The practice of using essential oils to increase psychological and physical health is referred to as aromatherapy. Essential oils are the essence of the plant, containing the most powerful properties, which transfer that plant's specific action to the end user in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy spritzers can be made at home using a flower's oils to provide a personal experience with that flower.
Facial Spritzers
Facial spritzers are easy to make and when used appropriately can change your outlook on the day ahead. Distilled water is safer to spray on your face than any other chemical, so start by adding 4 oz. of distilled water to a spritzer bottle. Add 8 to 10 drops of essential oil to the distilled water to make the recipe.
To make a calming spritzer after a hectic day, try adding one of these essential oils to the spritzer bottle of distilled water: four drops bergamot, four drops clary sage and two drops frankincense. Alternately, you can try six drops sandalwood and four drops bergamot. Another relaxing spritzer to try is six drops lavender and four drops clary sage. Shake your spritzer bottle well before each use and mist your face and neck with the blend.
For an invigorating, uplifting spritzer try adding four drops basil, two drops cypress and four drops grapefruit to the distilled water, or you can add six drops grapefruit and four drops ginger. Another good one to try is four drops rosemary and six drops bergamot.
If you need mental clarity, try adding six drops rosemary and four drops lemon to the spritzer bottle of distilled water. You can also try four drops rosemary, four drops cypress and two drops basil.
Room Sprays
Room sprays can be made to have the same effects as the facial spritzers, but the carrier recipe is slightly changed for the essential oils to diffuse properly through out the room. Use 1.5 oz. distilled water and 1.5 oz. of high-proof alcohol such as vodka in the spritzer bottle. Add 30 to 40 drops of essential oil to the carrier formula and spray this around the room to freshen and provide aromatherapy benefits. Try using one of the following recipes to freshen your room: 20 drops lime, 14 drops bergamot, 4 drops ylang ylang and 2 drops rose; 15 drops clary sage, 9 drops lemon and 6 drops lavender; 20 drops rosemary, 8 drops grapefruit and 4 drops peppermint. Always shake the room spritzer blend well before spraying and make sure that the mist doesn't fall onto furniture.
Precautions
Care and caution should be exercised when using essential oils. They can be caustic to the skin when used undiluted and must never be used full strength. They should never be used by children unless with adult supervision. Essential oils should be stored in a safe place where they cannot be accessed by children. They are never to be ingested and children should be taught to treat them with the same respect as medication. Additionally, essential oils should never be used on cats, as they are considered potentially toxic.
Tags: four drops, distilled water, spritzer bottle, drops bergamot, drops rosemary, clary sage