Are you a perfume junkie? Do you enjoy spritzing body sprays and walking through them to bask in their scent? There is nothing wrong with wanting to smell pleasant or amazing. After all, it is better to smell good than to smell like dirty socks. The problem is that all of these perfumes and body sprays contain synthetic fragrances. 

Synthetic fragrances are very common in perfumes or body sprays. Because of the U.S. Fair Packaging and Label Act, manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients in those fragrances. Most of these fragrances do not contain natural products. Pyridine, methyl eugenol, benzophenone, and styrene are a few of the toxic chemicals in perfumes and synthetic fragrances. According to research, these toxins have been known to disrupt endocrine function, cause fertility and reproductive issues, and increase neurological degeneration. 

Those are just some of the chemicals. There is no way of knowing the exact ingredients in store bought perfumes and body sprays. That is why homemade body sprays are much safer and better for your health and the environment. The spray in this article, for example, is toxin-free and filled with beneficial essential oils. Do you want to know the best part? DIY body sprays are very easy to make!

DIY Body Spray Ingredients

Free of synthetic chemicals, the DIY body spray only requires a handful of ingredients. It doesn’t call for a double boiler, long infusion process, or anything of that nature. The only thing we emphasize is that you use amber glass bottles. The reason to use amber glass instead of regular glass is because they prioritize the longevity of essential oils. Amber glass essentially shields the essential oils from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UV rays can cause essential oils to break down and lose potency over time. 

Distilled Water

Why should you use distilled water in place of tap water for your body spray? The minerals in tap water can clog your spray nozzle and leave residue on the surface. Since water is the base for this body spray, opt for distilled water. 

Essential Oils

These give your homemade body spray its lovely scent. You will need a few different essential oils to get the blend that you want. The recipe calls for 20-30 drops of essential oils. If you want a floral aroma, use 10 drops of bergamot essential oil, 10 drops of geranium essential oil, and five drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Prefer a citrus scent? Use 10 drops each of tangerine, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils. Finally, 10 drops of patchouli essential oil, five drops of frankincense essential oil, and five drops of cedarwood essential oil will give an earthy scent. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin aids the combination of essential oils and water. It is an optional ingredient, but it does help the scent last a lot longer. Just keep this in mind when you make the body spray. 

Witch Hazel

Similar to vegetable glycerin, witch hazel helps combine essential oils and water. If you want your scent to linger for a lot longer, this is a necessary ingredient. 

DIY Body Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon unscented witch hazel
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel, vegetable glycerin (optional), and the essential oils into the amber glass spray bottle. 
• Fill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water, attach the nozzle, shake well, and spray when ready.

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Cologne can be hit or miss. It is a very common gift for men, especially fathers who enjoy wearing cologne or aftershave. Due to personal preference and powerful or varying scents, picking the right cologne can be tricky. Not to mention, most commercial colognes contain synthetic fragrances, which can include carcinogens, respiratory irritants, environmental toxins, and more harmful substances. 

Making your own cologne with all-natural essential oils ensures a product that you can use safely and confidently. Don’t worry, because essential oil colognes will not make you smell awful, or like you just stepped out of a wild animal’s cave. In fact, the cologne recipes in this article may help you smell like freedom, the wild, and volcanos. Well, to each their own regarding the scents!

Some Cologne Notes

It is helpful to understand a few notes before you mix up your essential oil blends. You need to understand fragrance notes, which are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note is the first scent you notice after application, but it is also the quickest to fade. That leaves you with the next lasting scent, the middle class. Finally, the bass class is the scent that lasts the longest. A general formula is 10-15% for the top note, 25-30% for the middle note, and 55-65% for the base note. You can adjust the ratios any way you please, but that is simply a suggested starting place.

