We’ll give you a recipe for making your own aromatherapy spray below, but I first want to discuss why you should avoid commercial scented products. While commercial air fresheners can eliminate or cover up these nasty odors quite effectively, many of them contain phthalates, which can increase the likelihood of serious health problems. Read more on these health dangers here.
On the other hand, if you choose to make your own or purchase pure aromatherapy products that only contain natural ingredients, you’ll also improve your mood and your health thanks to the health benefits associated with aromatherapy.
Different Types of Air Fresheners
If you’re a decor fanatic, you don’t have to worry. There is more than one type of aromatherapy air freshener and you’ll easily find one that meets your needs.
Did you know that fire and air movements affect the feng shui of your home? The flame of a candle and the air movement created by fan air fresheners will activate chi in your home. Let’s have a look at various types of air fresheners:
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- Candles. If you choose to use candles as an aromatherapy air freshener, you should know that their price will vary depending on the quality of aroma they carry. (And yes, at times, people do overcharge for poor-quality candles…)Make sure that you keep them out of children’s and pet’s reach and that you keep an eye on them while they are burning. Unfortunately, the problem with candles as air fresheners, is that they only freshen the air immediately surrounding the candle as it burns. The wick and wax can also release harmful chemicals in the air, so choose soy or beeswax candles with lead-free wicks if you can.
- Diffusers. Aromatherapy diffusers make much more efficient air fresheners. As their names indicate, they diffuse the aroma throughout a room using a fan, steam, or evaporation. The most important quality of the diffusers is that you can change the essential oil anytime and therefore get the benefits that are best suited to your mood. Here’s an example of an aromatherapy reed diffuser.
Aromatherapy Spray. Aromatherapy sprays fill your room or entire home with essential oils that affect your mind and body. Products such as this lavender vanilla scented room spray provide you with a calming, relaxing, and restful atmosphere. Want to make your own? Try this:
- Pour 3 ounces of distilled water in a brand new 4-oz spray bottle
(Avoid re-using an old hair spray bottle as the scent will be contaminated).
- Add 12 drops of grapefruit essential oil.
- Add 8 drops of spearmint essential oil.
- Shake well before each use.
- Avoid spraying the mist directly onto or above fabrics that could become stained or discolored.
- Aerosol Air Fresheners. Several large companies sell aerosol air fresheners, sometimes made especially to spray in the air, sometimes made to spray on clothing and fabric. Make sure to read the fine print on the container before spraying your air freshener onto your precious and expensive couch… You wouldn’t want to ruin the fabric, would you? And re-read the introduction at the top of this page… Most of the commercial aerosol air fresheners contain harmful chemicals…