I love using essential oils in my home, but I want to be careful not to overuse them, too.
Essential oils have so many benefits because they are so concentrated and powerful ~ which is exactly what can make them dangerous, too.
Too much exposure to essential oils can cause headaches, dizziness, and dermal sensitization. That's not even getting into internal use.
I've begun working with hydrosols for a few of my aromatherapy recipes and I am so happy I gave it a try.
Hydrosols are really versatile, just like essential oils, but much more mild.
They are actually the byproduct of essential oil production (sometimes) and are filled with the beneficial plant compounds of the herb they're made from just like oils. Here is a great resource to learn more:
Hydrosols are usually the result of essential oil production as a by-product but the highest quality hydrosols come from the devoted distillers who, with artist like precision steam the floral and plant material strictly to produce a hydrosol. (The Hydrosols offered by Mountain Rose Herbs are produced in this fashion) Hydrosols contain all of the essence of the plant in every drop, just like essential oils but in a milder form; making them suitable for all manner of applications where essential oils would be too strong.
I absolutely love using them in my aromatherapy spray.
While I do include essential oils in it as well, using a hydrosol base allows me to use less EOs while still achieving the strength I want and not worry about over-exposure to essential oils.
This uplifting aromatherapy spray is my BFF at home, all day long. I use it as a room freshener, fabric refresher (like "febreeze!"), and body spray.
The herbal ingredients used support focus, positivity, and mental clarity. So it's a great boost to have around throughout the day!
DIY Uplifting Aromatherapy Spray
INGREDIENTS
- ¾ oz. neroli hydrosol
- ¼ oz witch hazel extract
- 5 drops clary sage essential oil
- 3 drops ginger essential oil
- 1 drop peppermint essential oil
Combine all the ingredients in a 1 glass spray bottle. Shake it up before you spritz! Use as a room mist, linen spray, or body spray.
Of course, you can play around with whatever hydrosols and EOs you want to use for the aromatherapy effect you want. I *love* rose hydrosol for more calming applications.
Jessica
I bet that smells awesome. I love the combination.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Such a lovely blend! I love this! Pinned it.
Amber
I love making aromatherapy sprays! Great recipe!
Gina B
Love this! I'm always looking for great ways to scent.
Megan Stevens
Thanks, Kylie. I need to keep learning about EOs so I'm sure to use them safely. I didn't know about hydrosols!
Kylie Worthington
I am loving hydrosols more and more as I learn & experiment with them!
Amanda L
This is so informative. I had never heard of a hydrosol prior to this blog post. Thanks for helping me learn about something new!
Jena
This sounds like a great blend. Have you ever experimented with making your own neroli distillate?
Kylie Worthington
I haven't, Jena! I'll look into it.
Callie @ aromapursuits
I used the lemon oil for my children (only 1 drop) since they were little and it got them off to a better morning. I avoided store bought cough medicine. Never had a problem. I found this trick in an aromatherapy reference book. This is the only oil that was used orally.
Melissa @ Wellness Appliances
well, the mixture is ready, and I want it to settle for a few days, correct me if am wrong. I will try it on my linen first, as that way it will fill my whole house, applying on skin is a nice idea but i need to consult my dermatologist first. thanks for this great post.