Nightlife

Getting ready to have a night on the town? Apply this gentlemanly blend that has notes of citrus with a perfectly earthy smell of vetiver. Researchers state that the essential oils in this blend help to support immune function and promote positive feelings. The recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemon essential oil (top note)
• 4 drops of cardamom essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of ylang ylang essential oil (middle note)
• 6 drops of vetiver essential oil (base note)

Earthy 

Crave the smell of the woods? This simple blend is great to apply for any time of day, as it helps you smell like a flannel-wearing, ax-yielding lumberjack. Frankincense and copaiba are great for reducing stress and anxiety, making this a great workday cologne. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of copaiba essential oil (middle note)
• 8 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

Outdoorsy

This is the go-to blend for anyone who loves the outdoors. Because this blend contains cedarwood essential oil, you’ll smell like you lathered yourself in pine trees. Don’t worry, though, because it has a citrusy zest, giving this blend a refreshingly manly scent. This recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 3 drops of basil essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of cedarwood essential oil (base note)
• 6 drops of Douglas fir essential oil (base note)

Office

Great to wear during the workday, this blend of essential oils has beautiful notes of citrus and the woods. The essential oils help to ground your emotions, balance the mood, stimulate the brain, and promote focus. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of wild orange essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of sandalwood essential oil (middle note)
• 10 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

How To Make DIY Cologne

This is an easy method for a homemade spray cologne using the above essential oil blends. To make the spray cologne, use a glass spray bottle, the essential oils, vegetable glycerin, and witch hazel. 

Instructions:

• In a two-ounce glass spray bottle, combine the essential oils and 1/2 tsp of vegetable glycerin.
• Top off the rest of the bottle with witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well. 
• Spray on the chest, wrist, or neck when ready to use and make sure to shake before each use.

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If your hair is as feisty as your attitude, it may require a detangler so that you can brush it with ease. The last thing you want to do is aggressively rake a brush through your hair, pulling out hairs and hurting your scalp in the process. Brush or comb through your hair with ease when you use an all-natural detangler, like the recipe detailed in this article. 

Why Make Your Own Detangler?

Not only is making your own detangler cost effective over time, but it also allows you to control the ingredients. Controlling the ingredients benefits you in two ways because you get to cater to your hair’s needs and avoid harmful chemicals. The average detangler that you find in the store contains some seriously problematic ingredients. Some of those ingredients are detailed below: 

• Dmdm Hydantoin: As an antibacterial formaldehyde releaser preservative, dmdm hydantoin is a known immune toxicant and allergen. 
• Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: Strong evidence suggests that this human toxicant or allergen is also an environmental toxin. 
• Fragrance: When you see “fragrance” on a label, it means that the company doesn’t have to divulge what is in that signature blend. Typically, fragrances contain known immune system allergens or toxins. 
• Cetrimonium Chloride: This human skin toxicant or allergen, much like iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, is also a suspected environmental toxin.

After reading about all of those harmful ingredients, it makes sense to use natural ingredients that benefit the hair and skin. We’ll detail why the ingredients in this DIY detangler benefit your hair and skin below. 

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a common ingredient on the lists of many eco-friendly hair care products. It works to give your strands a restorative boost, repairing breakage, soothing the scalp, and controlling dandruff. Jojoba oil actually moisturizes your hair from the inside out, sitting on the surface of the hair shaft. This seals in moisture, even when your hair and scalp are damp after washing. Jojoba oil also promotes thickness, due to its impressive vitamin and mineral content. Vitamins C & E, B-vitamins, and the copper and zinc in jojoba oil not only strengthen your locks, but they also promote thickness and regrowth. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Why should you use apple cider vinegar in hair care products? Besides the researched health benefits, apple cider vinegar is an acidic substance, containing a good amount of acetic acid. Dull, brittle, or frizzy hair tends to be more alkaline or higher on the pH scale, so bringing an acidic substance into the equation can establish a healthier pH balance on the hair. Apple cider vinegar is also rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, which works to exfoliate the scalp and keep dandruff at bay because of its anti-inflammatory nature. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil works to fight against hair loss by increasing circulation to hair follicles. In doing so, lavender essential oil helps contribute to stronger, healthy-looking strands. A lot of people commonly mix lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and massage their hair and scalp to encourage hair growth. Lavender essential oil also works to deep condition your hair, hydrating your strands to help you avoid brittle or frizzy hair. 

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is a common ingredient in both skin and hair care products. In cosmetics, cedarwood essential oil can help soothe inflammation and irritation on the skin. In hair care, cedarwood essential oil helps to cleanse the scalp, removing excess dirt, oily, and dry skin. It also promotes circulation to the scalp and tightens hair follicles, two actions that help stimulate hair growth. Preliminary studies show that cedarwood essential oil may also reduce thinning hair because it slows hair loss. 

