Creating An Aroma: A Beginner's Guide To Fragrance

Aromas can be used to create a sanctuary in your home, transport you to another place, or conjure memories and emotions. They can be made using essential oils, which can be purchased or made at home. To make your own, you'll need a still or a kit, and you can create your own infused oils by soaking herbs or plants in a carrier oil. There are 14 recognised categories of aroma types, including fruity, citrus, floral, green, herbal, caramellic, roasted, nutty, spicy, woody, cheesy, animal and chemical.

Use essential oils

Using essential oils is a great way to create a personalised aroma. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from the leaves, flowers, and stems of plants. They can be used in a variety of ways to create an aroma, including:

• Inhalation: The easiest method is to open a bottle of pure essential oil and inhale directly from the bottle. Alternatively, you can use a diffuser, humidifier, or bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to inhale the steam.
• Topical application: Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, but they must be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive, jojoba, or coconut oil, to avoid irritation. Apply to areas of muscular pain, tightness, and tension, or to pressure points such as the temples, wrists, and third eye.
• Aromatherapy accessories: Essential oils can be applied to necklaces, bracelets, and keychains made with absorbent materials, allowing you to carry the scent with you throughout the day.
• Aroma stick: Portable plastic sticks with an absorbent wick that soaks up essential oil and can be carried around and inhaled as needed.
• Cotton material: Adding a few drops of essential oil to a dry material such as a cotton ball or fabric and placing it near you allows the scent to disperse naturally.
• Bath or shower: Adding a few drops of essential oil to your bathwater or shampoo/conditioner is a great way to enjoy the aroma and potential benefits of the oils.

When creating an aroma with essential oils, it is important to consider safety precautions. Do not ingest essential oils, and avoid direct contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes, ears, and mouth. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, especially before topical application, and perform a patch test to check for potential skin allergies. Additionally, consider the presence of children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and pets in the environment, as certain essential oils can be dangerous for these groups.

Infuse herbs in oil

Infusing herbs in oil is a great way to create aromatherapy oils. The process involves transferring the scent and flavour of herbs, flowers, or spices into a carrier oil. This can be done by heating the ingredients or letting them sit in a sunny spot. Here are the steps to create herb-infused oils:

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to prepare your herbs. Wash and completely dry the herbs you have chosen. If you are using fresh herbs, you can bruise or rub them to release their flavours. For dried herbs, grind them with a mortar and pestle. If you are using spices, toasting them will help bring out their flavour.

Infusion

Next, place your herbs in a clean, dry glass jar. Add oil to the jar, ensuring that the herbs are completely covered. Place a lid on the jar and close it tightly. If you are using the heating method, place the jar on a hot plate and simmer for a few hours. For the folk or simplers' method, place the jar in a sunny, warm spot and shake it once or more per day.

Storage

After a week or two, drain the oil from the jar into a clean, dry jar using a sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter. If you are using the folk method, you may need to skim off any herbs that have floated to the top and started to mould or decay. Taste or smell the oil to determine if the flavour or scent is strong enough. If you wish to intensify the infusion, add more herbs to the oil, close the lid, and let it sit for another week.

Once you are happy with the intensity of your oil, pour it into a clean glass bottle. You can add a fresh sprig of herb or a pretty ribbon to make it look fancy. Be sure to label your bottles with the date and contents. Store your infused oil in a cool, dry, and dark place. The oil should last for up to a year, or you can add vitamin E to prolong its shelf life.

Tips

• It is important to use completely dry jars and herbs to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria.
• Avoid introducing moisture into the oil, as this can cause rancidity or mould.
• You can use a variety of carrier oils, such as olive oil, fractionated (MCT) coconut oil, grape seed oil, or sunflower oil.
• For culinary oils, it is best to make small quantities at a time, as fresh herb-infused oils do not keep as long.
• You can blend different herbs together to create synergistic infusions. For example, combining hops flowers, lavender flowers, and chamomile flowers in jojoba oil makes a wonderful blend for massages.

Create a fragrance diffuser

How to Create a Fragrance Diffuser

Creating a fragrance diffuser is an easy and inexpensive way to fill your home with a scent you love. All you need are a few household items and your favourite essential oil. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own reed diffuser:

Materials

• A small vase or glass bottle with a narrow opening at the top to prevent evaporation.
• 1/4 cup of unscented baby oil or a light carrier oil such as almond, mineral, safflower, or jojoba oil.
• 3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol or vodka to help the scent travel up the diffuser rods (at least 90% isopropyl for alcohol).
• 20-30 drops of your favourite essential oil.
• Bamboo skewers or diffuser reeds.
• A small metal funnel (optional).

Method

• Mix the carrier oil and alcohol or vodka in a small bowl.
• Add 20-30 drops of your chosen essential oil to the mixture.
• Using a funnel, pour the mixture into your chosen vase or bottle until it is about 3/4 full.
• Place 3-6 wooden skewers or reeds into the vase.
• If desired, cut the reeds or skewers so that they are 4-6 inches above the vase for aesthetic and stability reasons.

