix the scent in the air.

Hall and Stairs
May Chang is wonderfully fresh and has an uplifting bouquet.

Bedrooms
Ylang Ylang, Petitgrain and Lavender for a rich, sensual scent without being overpowering. In children’s rooms the Ylang Ylang should be replaced with soothing Chamomile.

Toilet and Shower Areas
My personal favourite, Lemon Eucalyptus with a touch of Tea Tree and Peppermint. Fresh, antiseptic and pungent enough to disguise any unwanted odours. Reminiscent of the bathing areas of luxury spas.

Bathrooms
A more relaxed approach – Lemon Eucalyptus with a touch of Tea Tree but softened with generous amounts of Lavender and Sandalwood.

If your oils are good quality, pure essential oils and they are clear then you can, in most cases, drop them straight onto a dark carpet or rush matting without any stain (do spot test first). This is ideal in the kitchen, hall or bathroom areas. If you don’t want to do this then be creative:-

• Put the essential oils on to your duster and wipe surfaces


• Put tissues, which have had oils dripped on to them., behind warm radiators


• Use flame free vaporisers such as the Aromas Stream or bowls of water with oils in them left in warm areas
  

Julie Foster
Aromatherapist
BA (Hons) ITEC, MFHT, MFHL