DIY Hair Detangler

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2-ounce glass spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into the glass spray bottle, screw on the top, and give it a good shake to combine. 
• Make sure that the bottle is glass and not plastic because essential oils can erode plastic. Additionally, an amber glass is truly the way to go when dealing with essential oils. 
• Shake before each use. Enjoy!

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Are you lucky enough to have fruitful rosemary bushes around your home? Do you have so much rosemary that you don’t know what to do with it besides throw trimmings in the green trash bin? If you don’t want to cook with rosemary, you can harvest a bunch and incorporate them into homemade candles. This project uses a mixture of beeswax and soy wax, mason jars, rosemary sprigs, and essential oils. 

Rosemary Candles

Rosemary exhibits a floral aroma that has been used to aid memory and improve focus. When combined with the organic beeswax, rosemary’s scent is a bit more subtle and evergreen-like. The candles are very easy to make, so this is the perfect entry point if you are about to embark on your DIY journey. Plus, it is so much healthier to burn these candles than other scented store bought candles, which contain fragrances that have harmful toxins. 

Benefits Of Rosemary Aroma

Rosemary’s aroma holds core components, or the essence, of the plant’s compounds. The same is true for rosemary essential oil. Throughout history, rosemary has been used in various medicinal practices. The following health benefits have been associated with rosemary essential oil.

Repels Certain Bugs

Rosemary makes for a great addition to your garden because many insects are deterred by the plant’s scent. The same is true for rosemary essential oil, which may help repel spider mites and mosquitoes. When measured against 11 other essential oils, rosemary essential oil provided the longest repellent effect on mosquitoes. 

May Ease Stress

There are many things in this life that can cause stress, and inhaling some rosemary essential oil may help calm your mind. One study monitored nursing students who breathed rosemary oil from an inhaler before and during test time. Their pulse decreased by about nine percent, but no significant change occurred without rosemary oil. Additionally, another study monitored adults who sniffed rosemary oil for five minutes. Their saliva had 23% lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) compared to those who smelled a non-aromatic compound. 

May Improve Brain Function

According to research, inhaling rosemary oil may prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that you need for concentration and memory. In an observational study, 20 young adults had to answer math questions in a room diffused with rosemary oil. Their speed and accuracy increased in direct proportion to the duration the oil was diffused. Similarly, nursing students inhaled rosemary oil while taking a test. Researchers noted improved concentration and information recall compared to a group that inhaled lavender oil. 

Homemade Rosemary Candles

Ingredients:

• Rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 pound organic beeswax
• 1/2 pound soy wax
• HTP62 waxed and tabbed candle wicks 6”
• 6 milliliters fir essential oil
• 4 milliliters bergamot essential oil
• 4 milliliters cedarwood essential oil
• 1 milliliter juniper berry essential oil
• 2 eight-ounce canning jars

Instructions:

• After harvesting your rosemary sprigs, press them flat between two heavy books or pans. Leave them sandwiched between those heavy objects until completely dry. 
• Cut the sprigs so that they will sit one inch below the rims of the jars. 
• Measure out your essential oils in a glass container and swirl gently to combine. Set aside while you prepare the candles. 
• In the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt the beeswax and soy wax. As the wax is melting, grab some rosemary sprigs with tongs and dip the bottoms into the wax. Transfer these sprigs to the canning jars and adhere them to the insides of the bottoms with the waxy ends. You can use a wooden chopstick or paintbrush to help keep them in place as they dry.
• Cut your wicks so that they just go over the top lips of the jars. Use clothespins or a wooden down to keep the wicks centered in the jars. 
• Once the wax is fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the essential oil mixture using a wooden utensil. 
• Pour the wax mixture into each jar and allow the wax to harden fully. It should take about 48 hours or so, and then you can trim the wick, light, and enjoy!

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Have you stopped purchasing scented plug-ins, candles, and air fresheners yet? If you haven’t done so yet, then it’s time to leave them behind. Almost all of those products contain toxic chemicals, some of which are known endocrine system disruptors. The average person isn’t aware of those chemicals because manufacturers don’t have to disclose the ingredients in signature fragrances. If you see “fragrance” on the ingredient list, please understand that there are many harmful chemicals that go into making those blends. 

