A Breath of Fresh Air
A bargain at Wal-Mart.
For some time now, I have been saving up to purchase an essential oil diffuser. I wanted to be able to fill the air in my home with the refreshing and healing scents of my essential oils. Since Jake is allergic to formaldehyde, I have steered away from store-bought air fresheners. I have successfully used essential oils in vodka as an air freshener, but the scent does not stay for very long.
Essential oil diffusers are becoming more and more popular. They are not very cheap. The company Beeyoutiful carries two different kinds through their catalog. One is $60.00. The other is $90.00. I was saving up for the $90.00 diffuser/nebulizer.
As I was walking through Wal-Mart the other day, I happened to notice a wall of boxes in the craft section. The picture on the box caught my eye. I could not believe it; Wal-Mart is selling essential oil warmers. They are only $4.97. So, I decided to try one.
The expensive diffuser I wanted uses electricity. This option is more green in that it only uses a tea light candle to heat the essential oils.
The set-up is really simple. There is a shallow plate that sits above a tea light candle. I poured a little warm water in the shallow plate and dropped a few drops of Cassia oil. Cassia smells just like cinnamon. I lit the candle and waited.
I really did not smell anything at first. I had to run outside for something and when I returned I noticed the warm scent immediately. You could smell it upstairs and at the other end of the house. The scent carried well throughout our entire home.
When the water had almost evaporated, I added more water. This time I put a mixture of eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil. Eucalyptus oil kills germs. Since we had all been under the weather, I thought it was a good opportunity to disinfect the house. Peppermint oil is soothing and refreshing. I really liked the combination of the eucalyptus and peppermint oils.
I am very pleased with my essential oil warmer. It works very well. The downside is that the water evaporates. I have to keep my eye on the water level. I am finding that I have to add water and oil about every hour. It certainly is not something you would want to leave burning while you went outside.
I am looking forward to all the different scent combinations I can make. Both cassia and peppermint were festive for this time of the year. They made my house smell like Christmas. Since it is still cold and flu season, I will continue to use the eucalyptus oil. Every house needs a breath of fresh air. This inexpensive essential oil warmer does the job. It goes to show that inexpensive and simple alternatives can still get the job done.
If you want to recommend a scent combination, please do. Just leave a comment or contact me via email at laradehaven@texashomesteader.com.
Where do you purchase you oils. Thanks, Ed
http://wildedtx.blogspot.com/
I order my essential oils through an online company called Beeyoutiful. They have good prices and great products. I trust the quality of their products. You can visit their site by going to http://www.beeyoutiful.com. They sell many different oils.
Rosemary & Lavender – You can also use those two oils as a hair oil. Just drop a few drops on your hand and smooth it over your bristle brush. Your hair will smell good all day.
Lara,
I like a peppermint/patchouli blend. I always make my laundry detergent with patchouli and often add a little peppermint. It’s not really enough to be concerned about burning your eyes, etc. Also, I really like orange oil in a diffuser with just a small amount of tea tree oil. BTW-I also green clean and often use tea tree oil in the bathrooms. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. With 4 sons (’nuff said!) and 1 daughter (special needs, gets sick easily)I need all the non-chemical help I can get keeping the bathroom clean!
Keep up the great work!
Kim,
Thanks for sharing your blends with us. Essential oils like tea tree oil are amazing because they are so versatile. Thanks again, Lara
Hi Lara — I read your article in Countryside and wanted to check out your site. Love all the information you share with your readers!
I usually freshen up the house by simmering a small (dedicated) pan on my stove with inexpensive brands of the spices cinnamon and clove; it also helps to add humidity to the dry indoors (we have forced hot air).
I’m going to try doing this method with the essential oils you mentioned. Even though I’m using the gas stove on low flame for a short while, it might equal what I would spend on votives and wouldn’t have to discard anything. Thank you!
Great idea! Let me know how it works.
Lara