These All-Natural Scent DIYs Will Replace Your Candles In No Time
Out With The Artificial
Article by Luci Lammoglia, Photo by Alyssa Montoya, Graphics by Joelle Sanders & Alyssa Hoppie
Aromatherapy can take any room to the next level. From a spritz of your favorite perfume or the aroma of linen spray on freshly washed sheets, to the scent of a candle on a cozy night in, good scents have the power to instantly change a mood.
Truth be told, odds are that the ingredients in all three of these items are harmful to breathe in. The Environmental Working Group News and Analysis shares that companies have “...undisclosed chemicals that hide under the pseudonym fragrance in everyday products.” In other words, if you see the word ‘fragrance’ on a label, you should think twice and steer clear of these products. Companies are trying to hide the truth from you, which is that there are many great DIY alternatives to cleaning and cosmetic products out there that are full of essential oils and even some common plants. Make the switch to using products with natural ingredients and take care of your health and wellbeing. Here are five unique ways to use essential oils and plants:
Eucalyptus + Shower
Eucalyptus is a plant that has a well-known earthy scent and is often associated with stress relief. A bundle of branches from this plant can make a great addition to your shower, a tip inspired by YouTuber and Instagram influencer Kristin Johns (@kristinjohns and Kristin Johns on YouTube). The scent of the leaves is brought about by the steam in the shower and makes for the most ~relaxing~ experience. You can simply buy a premade bundle from Etsy or buy your own eucalyptus plants and create your own bundles. Just tie the bundle around your showerhead to turn your shower into an aromatherapy session.
Aloe Vera + Essential Oil + Rubbing Alcohol
Hand sanitizer is a commonly used product that contains a lot of mystery fragrances. Make the switch to DIY aloe vera hand sanitizer instead. There are only three ingredients needed for this simple recipe: aloe vera plant or aloe vera gel, your favorite essential oil, and rubbing alcohol. First mix aloe vera (add as much as you would like to get your desired consistency) and around ½ cup of rubbing alcohol. Drop a few droplets of your favorite essential oil and place in a bottle. Voila! You have an all-natural bottle of DIY sanitizer. NOTE: The higher percent of Isopropyl Alcohol, the more effective the hand sanitizer will be.
Fruit Peels + Sauce Pan
Collect all of your lemon, orange, and apple peels for this tip! This trick may sound odd but you will love the fresh odor that fills your kitchen as it replaces harmful room sprays with an amazing natural scent. Boil some water in a saucepan and add in your fruit peels. If you want to spice it up, add in some cinnamon. The steam from the saucepan will rise and leave your kitchen with the smell of apple cinnamon or fresh citrus, depending on which peels and spices you choose to toss in. Get creative with your combos!
Essential Oil + Distilled Water
Linen spray is a popular product and there is a simple way to make your own at home. Head to Gina Michele’s blog for a detailed list of instructions. All you need is a spray bottle, essential oil, and distilled water! Linen spray is an extra expense you probably don’t want to pay for, so try this DIY with items that are most likely lying around your house.
Essential Oil + Clothespin
This DIY is super simple and is a great natural switch from car fresheners. Instead of buying a car freshener, grab a clothespin and rub an essential oil across the wooden faces of it. Then, secure it on your car air vent. If you desire a stronger scent, repeat the process and add more clothespins. This tip is super easy, effective, and inexpensive!
These are just a few ways in which you can implement a healthy lifestyle through natural, everyday items. Use this quarantine time to continue to invent and search for natural alternatives to products with fragrances in order to kick as many of these harmful products to the curb as you can.