SUNSHINE IN A BOTTLE
Did you know that you can lift your mood by smelling something pleasant?
Our sense of smell is directly linked to our emotions and memories.
I don’t need to tell you how awful our summer has been so far, I say so far, in the hope that it will get better, it has to get better!!!???
You may be stuck indoors with a new baby or toddler, be looking out of your office window day dreaming about hot sunny days or even on your long awaited maternity leave just too feed up to go out and get wet again!
Using an essential oil burner around the house or even in your work place will lift your spirits and bring some sunshine into your life. The citrus essential oils have an aroma redolent of heat and sunshine so why not use some to lift your mood.
The best place for an essential oil burner or atomizer in the home is in your hallway. This way when anyone enters your home they will immediately be met with a pleasant aroma, also the smell will waft around your home and gently fragrance your other rooms. If you are in an office environment, check with health and safety but you could have a burner on your desk. It doesn’t need to be one with a candle you can get electric ones, therefore omitting the need for a naked flame.
Burners that are driven by a candle should have a reservoir on top where you can add water and then your drops of essential oil. Electric burners have a smaller reservoir and you should only add essential oils, no water required. Do check individual instructions which should appear on the packaging.
So now add your chosen essential oils. Add 6 drops in total made up of 2-3 different oils. This amount is safe for use in the home or work place even with a baby present. If planning to use essential oils in your baby’s bedroom you should reduce the amount to 2 drops in total. However, if using around the home in a hallway, as mentioned above, 6 drops is fine. If using a candle driven one, make sure it’s up on a high surface away from pets and toddlers and don’t leave burning for more than an hour.
Here are a few examples of essential oils that can bring sunshine into your day!
Grapefruit Citrus paradisi
Bittersweet & zesty with a refreshing ‘green’ aroma
Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis
The original sunshine smell
Just smelling this oil brings a smile to most people’s face and is totally uplifting in its aroma
Lemon Citrus limonum
A fresh bright aroma with a sharp edge, great for when you are feeling tired or feed up. Blend with Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, for a more soothing relaxing blend.
Jasmine Jasminum officinalis
This oil is actually an absolute due to the method of extraction from the plant. It’s expensive but a little goes a long way. Bring a summers evening indoors. If you have ever smelt Jasmine on a summer’s evening you will know what I mean. Blend with Grapefruit, Sweet Orange or even Lemon for a fragrant, flowery zingy aroma!
Bergamot Citrus bergamia
A smell you may be familiar with as it’s the flavouring in Earl Grey Tea. Bergamot is a fantastic oil to lift your spirits. It has a rich, sweet fruity odour and blends well with most other essential oils.
These are just a few of the many you could experiment with, don’t forget just 6 drops in total and transform your grey day into a bright day… Bring on the sunshine!