In case you didn’t know, some artificial fragrances disperse particles of phthalates and formaldehyde into the air. Phthalates are small particles of plastic that bind fragrance molecules together. You can easily breathe them in, whereby they get into your nose and lungs. In addition to those chemicals, the term “artificial fragrance” accounts for more than 3,000 chemicals. The reason that companies don’t have to disclose them is because they are signature, copyrighted blends. So there is no real way of knowing what is in an air freshener, unless you make your own. 

This article provides you with recipes for 10 holiday-themed air freshener sprays. You will need a good collection of essential oils in order to make them. When you purchase these essential oils, make sure to purchase 100% pure essential oils from reputable companies with good reviews. Many of the essential oils in these air freshener sprays contain properties that may help combat toxins in the air, helping to purify the space. Now, let’s get started on those recipes!

The Supplies

You will need various essential oils, dark glass spray bottles (preferably brown amber glass bottles), water, some sea salt or Epsom salt, and distilled water. In order to use these air fresheners, simply spray them into the air. If your essential oils are clear and not colored, you can spray them on linens or upholstery. 

Crisp Morning Air Spray

Start your day with the scent of a crisp winter morning. Notes of citrus grapefruit and orange evoke feelings of sunshine, while the herbaceous basil reminds you of the outdoor autumn and winter air. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 15 drops each: basil, orange, and grapefruit essential oils
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water. 
• Screw on the top, shake the bottle to combine, and spray when ready. 

Holiday Wreath Special Spray

A beautiful wreath is not only a lovely holiday decoration, but it also gives off an enchanting, woodsy aroma. The aroma is clean and crisp and it helps to deodorize your space, getting rid of any stinky smells. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 18 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 12 drops rosemary essential oil
• 12 drops balsam fir essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water. 
• Screw on the top, shake well to combine the ingredients, and spray when ready. 

Spiced Chai Spray

Spiced chai may be popular in your home throughout the year, but it is extra special during the holiday season. The scent is comforting, sweet, and warm, making you want to curl up with a cup of tea on the couch. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 25 drops cardamom essential oil
• 8 drops each: clove, cassia, and ginger essential oils

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water. 
• Screw on the top, shake well to combine the ingredients, and use when ready. 

Sleeping Weather Spray

Cool fall and winter nights are perfect for getting the deepest sleep possible. This air freshener contains essential oils that help calm the mind and promote relaxation and sleep. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 6 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 12 drops vetiver essential oil
• 25 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water.
• Screw on the top, shake well to combine the ingredients, and spray when ready. It helps to spray this under your pillow before you go to bed. 

Crunchy Leaves Spray

When you see a pile of fallen leaves, the child inside you wants to run through it and stop on them. There is something satisfying about hearing the crunch, which then emits a woody, earthy aroma. The essential oils used to achieve that smell may help you relax and unwind for bed. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 5 drops myrrh essential oil
• 20 drops orange essential oil
• 15 drops cedarwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water. 
• Screw on the top, shake well to combine the ingredients, and spray in your room before bed.

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If you have a beard, or you know someone who has a beard, then a beard balm is a fantastic product to keep in the restroom. With so many beard balms on the market, though, it can be difficult to decide which one is best. Beard balms range in price and this typically has to do with what the brand is, but also what ingredients are in the balm. 

The number one thing to keep in mind in regards to beard balm ingredients is that they are natural and beneficial for your beard. The recipe in this article not only smells fresh and woodsy, but it has natural oils that help enhance the health of your beard. Some of the ingredients may even promote beard growth! Learn more about the ingredients below. 

Olive Oil

As one of the most versatile oils on the planet, it’s not a coincidence that it ended up in a beard balm recipe. Olive oil contains essential fatty acids that you need for skin and beard health. They work to keep your skin moisturized and may combat irritation, like beard itch. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin E, which is excellent for moisturizing the skin. Plus, olive oil’s primary ingredients are oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene, which are powerful emollients and softeners. This means that olive oil may help moisturize beard hair, hydrate the skin underneath, and make your beard softer. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a known ability to help soften your hair, all the while protecting its outer layers. Anecdotal evidence states that coconut oil may stimulate hair growth, but more studies are necessary to confirm this. The primary reason to incorporate coconut oil into your beard balm is because it helps to soften and condition beard hair, which tends to be scraggly and rough. If the skin under your beard is irritated, coconut oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe irritation. If you have a coconut allergy, which is very rare, avoid this oil as it may cause irritation. 

