March 14, 2011

Aromatherapy Christmas Recipes

The Fragrant Holidays

When we remember the holidays of our childhood, one of the first things we recall is the smell – evergreens, baking cookies, sizzling turkey, roast potatoes, spiced oranges and candy. Instantly, we are transported backwards in time. So how can we recreate the magic and perhaps add something new? Below are a few recipes, ideas and suggestions to try, to add an aromatic feast to this years festivities.

Potpourri or Diffuser Blends

These are delicious blends for use with potpourri or to place in your diffuser. Add 8-10 drops to a diffuser and 4 drops per ounce of potpourri. To create a larger quantity of a particular blend, just double or triple the recipe.

Evergreen Memories

5 drops Fir Needle
5 drops Cedarwood
5 drops Juniper
2 drops Cypress
6 drops Spruce

This blend can be used to freshen up trees or wreaths or to use when you don’t have a fresh tree.

Orange Spice

12 drops Orange
7 drops Cinnamon
5 drops Ginger
1 drop Nutmeg
Yum!

Any of these blends can also be used to scent wrapping or cards. Simply place several drops on a cotton ball and place in a Ziploc bag or larger plastic bag with the paper or cards you want to scent. Make sure not to let the oil touch the items, so as not to stain them. Leave them overnight and you will have beautifully fragrant cards and wrapping.

Christmas Ornaments

Combine the following ingredients and mix thoroughly:

1 cup cinnamon
1 tbsp. cloves
1 tbsp. nutmeg
? cup applesauce
1 tbsp. sparkle stars
2 tbsps. white glue

When everything is mixed together, roll it out like dough and cut shapes using cookie cutters. Add holes so they can be hung from your tree. They will dry on their own in about 5 days. As they are drying, turn them regularly.

Calming Holiday Stress

We all know how stressful it can be trying to get everything ready to have fun! So here’s a blend to help take the edge off.

7 drops Lavender
4 drops Chamomile
3 drops Frankincense
6 drops Clary Sage

This blend can be used in the diffuser or rub a drop or two on your wrists and behind your ears. You can also add it to 1 ounce of vegetable oil and use it in the bath.

Easy Holiday Candles

Light a candle and wait until the wax has melted at the top. Then add 1 drop of pine, bay or mandarin essential oil

Festive Mulled Wine

Blend the following in 2 tbsp. honey:

1 drop cinnamon
1 drop clove
2 drops orange
2 drops mandarin

Heat 4 cups red wine in a non-metallic pan, then add the honey/essential oil mixture and stir well while still heating. When the wine starts to bubble, remove it from the heat.

Cookies

Add three drops of ginger essential oil to a batch of gingerbread cookies for a really fresh ginger taste.

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