Tips

• Rotate the diffuser rods every month so that the dry end is soaked in the oil mixture.
• The rods will need to be replaced after 4-6 months when they no longer diffuse the fragrance.
• Check the liquid in the vase every month and top it up as needed.
• To make your diffuser smell stronger, add more reeds or use bolder-scented oils.

Customising Your Fragrance

You can experiment with different essential oils to create your own unique fragrance blends. Here are some seasonal blend ideas to get you started:

• For spring, mix citrus, Cedarwood, lavender, geranium, and jasmine essential oils.
• For summer, combine lavender, magnolia, bergamot, and lemon essential oils.
• To evoke autumn, try a blend of juniper berry, Cedarwood, balsam, cardamom, and cinnamon essential oils.
• For a wintery scent, use Douglas fir, Cedarwood, juniper berry, spruce, and patchouli essential oils.

Enjoy your customised fragrance diffuser!

Use a cotton ball

Cotton balls are versatile tools that can be used to create and spread aromas in various ways. Here are some methods to create a pleasant aroma using cotton balls:

Cotton Balls with Essential Oils

A simple and effective way to create an aroma is by using cotton balls soaked in essential oils. Choose an essential oil of your preference, such as lavender or lemon, and add a few drops to a cotton ball. The cotton ball can then be placed in a variety of locations to freshen up the scent. For example:

• Laundry: Toss the essential oil-infused cotton ball into the dryer with your wet laundry. The heat from the dryer will help disperse the scent onto your clothes. This method offers an eco-friendly and non-toxic alternative to conventional dryer sheets.
• Drawers and Closets: Place a few drops of essential oil on cotton balls and put them in your drawers or closets. The scent will gradually be absorbed by your clothes, keeping them smelling fresh.
• Trash Cans: Soak a cotton ball in essential oils and place it at the bottom of your trash can, under the liner. This will help mask unpleasant odours and keep the area around the trash can smelling pleasant.

DIY Fabric Softener and Linen Spray

Cotton balls can also be used in creating your own fabric softener and linen spray. Here's how:

• Fabric Softener: Mix one part vinegar and two parts water with a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Use this mixture as you would a conventional fabric softener, adding a pleasant scent to your laundry.
• Linen Spray: Create a linen spray by mixing water, a small amount of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, and your chosen essential oils. After your clothes are dry, give them a quick spritz to refresh their scent. This spray can also be used on sheets, towels, or other linens.

Steam inhalation

• Boil water and pour it into a bowl.
• Add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil to the hot water. Adjust the quantity based on your preference and the oil's potency.
• Position your face over the bowl at a comfortable distance, ensuring you can inhale the rising steam.
• Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.
• Close your eyes and inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for at least two to five minutes.
• Take breaks if needed. If you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, take short breaks during the session.
• Repeat the process for 5-10 minutes, allowing the steam to work its magic.

It is important to note that steam inhalation is not recommended for children due to the risk of burns. Additionally, steam inhalation won't directly treat an illness, but it can help loosen mucus and provide temporary relief from symptoms.

Now, let's talk about adding aromas to your steam inhalation:

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Eucalyptus oil is excellent for respiratory relief and decongestion. It helps open up airways, providing relief from flu symptoms and breathing difficulties.
• Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint oil is a refreshing remedy for clearing sinus passages and reducing inflammation. It provides a cooling sensation and relief from sinus headaches.
• Tea Tree Essential Oil: Tea tree oil has potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it ideal for combating sinus infections and providing relief from cold and flu symptoms.
• Thyme Essential Oil: Thyme oil helps reduce mucus, making it effective for those with respiratory issues such as coughs and shortness of breath.
• Rosemary Essential Oil: Inhaling rosemary-infused steam helps clear mucus and is beneficial for those dealing with chest congestion and shortness of breath. It also helps reduce anxiety caused by congestion.
• Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender oil has a calming aroma that soothes the senses and alleviates sinus congestion and coughs. It is particularly effective in easing respiratory discomfort.
• Frankincense Essential Oil: Frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to ease respiratory irritation and promote overall respiratory well-being.
• Clove Essential Oil: Clove oil helps clear nasal passages and provides relief from sinuses and chest congestion.
• Oregano Essential Oil: Oregano essential oil has antibacterial properties and helps reduce congestion, offering relief from chest congestion and sinus discomfort.
• Chamomile Essential Oil: Chamomile oil has calming and relaxing properties, making it ideal for stress and anxiety relief, especially when dealing with respiratory discomfort.
• Cypress Essential Oil: Cypress essential oil helps clear the airways and provides relief from conditions like bronchitis.
• Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon essential oil promotes respiratory health and uplifts the mood, making it a versatile choice for overall well-being.

When using essential oils for steam inhalation, always dilute them and perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure safety. Maintain a safe distance from the hot water bowl to prevent burns, and limit inhalation sessions to 5-10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions