"Essential" Tips from Heloise

Aromatic Essential Oils for Home

The sense of smell is a powerful thing. According to the Sense of Smell Institute, people can recall specific smells with 65 percent accuracy year after year. This is clearly demonstrated at the holidays, when the aroma of a particular dish or baked good can transport a person back to childhood, and scents of pine needles, peppermint and cinnamon can instantly fuel the festive spirit.

Essential oils and the power of scent is a fascinating subject –and it’s a science! However, you don’t need to be a scientist to utilize essential oils to create natural home fragrances that will stimulate the senses and make your home a haven at the holidays and year-round.

Heloise offers the following ideas to use essential oils, such as orange, anise, almond, lavender, bergamot, cinnamon, peppermint and eucalyptus around the home.

• Homemade Air Fresheners: Place a couple of drops of essential oil on a folded paper towel or on cotton balls. Place in a margarine container, poke holes in the lid, then place in an out-of-sight area in the room, such as behind furniture. Make the scents seasonal – for instance, use peppermint or cinnamon at the holidays and lavender in the spring. Note: Be sure to keep away from small children and animals.
• Rejuvenate Potpourri, Dried Flowers and Wreaths: Add a few drops of the appropriate essential oil to freshen and revive. Note: Avoid putting oil directly on silk flowers or any material because it could stain.
• Roll Out the Aroma: You don’t have to spend the day baking to create a warm, inviting smell in your kitchen. Place a few drops of cinnamon, anise, orange or peppermint oil on the inside of the cardboard tube of your paper towel roll and an inviting, yet subtle, scent will fill the room. The same can be done in the bathroom on the toilet paper roll.
• Scented Storage Areas: Your storage and "work" areas don’t need to smell musty. Place a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or cosmetic pad. Place the cotton ball or pad inside a plastic bag, poke a few air holes in it, then bend a paper clip to hang. Certain oils work better for certain spaces:
• Closet: lavender, bergamot or almond
• Garage: cinnamon, eucalyptus, clove
• Cupboard: orange, cinnamon, peppermint
• Laundry room: lavender, almond, peppermint
• Attic/basement: bergamot, orange and peppermint
• Aromatherapy While You Read: Place a drop or two of your favorite essential oil on the cool lightbulb of your reading lamp. Enjoy the aroma while the light bulb heats up for some truly relaxing "me" time.
• Freshen Your Car: Place a few drops of essential oils on a cotton ball and place it in your car trash bag or in the ashtrays.