Create Your Own Custom-Formula Aromatherapy Sprays - By: Norah Charles

Natural aromatic oils are a feast for our senses, and their individual properties work their magic in a holistic way on the health of our mind, spirit, and psyche. As a preventative medicine, aromatherapy is unsurpassed; it is useful in balancing psychological health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue. The aromatic use of essential oils is also wonderful for overall mood enhancement, stress reduction and even sleep enhancement. And one of the most simple and effective means of using essential oils is in an aromatherapy pray. These easily made 'mists' are a wonderful way to introduce the natural healing effects of essential oils to your family, and create a high-vibration atmosphere in your home.

Making your own aroma-mists is a great summertime activity to do on your own, or with friends and family. Allowing each person that will use the mists to choose their own scents maximizes the therapeutic benefits of their creations. Generally, the aromas that most appeal to an individual produce the most profound result, be it uplifting, calming or otherwise. If one doesn't like the scent, one is not likely to use the mist, or may be put off, rather than supported by its aromatic actions. Also, getting others involved will bring them a new awareness of natural health and healing in a fun way that doesn't appear like they're taking medicine. As a parent, this can be especially appealing as it may even draw your children into a lifestyle of natural health from an early age.

To get started, you'll only need a few simple items: One or more spray bottles - dark blue or amber glass bottles with pump tops are best, as the dark glass is the best container for natural oils and blends. The smaller one and two ounce sizes are also easy for little hands to use. A measuring pipette is useful, or a plastic eye-dropper. While the small glass bottles are relatively durable, small glass eye droppers are not as much - they will do, however, if you deem them safe for everyone involved in making the blends. Next, for the spray base, you can use simply distilled or spring water. If you think you'll be making several bottles at once that might be stored for more than a two months, find some natural Witch Hazel extract to add to your blends as well.

Then of course you'll need some essential oils. There is a huge difference in aromatic quality between oils available today - the finest ones will have very brilliant and alive aromas. They may cost a little more, but you'll be using only drops at a time, and the difference in the scents will have a significant impact on you and your family's enjoyment of your sprays. Oils of marginal quality will often make one smile a little and say 'huh, that smells nice', whereas exceptional oils usually get 'WOW', accompanied by a really big grin. Blends that smell spectacular will certainly get used more, and will likely have greater psychological and emotional therapeutic effects.

If you'll be making blends with or for children, you'll also want to consider safety. We'll note here of any safety concerns with these recipes, but if you venture to make your own, check in to the safety of the particular oils you'll be using. Flower oils like Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood and Rose are safe and non-irritating. Citrus oils, with their uplifting aromas are safe in the quantities described, though they should not be applied to the skin frequently or in significant amounts. Evergreen oils like Pine, Spruce and Juniper similarly may cause skin irritation if overly sprayed on the skin. Finally, very pungent oils like Peppermint, Clove and especially Cinnamon may cause irritation if inhaled in even moderate quantities, and it is these oils you'll want to keep from having little children handle if they are making blends with you. In general, with the dilutions used in aromatherapy sprays, you should be safe with misting a room for a pleasant aroma; As a rule, do not spray any essential oils near the eyes or on the face.

So, now you can create your misters! The basic formula is exceptionally simple: fill your small bottles almost to the top with water or 1:4 Witch Hazel and water mixture, then add the essential oils drop by drop. Once the oils are added, just tighten the cap and shake well until you no longer see the oil and water quickly separating when done. Don't worry if the oils DO still separate a little, this is natural - just shake gently before each use and you'll spritz quite enough aroma into your space. For the most simple formulas, just use a four to sixteen drops of any one essential oil per ounce of water. French Lavender, Geranium, Rose, Sandalwood and Chamomile are excellent choices, as are any of the evergreen oils, or the citrus oils. Steer toward smaller amounts of the essential oil if intending to use the formula with children.

If you'd like to make something a little more fancy for children and even infants, try two drops each of Lavender and Roman Chamomile in pure water. Both these oils are broadly appealing, and have very soothing effects on children. This recipe might even be used regularly as a sleep aid at night or at nap time.

Looking for an aroma to brighten everyone's day? Try one or more of the oils cold-pressed from the peels of citrus fruits: Sweet Orange, Lemon, Lime, and Bergamot have a perky 'sweet-tart' aroma. The oils from Tangerine and Red Mandarin are somewhat sweeter, being even more appealing to kids. All these oils will mix well together too; you can pick two or more and create a new fruit flavor! These oils are all considered natural anti-depressants in aromatherapy, and will lighten the atmosphere in any home.

Finally, the evergreen oils are very popular as room fresheners. These are the essential oils distilled from the needles of Pine, Spruce, Balsam Fir and from Juniper Berries. Like the citrus oils, these all blend well together, and mixing them creates very complementary scents. Juniper Berry is especially lively and bright; Pine is a classic evergreen aroma, and Balsam Fir and Spruce are somewhat richer and more complex. Like the citrus oils too, these are uplifting aromas, though they seem to be uplifting and grounding at the same time.

Really, any essential oil will work in an aroma-mist. Using flower essences in addition to essential oils would create an especially therapeutic blend. Experiment to your heart's content; you can easily create a blend for every room, or every time of day. This is a wonderful way to bring the healing effects of nature into your home, and support your family's health and wellbeing with essential oils.

Natural aromatic oils are a feast for our senses, and their individual properties work their magic in a holistic way on the health of our mind, spirit, and psyche. As a preventative medicine, aromatherapy is unsurpassed; it is useful in balancing psychological health conditions such as anxiety, depre

For more, visit http://www.synergyessentialoils.com or www.anandaapothecary.com.