Shea Butter

Gaining popularity in the beauty world for its healing properties, shea butter is naturally rich in healthy fats, vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a well-known moisturizer, giving the skin proper nourishment when there is a shortage of sebum. Using it on your beard may help prevent beard itch or rashes, two things that are common for men with longer beards. Shea butter also contributes to the growth and shine of your beard, making it glisten in the sun. 

Beeswax

Beeswax may be the perfect ingredient to help ensure long-term beard growth. Not only can it help style your beard and help you tame wild hairs, but it may also reduce itchiness and flakiness. Beeswax helps keep your beard hairs clean and together, repairing them and softening growth in the process. If you regularly experience beardruff, then a beard balm with beeswax is something you need in your life. 

DIY Beeswax Beard Balm

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons beeswax
• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 10 drops vitamin E oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Fill the bottom of a double boiler with about an inch or so of water and place it over medium-high heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low.
• In the top of the double boiler, add all of the ingredients except for the cedarwood essential oil. Stir with a metal or wooden utensil until melted. 
• Once melted, remove the double boiler from heat and stir in the essential oil. Carefully pour the mixture into balm jars and allow the balm to solidify at room temperature. 
• Use on your beard when ready.

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People who suffer from dandruff dread the signature dry flakes and itchiness. Caused by an excess of oil on the scalp, the struggle of flakiness is real. Malassezia, a yeast that occurs naturally on the scalp, feeds off the excess oil and creates dry flakes. Some people opt for “magic” elixirs or over-the-counter shampoos to help remedy the issue. Many of these products contain harmful, toxic ingredients that your scalp absorbs.

If plaguing the scalp with harmful chemicals isn’t an attractive plan of attack, there’s no need to go that route. You can choose a more natural option by incorporating essential oils into your scalp care routine. The one thing to keep in mind about essential oils is that you should not apply them directly to the skin, as they can cause severe irritation. Dermatologists recommend that you dilute essential oils in carrier oils like olive oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil. 

There are many essential oils that have been scientifically proven to benefit the scalp. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil exhibits powerful anti-fungal properties that work to address the overactive fungal activity on the scalp. This is the origin of dandruff and targeting it can help remedy the situation. Rosemary essential oil also has astringent and decongesting properties that reduce the amount of excess oils, flakes, and build-up on the scalp. Finally, rosemary also promotes hair growth, making it an excellent ingredient to any hair care routine. 

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Just like rosemary essential oil, cedarwood essential oil contains anti-fungal properties and it helps to manage oil production on the scalp. It also exhibits cleansing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for people with dandruff. Cedarwood helps to soothe scalp irritation and may keep infection-causing bacteria or fungi away. This is especially important if you already have an itchy scalp. 

Tea Tree Oil

The great and powerful tea tree oil is revered by many a beauty enthusiast, and for good reason. It offers powerful anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that help ward off bacteria or foreign invaders on the scalp. It helps to address the root cause of dandruff, making it top the list of essential oils that reduce itchy scalp. Tea tree oil also helps to unclog hair follicles that contain excess oil build-up, hair product residue, and dead skin cells. Although hair follicle build-up isn’t the cause of dandruff, it can worsen he problem. 

DIY Dry Scalp Remedy

Ingredients:

• 8 drops tea tree oil
• 8 drops rosemary essential oil
• 6 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 4 ounces almond oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a glass container (like a jar) and mix well to combine. 
• You can mix the concoction with a small whisk or simply screw on the top of the jar and shake vigorously. 
• Before you use it, shake it up and and then massage a small amount into your scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing out with a natural shampoo. 
• If your scalp is very dry, you can leave the mixture on overnight and wash out in the morning. 
• This batch makes about two to three applications, but you can double the recipe for a larger batch. Keep in mind that it will stay fresh in an airtight glass jar for up to 10 days. 

