A Diffusion of Fragrant Findings

Not Craft Related, but it kind of is because what I'm about to say is an extension of my crafting, I like making things like room sprays, homemade pot pourri and things like foot soak fizzies and bath melts and I love making natural scented things for the home, that sentence made me think that I haven't shared some makes for herbal first aid goodies that I gave as gifts to friends and family a few years ago, despite promising some of you that I would, so I think I will very soon!

Before I get distracted, on to my reason for posting this, many of my friends know that I'm a big Yankee Candles fan, but I think that from now on I will not be buying anymore scented candles or wax melts of any description! That sounds like an epic statement to make and I guess it kind of is, but since I got an Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser its made a big difference to my well being on several levels.  I was actually looking at apps and gadgets that work with Alexa and noticed some Diffusers amongst the gadgets.

They are Smart devices, with WIFI built in so I can control the diffuser from an app on my phone, you can get none smart versions, I'm just a gadget geek lol! If anyone is interested the one I picked up is made by a company called Renpho and cost £16.99 Wifi Smart Diffuser it only holds 120ml's of water, when we get the next one I'm going for its bigger brother that holds 300ml.

I did a lot of research and discovered that a diffuser could maybe help with my chronic sinus problems, I was in the midst of yet another bad sinus attack and when they flare up they usually last 3-6 weeks sometimes less and sometimes more. So Si treated me to one,and within two days of using the diffuser the sinus infection was cleared up! I couldn't believe it I was expecting the usual weeks of misery and after just 2 days I have no pain above the bridge of my nose, the inside of my nose doesn't feel dry and irritated and the nasty smell I get (like a used ashtray) has gone!

I'm so happy with this little misting maestro that we're going to get one for the bedroom and one for the living room and the candles and oil burners that use candles will be going once they have been used up and I won't be buying them anymore, sorry Yankee candles, its been good but the romance is over. With all my years of working with essential oils, I didn't know that using a traditional oil burner (one with a tealight underneath) isn't such a clever thing to use with essential oils, the heat changes essential oils chemical construction and it burns away their therapeutic benefits as well!

Cold diffusion doesn't destroy the therapeautic complex constituents in essential oils like heating them up does, instead it distributes them into the atmosphere of the room so they can work their micro particle molecular magic and you get 100% of the benefits of the oils. They don't just make a room smell nice though, here are some of the benefits I've discovered...

Diffusing oils like Chamomile, Lavender, Cedarwood and Sweet Orange 20-30 minutes before bedtime can dramatically improve and support the body’s natural sleep cycles and combat sleep issues like insomnia, racing thoughts, and stress.

One of my favourite blends mixes the deep 'earthy' aromas of Vetivert EO with the florals of Lavender and Roman Chamomile, its a deeply relaxing blend that will help soothe your mind before sleep.

Diffusers are also great for use during times of cold and flu because they put much-needed humidity into the air which can help relieve dry sinuses and cough. Try Eucalyptus and Thyme blends during cold and flu season!

Not that anybody snores in our house, no sireeeee! But in the event that any body did, I've read that a diffuser in the room can help with snoring, it moistens the dry membranes on the nose that can contribute to snoring.

If it doesn't stop the snoring at least the person being kept awake has some pleasent smells to try and help them fall back to sleep. If I find any evidence that it works for this reason I'll update this post.

If like me you suffer from brain fog and fuzzy thinking (thank you Mrs Menopause) then essential oils like Rosemary, Basil, Lemon, Cypress, Lavender, and Frankincense can help to promote deep concentration, mental clarity, and improved focus. Oils that are high in sesquiterpenes like Frankincense and Sandalwood are especially good for increasing oxygen and blood flow in the pineal, pituitary, and hypothalamus glands which help support mental health and acuity, these essential oils are also known to help clear brain fog.

Another benefit of a diffuser can be witnessed during hot weather and boy could I have used this nugget of information a few months ago, diffusing oils like Peppermint, Spearmint and Lavender and other oils with refrigerant properties - refrigerant means that the oils have a cooling effect; and can help bring down external body heat - can keep you cool! And speaking of hot weather, a diffuser can help keep those pesky flying bugs at bay, diffuse essential oils like Citronella, Lemongrass, Geranium, Eucalyptus and Lavender can help keep pests at bay.

There are so many other benefits, the main one being you don't get carcinogens in the air you breath in like you do with candles. I'm using only 100% pure essential oils in my diffuser, no artificial fragrances in sight, and just plain old cold water from the tap. If you're unsure about what is in your tap water used filtered water or bottled spring water to fill up your diffusers tank.

Keep an eye on quantities, too much essential oil can cause headache, migraines, dizziness and nausea so don't put too much in, the old adage less is more is worth keeping in mind.

For your blends add the following per 100ml of water: -

100ml - 3-5 Drops
200ml - 6-9 Drops
300ml - 9-12 Drops
400ml - 12-15 Drops
500ml - 15-20 Drops

You can add a few more drops but don't add too much, its also beneficial to mix heavy aromas with light ones so if you're using Patchouli oil then add something to lighten it like Sweet Orange or Rose Geranium oils takes the heaviness away as some of the heavier scented essential oils can be rather over powering on their own.

This week's blends since I got my diffuser have included: -

Peppermint and Lavender EO's - That combo was diffused when I had a headache and the cooling vapour really did help.

Rose Geranium, Sweet Orange & Lavender EO's - I was a tad stressed at the beginning of the week and that blend really helped me destress and relax. A bit of music and lovely aromatic wafts of fragrance and I was chilled in about 30 minutes.

Pine Needle, Clove, Cinnamon & Sweet Orange EO's - There has been some slight sniffling going on and both Si and I have woken with a scratchy throat so I've been diffusing this blend with all its anti-viral and anti-bacterial goodness today to help purify the air from any nasties that may have got in lol! The bonus for this one is it smells like Christmas which along with some xmas tunes in the background is going along with my Xmas card making rather nicely :)

I love that I can select colours as well I'm finding that I'm gravitating to the deeper pink and purple hues at the minute, my happy colours. I've actually enjoyed writing this, I got to put my herbal hat on and tap in to my knowledge of essential oils and herbs, if anyone is interested in more recipes and combo's leave a comment and I'll add something to the blog soon. I'm off for a spot of CraftAroma Therapy now in my yummy smelling room, enjoy the rest of your day 😁