A fragrant home is a simple pleasure, but one rich in the resonance of reassurance. Subtly layering scents throughout the rooms in your home imparts a feeling of luxury to your living spaces. – Sara Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance
Fragrance is like a home designer accent. It can change the mood of your home and completely uplift your train of thought. Using essential oils is an easy way to create peace and relaxation in your home environment.
I avoid using commercial air fresheners because they contain a chemical called Phthalates which can adversely effect your health.
Phthalates cause hormonal and reproductive issues, birth defects and developmental disorders. A 2007 review by the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that 12 out of 14 widely available air fresheners contained phthalates.
Instead opt for natural air fresheners such as essential oils. Here are a few of my favorite essential oils and how diffusing them can enhance or change my mood.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a clean fresh scent that imparts the feeling of springtime. It revitalizes the mind and body. I enjoy using this oil when I’m bathing, reading a novel. It takes the whole experience to a new level.
Peppermint
It’s been used to repel rodents and insects but has a calming effect on body and mind. Can help you get rid of a headache or nagging tension. Spray your home with Peppermint when you are having a spa day or a lazy afternoon nap near your favorite window.
Lavender
Lavender is very popular. It’s very calming. Having a bad day, or entertaining a rambunctious kid, diffuse lavender essential oil. It will slow things down. When my grandson visits, I spray my sheets and pillowcases with lavender essential oil to make sure he can calm down. He’s so excited when he visits Granny that he doesn’t want to go to sleep at bedtime.
I like to diffuse essential oils but you can also make quick and easy air fresheners that work just as well. Read how to create them here.
Resources:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nontoxic-air-fresheners/