DIY Aromatherapy for Fall

Aromatherapy: [330/365] Dusty old flowers by Lisa Brewster (CC BY-SA 2.0)

It’s fall, and that means we finally have an excuse to break out the plaid and yoga pants. It also means that all of our favorite fall-themed things are coming back into swing. That’s right! Now is the time to make everything taste like pumpkin spice and smell like a pine forest. Today, I will show you some great ways to make your own aromatherapy fragrances.

Aromatherapy with a Candle

Homemade soy candles #holidaydiy by Shrie Bradford Spangler (CC BY 2.0)
Aromatherapy: Homemade soy candles #holidaydiy by Shrie Bradford Spangler (CC BY 2.0)

There are lots of different candles that you can make, with whatever fragrances you can think of to put in them. Some of the more popular candles include soy and beeswax, which typically last longer than a standard wax candle. Another great thing about making your own candles is getting to choose the containers the candles are made in.

Typical fragrances used in aromatherapy candles include cardamom, lavender and oranges. In order to make candles you only need a few items: a pretty jar, a wick, beeswax or soy flakes, spices, and coconut oil if you are making beeswax candles. Throw it in a pot. Baby, you’ve got a stew candle going!

Aromatherapy with a Simmer

"Sa-potpourri" by Sanjay Acharya - self-made at California, USA. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Aromatherapy: “Sa-potpourri” by Sanjay Acharya (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Have you ever heard of a simmer pot mix? They’re all the rage on the internet! These pot mixes are actually potpourri, and involve no practical crafting skill. All you need are some fragrant things (apples, cinnamon, almond extract, etc.) and a pot to boil it in. Simmer it on low heat throughout the day. You can store the aromatherapy mixes you make in a container (I like using mason jars), and they can be used for up to three days.

Aromatherapy with a Spray

Fragrance Oils by Vetiver Aromatics (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Aromatherapy: Fragrance Oils by Vetiver Aromatics (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Another foolproof DIY for aromatherapy is creating your own room spray. The only things you will need are witch hazel, and a variety of complimentary essential oils. Orange and rosemary are my personal favorites! After that, put it into a spray bottle and shake it out. That’s it! You’re all done with your own hand-crafted room spray.

Many of the items listed here can be found in grocery stores, with craft suppliers or online. When buying items, always make sure that they do not contain any chemicals that should not be heated or airborne. Some ingredients, such as juniper and pinyon pine shavings, are toxic to bugs and should be used in smaller quantities.

Have any other suggestions for aromatherapy? Let me know in the comments section. Smell ya later!