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Imagine that you just had the most hectic day. You barely made it to work on time, your coffee spilled on your jeans, and several presentations at work didn’t go as planned. The last thing you want to do is bring that negative energy from the outside world back home with you. If you can’t leave that negative energy at the door, you can help calm the mind and relax by adding stress-relieving essential oil blends to a diffuser.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

Aromatherapy uses different scents to help improve your mood or overall health. The powerful aromas from essential oils not only help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, but they also work to reduce cravings, boost libido, or accelerate the metabolism. This works in the following way:

• You inhale the aroma from the oil.
• The scent acts on the hypothalamus, which is a part of the brain that influences the hormonal system.
• Different scents influence different hormonal responses.
• Sometimes, an essential oil mixed with a carrier oil is massaged onto the skin and the body absorbs the aromas that way.

Can Aromatherapy Reduce Stress?

The first thing to note about aromatherapy and stress is that the scents of essential oils offer relaxing or stress-relieving effects. They don’t have magical powers, so they don’t immediately zap your stress away. As you continue to inhale the aromas, you’ll start to calm down and feel more relaxed. People with high anxiety often benefit from aromatherapy because anxiety is rooted in the limbic system. This part of the brain controls emotions, and the olfactory sense (sense of smell) is the only sense that is linked to the limbic system. The scents reach the olfactory nerves, which transmit messages to the brain to release endorphins and serotonin, both of which help to establish emotional stability.

How To Do Aromatherapy At Home

Anybody can do aromatherapy and it’s very affordable. All you need is a diffuser, water, and various essential oils. Fill a diffuser with water. The amount of water you use will depend on the size of the diffuser. Mix 10-12 drops of essential oils into the diffuser.

Great Diffuser Blends To Relieve Stress

Bergamot, Geranium, And Lavender

Lavender helps put the body in a more relaxed state, while geranium helps you deal with stressful or anxious feelings. Bergamot not only works to lift your spirits, but it also helps relieve nervous tension. Add four drops of geranium essential oil, four drops of bergamot essential oil, and two drops of lavender essential oil in a diffuser. You can adjust the amount according to your diffuser’s instructions.

Lavender, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, And Marjoram

The scent of clary sage works to alleviate stress and induce feelings of relaxation. One study even found that inhaling the scent of clary sage essential oil helped reduce blood pressure. Some people refer to marjoram essential oil as the herb of happiness, offering emotional benefits. Both ylang ylang and lavender essential oils work to reduce stress and anxiety. Combine three drops of lavender essential oil, two drops of clary sage essential oil, and one drop each of ylang ylang and marjoram essential oil in a diffuser. You can adjust the amount according to your diffuser’s instructions.

Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, And Rosemary

There’s something about citrus that seems to lift your spirits, helping the mind release negativity and stress. According to several research studies, levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, drop when you inhale rosemary essential oil’s aroma. The refreshing, clean aroma of juniper berry rounds out this powerful trio. Traditionally, many cultures used juniper berry to promote feelings of relaxation. Add five drops of grapefruit essential oil, three drops of juniper berry essential oil, and two drops of rosemary essential oil to your diffuser. You can adjust the amount according to your diffuser’s instructions.

Cedarwood, Frankincense, And Lavender

If stress is getting in the way of a healthy sleep cycle, let this blend of essential oils come to your rescue. Frankincense helps counteract the effects of stress hormones, and the powerful antioxidants help fight oxidative stress. Cedarwood oil is beneficial for those who have nervous energy. Studies show that cedrol, the compound in cedarwood oil, works to mildly sedate the body, and the woodsy scent has a calming effect on the nervous system. Add four drops of frankincense essential oil, four drops of lavender essential oil, and two drops of cedarwood essential oil to your diffuser. You can adjust the amount according to your diffuser’s instructions.

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Do you look at your hair in the mirror every day, hoping that it miraculously grew three millimeters overnight? Growing your hair to your desired length can be quite the journey, especially if you aren’t nourishing it with the right ingredients. Lucky for you, there are specific ingredients, including essential oils, that accelerate the hair growth process.

You may not know this, but almost all of your hair care products already contain essential oils. Unfortunately, these products also contain a variety of harmful chemicals that can strip your hair and scalp of beneficial nutrients. Who needs products that contain a minuscule amount of essential oils when you can go straight to the source? Are we right or are we right?

