Make Your Own Safe Aromatherapy Air Freshners

Whether they are plug-in, gels, sprays or solids, air fresheners are loaded with harmful chemicals and bring the health risks that we associate with second-hand smoke. The chemicals reach our noses, and enter our body systems and wreck havoc. We assume that because the product is readily available, and carries a nice picture of natural flowers permeating a room, that the product is safe. They are not.

The chemical byproducts included in these air fresheners include benzene and formaldehyde, and phthalates. These can aggravate asthma, and are linked to developmental problems in babies and cancer in laboratory animals.

Why isn’t the consumer informed about these risks? Fortunately, there is a petition to have the products regulated by the government. Warning labels would be a nice addition.

Until then, you can have some fun creating your own healthy alternatives to air fresheners. These natural aromatherapy air fresheners are not only free from harmful chemicals, but can kill germs, help you breathe better, and create a more relaxed and comfortable environment. For centuries, people have used essential oils for their healing benefits, and this is just one more way to get the good stuff into your system. Nevertheless, they smell good too.

Once you have the basics down, vodka, distilled water, essential oils, you’ll be able to experiment and mix your own combinations of oils, based on your mood, or health issues. For example, eucalyptus would be a great scent to use if you have a cold or allergies, while cinnamon would be great in a house plagued with the flu. The oils help clear the germs out of the air. Plus, they give you the feeling of doing something, when there is nothing you can do.

What you’ll need is a virgin spray bottle — one that has not been used for chemicals before.

The following recipe makes a bit more than four cups of spray, so make sure your bottle can hold more than four cups, so that you’ll be able to shake the bottle without everything spilling out.

Here’s the basic formula for making a natural air freshener from essential oils:

Method
Mix the essential oils with the vodka, and then add the water. Once the mixture is made, let it sit for a couple of days, to test the strength of the scent. The scent will get stronger as it sits. Shake well every time you use it.

Here are some combinations to try

Citrusy

• 12 drops lime
• 14 drops bergamot
• 4 drops ylang ylang
• 2 drops rose

Good Mood

• 1-teaspoon jasmine oil
• ½-teaspoon bergamot oil

Natural Scent

• 1 teaspoon lavender oil
• ½ teaspoon sandalwood oil

home Comfort

• 1 teaspoon vanilla oil
• 2 drops ginger oil

Clean and Fresh

• 15 drops Lavender
• 10 drops Orange
• 10 drops Lemon
• 10 drops Grapefruit
• 6 drops Lime
• 3 drops Nutmeg

Remember, shake well!

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