Scented rooms

Aromatherapy has many applications in the home or office including the creation of an aromatic environment which as wide-ranging beneficial effects.

Potpourri
Place a mixture of scented flowers and leaves, without any fixatives or additives) in a bowl of water and heat gently from below, a candle may well be sufficient. Unlike dry potpourri, the simmering variety does not last for long but gives off a much stronger aroma at the time. Try making your own blends, using your nose to achieve the aroma you like; add about 1 cupful of dried material to 1.2 litres of water.
For a sleep-enhancing simmering potpourri blend try using 1/2 cup lime flowers, 1/4 cup chamomile flowers, 1 tbsp sweet marjoram and 1 tbsp lavender flowers.
For a more refreshing, uplifting blend try mixing together 1/2 lemon verbena leaves, 1/4 cup jasmine flowers, 2 tbsp lemon peel and 1 tbsp coriander seeds.

Essential oil burners
Most oils are good to use in a burner. The basic principle is very simple: a small disk to hold a few drops of essential oil, with some type of gentle heat underneath, such as a candle. The heat needs to be fairly low, in order to allow slow evaporation of the oil and a longer-lasting scent.
If you want to fumigate a room, then try adding 3-4 drops of oils such as pine, eucalyptus or juniper to a burner. To help you keep alert, then a couple of drops of peppermint or rosemary may be appropriate, while 2-3 drops of ylang ylang or lavender will help you to wind down at the end of the day.

Bowl of hot water
Adding a couple of drops of an essential oil to a bowl of hot water can be s pleasant way to give fragrance to a room or office, especially if the atmosphere is dry from central heating. Choose an attractive bowl and place it out of reach of children. Use an oil that you really like, as its scent will linger for some time.
For mornings, one of the fresh aromas such as bergamot, mandarin or lemon would be uplifting . Later in the way you may wish to use a floral essence, such as rose or jasmine, which have calming effects.

Other scented products
Essential oils are very often included in items such as scented candles, incense sticks or cones, and other aromatic products. It is important to check that natural essential oils have been used to scent these products before you buy them; synthetic perfumes may have a similar scent but they will not have the beneficial therapeutic properties of natural plant extracts.