You choose the colors, lighting and decoration of your home. So why not selecting its scent? You can completely change your mood with some easy tips for aromatherapy at home.
The sense of smell is connected to the same brain area that processes memory and feelings. This is the reason why aromatherapy can influence our feelings. Just think how you feel when you smell a familiar scent that can take you to a certain moment of your life. For example, cinnamon can trigger happy family holiday memories or rose can remind you of spring.
Essential oils have various properties like energize, uplift your mood, provide focus and clarity or calm and relax. Depending on what you want to achieve you can select different essential oils for each room:
Bedroom
Sometimes you may want your bedroom to be a relaxing place for quiet sleep and others you may wish for a sensual environment. Rose, sandalwood and ylang-ylang are some of the most aphrodisiac essential oils. On the other hand if you have trouble sleeping there are a lot of blends and pillow mists that can help you improve your sleep.
Office
A burner or diffusion device can help you complete your daily tasks, study or finish that last minute presentation. The next time that you need to be alert and focused try essential oil o eucalyptus, peppermint and basil. Eucalyptus is also a strong disinfectant that clears the air. As a general rule add 3 – 5 drops of essential oil in 100 ml of water.
Kitchen
Freshen up your kitchen and get rid of cooking smells. Make a spray with 6-8 with 6-8 drops of lemongrass essential oil in 500 ml water. Shake well and spray in air (avoid wooden, polished surfaces). Other oils that work well with lemongrass is lavender or peppermint.
Dinning Room
Aromatherapy can help create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere and encourage conversation and laughter. A mix of citrus scents like bergamot and lime is a safe choice as it is a pleasant, light scent that most people like.
Living Room
Living room is one of the most important rooms and you probably want a scent that will match its overall decoration and mood. You can simply select the essential oil that you like most. A standard option for winter is orange and sandalwood. During warm months you can experiment with bergamot, geranium and lavender. Add a drop of essential oil in a cotton cloth and slip it in the sofa cushions.
Bathroom
There is nothing more enjoyable than sinking in an aromatherapy bath for 15 minutes. Not only will your bathroom smell wonderful but you will also benefit from the essential oil therapeutic properties. There is a variety of premade mixes but you can also create your own one depending on your mood. Neroli, lavender and geranium are ideal for relaxing at the end of a tough day. Blend 2 drops of each oil with 20ml of your base oil and pour into the warm water.
Precautions
A lot of essential oils are contraindicated for use during pregnancy or by people with certain health conditions like high pressure and epilepsy. If you have any health issue consult a specialist. Also pay special attention when you use burners, especially if you have children or pets. Never leave active burners without supervision.
