[1]Aromatherapy has been shown to have a profound impact on lifting moods, purifying the air, and making a room smell great in the process.
This type of therapy interacts with the “emotional brain” or limbic system. During inhalation, odor molecules travel through the nose and affects the brain through a variety of receptor sites, one of which is the limbic system.
As much as I love to use my oil diffusers in many rooms of my home, I have begun to steer clear of the oil refills that are commercially sold as they contain artificial fragrances or the carrier oils are phthalate-laden [2] and defeat the purpose of breathing in healthy aromas for therapy.
Instead, I have found that mixing your own essential oil solution with a little vodka and a carrier oil can help you create a more natural, balanced, healthier oil solution to add to your diffusers.
Make Your Own Essential Oil Solution For Diffusers
Here’s what you need:
- 1/4 cup carrier oil (safflower [3] or almond oil [4] works best. See this complete list of carrier oils [5])
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 25 drops of essential oils
Because you will be combining oils, I recommend you purchase a set of essential oils. This is one of my favorite kits [6].
I have found that making your own essential oil diffuser is simple. All you need is a small container and a blending of your favorite oils. Ensure that the vessel you use has a small neck. This will help to prevent rapid evaporation of the essential oils. Here are some other ideas:
- flower bud vase with a small neck
- votive candle holders
- ceramic vases [7] or containers (ensure the vase is glazed inside so that it doesn’t leak)
- empty spice jars
- rattan reeds [8]
A note on reeds: Rattan reeds are better to use thank bamboo because the capillary action of the reeds pulls the oils up through the reed and the oil is slowly diffused into the air.
Also, an alternative to do-it-yourself oil diffusers is to consider using rice. Adding a small amount of rice to a bowl and pouring the essential oil liquid (listed above) over it will also create pleasing aromatic effect. The evaporation rate may be faster because the oils are exposed so openly, but it will work all the same. You can also make aromatherapy rice bags, as well. Here are instructions [9] in creating this project.
Get in the Mood
Now that you know how to create essential oil liquid for your diffuser, now it’s time to get in the mood! We found the following list for essential oil combination blends used to balance moods and adapted them in order to add them to the diffuser. The originals to these blends can be found here [10].
1. Blends to Combat Anger
- 12 drops Orange
- 10 drops Patchouli
2. Anxiety Blend
- 12 drops Lavender
- 10 drops Clary Sage
3. Blends to Help with Depression
- 12 drops Bergamot
- 10 drops Clary Sage
4. Energizing Blends
- 12 drops Bergamot
- 10 drops Rosemary
5. Blends to Ease Loneliness
- 10 drops Bergamot
- 12 drops Clary Sage
6. Stress Relieving Blends
- 10 drops Clary Sage
- 4 drop Lemon
- 4 drop Lavender
7. Blends to Ease the Winter Blues
- 12 drops Orange
- 8 drops Grapefruit
or
- 12 drops Bergamot
- 10 drops Clary Sage
8. Blends to Ease Fear
- 12 drops Grapefruit
- 10 drops Bergamot
9. Blends to Help Increase Confidence
- 12 drops Orange
- 10 drops Rosemary
10. Blends to Enhance Memory and Concentration
- 12 drops Rosemary
- 10 drops Lemon
or
- 10 drops Peppermint
- 12 drops Lemon
The next time you feel that your mood is”off” or that you want to enhance your memory try some of these essential oil combinations and see the positive effects. Aromatherapy is a natural way to improve and balance your moods and create a healthier environment.