How To Use Essential Oils For Hair Growth

Get your hands on some of the essential oils in this article to help nourish your hair. To properly apply them to your hair, mix about three drops of essential oils in one tablespoon of a carrier oil, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. Please do a patch test on your skin to ensure that you don’t have a negative reaction to the oils. Massage the oil mixture into your scalp and roots, and then all the way to your tips. Leave it in for 15 minutes before washing normally. If you have dry or brittle hair, leave the oils in overnight!

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is one of the best oils to help nourish your scalp, and it improves hair growth as a result. When applied to the scalp, rosemary essential oil works to dilate blood vessels and promote cell division. In doing so, this aids the distribution of oxygen and other nutrients to hair follicles, which encourages healthier hair growth. If you have a dry scalp or regularly experience dandruff, use rosemary essential oil to hydrate your scalp.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has too many health benefits to count. We love it so much! In fact, many of our DIY beauty recipes, which we continually post, contain tea tree oil. Anyone who has used tea tree oil in their hair care routine is familiar with the tingly sensation you feel on your scalp. This happens because tea tree oil helps to balance your scalp and reduce build-up that can interfere with hair growth. You need to keep your scalp clean if you want to grow your hair.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has a wonderfully relaxing scent, and placing a few drops under your pillow can actually promote healthier sleep. That’s not why it’s on this list, though. If you are looking to protect the current length of your hair, lavender essential oil is the right oil for the job. Applying lavender essential oil to the hair and skin helps to thicken hair shafts. Finally, the antibacterial properties of lavender essential oil help to keep hair follicles and shafts free of bacteria.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Known for the anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, cedarwood essential oil is a must-have if you’re in the DIY beauty game. It works to improve hair growth by balancing oil-producing glands on your scalp. When you use cedarwood essential oil on your hair, you may also notice that your scalp is less flaky, helping your hair follicles remain undamaged and free to grow.

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that work to reduce build-up on the scalp. Build-up clogs hair follicles, which is why people struggle to grow healthy hair. One study, involving patients with alopecia, combined thyme oil with cedarwood essential oil. The results indicated that this combination significantly improved hair growth in people with alopecia areata. Thyme oil is strong, much like tea tree oil, so it is imperative that you dilute it in a carrier oil.

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When it comes to stress and anxiety, many of us are constantly on the hunt for remedies that can help us find relaxation. Although the usage of oils, which come from botanical families, has been around for centuries, essential oils have become increasingly popular due to the proven beneficial effects they have when used both topically and for aromatherapy.

Here’s how it works: when you breathe in the aroma of an essential oil, cells in the nose receive the aroma molecules and send signals to the limbic system of the brain, that is, a system of nerves concerned with basic emotions and mood. The limbic system is also connected to the parts of the brain that control blood pressure, stress levels, and hormonal balance. Feeding this system with essential oils can balance emotions and the other functions that the limbic system controls.

Essential oils can be used for many things, from headaches to DIY beauty products. When it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety, it is crucial to know which oils are best for the job. Below are some of the best essential oils for stress and anxiety.

Lavender Essential Oil

Considered to be one of the most commonly used essential oils, lavender’s calming floral aroma makes it excellent for nerves and anxiety issues. It has an impact on the nervous system, and can remove tension and emotional stress, while also increasing mental activity.

Lime Essential Oil

Due to the fresh and natural tart lime scent this oil offers, it helps to improve the mood and invigorate the senses. It can also help with stimulation, overall well-being, and emotional balance. If you’re feeling down or uninspired, try diffusing lime oil for an uplifting mood boost.

Jasmine Essential Oil

Previously compared to the drug Valium, jasmine oil has a positive effect on the body’s stress response, heart rate, body temperature, alertness, breathing, and blood pressure. Jasmine tea, for instance, also works to promote relaxation and healing.

Bergamot Essential Oil

This oil contains a citrus-like fragrance with a distinctive spicy floral quality. It has a good sedative effect, due to the calming, warm aroma it provides. You can also try combining this with Frankincense essential oil to help reduce pain and depression.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

With its strong, cooling minty aroma, Eucalyptus oil is recommended when you’re feeling sluggish or mentally exhausted. Being a stimulant, it can be effective in treating stress and mental disorders as inhaling its vapor helps increase blood circulation to the brain.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

This warm, woody scent can offer grounding effects for the mind and body. Biologically, the aroma of cedarwood can promote the release of serotonin, a natural mood stabilizer.

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