When we remember the holidays of our childhood, one of the first things we recall is the smell - evergreens, baking cookies, sizzling turkey, roast potatoes, spiced oranges and candy. Instantly, we are transported backwards in time. So how can we recreate the magic and perhaps add something new? Below are a few recipes, ideas and suggestions to try, to add an aromatic feast to this years festivities.
Potpourri or Diffuser Blends
These are delicious essential oil blends for use with potpourri or to place in your diffuser. Add 8-10 drops to a diffuser and 4 drops per ounce of potpourri. To create a larger quantity of a particular blend, just double or triple the recipe.
Evergreen Memories
5 drops fir needle
5 drops cedarwood
5 drops juniper
2 drops cypress
6 drops spruce
This blend can be used to freshen up trees or wreaths or to use when you don't have a fresh tree.
Orange Spice
12 drops orange
7 drops cinnamon
5 drops ginger
1 drop nutmeg
You can use either of these blends to scent wrapping or cards. Simply place several drops on a cotton ball and place in a Ziploc bag or larger plastic bag with the paper or cards you want to scent. Make sure not to let the oil touch the items, so as not to stain them. Leave them overnight and you will have beautifully fragrant cards and wrapping.
Calming Holiday Stress
We all know how stressful it can be trying to get everything ready to have fun! So here's an essential oil blend to help take the edge off.
7 drops lavender
4 drops chamomile
3 drops frankincense
6 drops clary sage
You can use this blend in the diffuser or rub a drop or two on your wrists and behind your ears. You can also add it to one ounce of vegetable oil and use it in the bath.
Easy Holiday Candles
Light a candle and wait until the wax has melted at the top. Then add 1 drop of pine, bay or mandarin essential oil
Cookies
Add three drops of ginger essential oil to a batch of gingerbread cookies for a really fresh ginger taste. (Editor's note: Make sure you use a ginger essential oil suitable for ingestion.)
About the Author
To find out more about how to blend oils and what they can be used for, please click here. Laura Moorehead is a professional Aromatherapist with over 16 years of clinical experience in the field. She teaches an online Aromatherapy course which can be found at http://www.aromatherapyonlinecourse.com.
