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Tag: Essential Oil

  • Natural Reed Diffuser: Freshen Up the Home with Essential Oils – Garden Therapy

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    Add a fresh scent to your home without overpowering the senses. This natural reed diffuser uses a blend of essential oils and diffuser sticks from your own backyard to naturally neutralize odours and give your home a fresh boost.

    From stinky pets to musty hallways, sometimes there is no avoiding certain smells in the house. I like to find ways to freshen up the home as naturally as possible. While I love using sprays such as my lavender water, sometimes I don’t always have time to spritz around the house.

    That’s why I love my natural reed diffuser so much; it keeps everything smelling fresh without me needing to lift a finger. I use them in the bathroom, hallways, and even my bedroom to give off a pleasant aroma that is not too overpowering.

    Here’s how to make them!

    natural reed diffusers sitting in the windownatural reed diffusers sitting in the window
    I like placing mine in dark, coloured jars.

    Benefits of a Natural Reed Diffuser

    By far, this diffuser’s number one selling point is that it is 100% natural. Whenever I have bought reed diffusers in the past, I have always found the scent to be overly harsh and chemical-like. The same can be said for many store-bought candles, plugins, or a cool air diffuser. The artificial fragrances are too irritating for my sensitive nose! Sniffle.

    I also find that store-bought reed diffusers don’t last very long. While my natural reed diffuser may last the same amount of time, I can refill and refresh it as often as I like. It’s relatively inexpensive to make, so you can have multiple diffusers throughout the home or refills for the same price as a single store-bought one.

    Of course, you also get to experience the many benefits of essential oils. They can enhance relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and even clear toxins from the air. Certainly, no artificial fragrance can do that!

    DIY reed diffuser in an amber jar in front of a windowDIY reed diffuser in an amber jar in front of a window
    You can easily refresh these reed diffusers when the fragrance dissipates.

    A Natural Pathogen Cleaner

    Did you know that individuals spend 85% of their time indoors? While I do love to be out in the garden, there is something about curling up inside on a gloomy day that I can really get behind. With all that being said, I do miss the fresh air of the outdoors and do my best to maintain the best air quality indoors whenever I can.

    Essential oils actually have antimicrobial properties. Some are better than others, with one study finding that oregano, thyme, and lemon oil actually help fight against human pathogens.

    Another study found that essential oils also work to reduce airborne pathogens by inhibiting their growth in the air. After being exposed to different concentrations of essential oils, the growth of bacterial cells decreased. This is especially meaningful because it makes the air cleaner for allergies and avoids other sensitivities and infections.

    While essential oils may not turn your air quality into the great outdoors, a little bit of air filtering always helps. And they smell good, too!

    reed diffuser with fresh herbsreed diffuser with fresh herbs
    Essential oils increase the quality of the air around you, whether that’s their fragrance or antimicrobial properties.

    Which Essential Oils are Best for the Reed Diffuser?

    The very first question you should answer is what do you like. You will be smelling your reed diffuser oil throughout your home, and you want to ensure that you love it every time you catch a whiff.

    Next, you can also look for specific aromatherapy benefits each oil may offer. For example, lavender is a popular choice because of its calming scent and microbial and therapeutic properties.

    You can also go to the other side and choose something to boost your mood naturally. Sweet orange is great for lifting the spirits and is very fragrant.

    Feel free to get crafty and mix scents together. My secret combo is mixing the two scents together! Lavender and sweet orange smell lovely together in my go-to, balanced blend.

    Essential oils used as reed diffuser oilsEssential oils used as reed diffuser oils
    Make a few tester combinations first in small quantities.

    Fun Scent Combinations

    Before you use essential oils, be sure to read all warnings. They are powerful plant extracts that can cause issues with people when used inappropriately. They can bother pregnant women, those breastfeeding, and even pets. Most essential oils will have warnings on them that tell you if they are not suitable for a specific use.

    Watch the DIY Natural Reed Diffuser Video!

    YouTube videoYouTube video

    How to Make Reed Diffuser Oil

    Colorful jars filled with DIY reed diffuser oilColorful jars filled with DIY reed diffuser oil

    How to Make Reed Diffuser Oil

    There are a ton of options when it comes to making your natural reed diffuser. The oil has three key components: carrier oil, essential oils, and alcohol. The first thing you will want to decide is what base you would like to use. Most recipes can be made using an oil or an alcohol base. Whichever you choose, you want to make sure it has a minimal scent.

    For an alcohol base, vodka and water make a great combo, as it will travel easily through the reed diffuser sticks. However, you will find that it evaporates much quicker than an oil base. If you do use this method, use distilled water, as it will last longer since it is purified.

    I prefer to use an oil base. The trick is to use an oil that is thin enough to travel up through the stems of the reed sticks. Oils that are good for a natural reed diffuser include fractionated coconut oil, safflower oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil. I would suggest avoiding any mineral oils as they are petroleum-based.

    natural reed diffuser suppliesnatural reed diffuser supplies
    Use a lightweight oil that can travel up the reed sticks.

    Once you have decided on your base, you will want to proportion your reed diffuser oil to 30% essential oil and 70% base. You can measure this out if you prefer, but I like just to eyeball it. Pour your oil into a glass or ceramic container that doesn’t leak with a narrow opening at the top. A narrow opening ensures that the oil won’t evaporate too quickly.

    I also prefer a darker-coloured bottle as essential oils degrade after sun exposure. You can find a ton of cool containers at your local thrift store or can re-purpose an existing container in your home.

    If you’re using an oil, you will still need to add a hint of alcohol to the recipe as it acts as a binder for the oil and will help to thin it. You can use grain alcohol, but I like to use isopropyl. Anything 90% or higher is preferable. This way, the recipe only needs a couple of drops of alcohol.

    natural reed diffuser oilsnatural reed diffuser oils
    Three ingredients are all you need to make the oil base for your reed diffuser.

    How to Make Reed Diffuser Sticks

    Now that you have your base and container, it’s time to find some reed diffuser sticks! Like your oil, you can play around with some options here as well.

    Bamboo skewers and rattan reeds are by far the most popular. However, I like to turn to my own garden whenever possible! By carefully looking through your garden and perennials, you may have some sticks and stems that will work as well. When choosing a stick for your diffuser, you don’t want anything solid: it must be porous for the liquid to travel up and diffuse.

    I found the natural reeds that work best come from flower stalks! I used poppies, daylilies, and echinacea for my diffuser but there are a ton of different ones you can use. Every year, I always dry the flowers and seed heads from my perennials and am left with the stems. Now I have something to use them for!

    To use natural sticks, thoroughly clean them of leaves, dirt, and sprigs. If the stick you are using has bark, you will need to peel at least half of it from top to bottom to help the liquid travel up. Bake the sticks at 200 F for 25-60 minutes to dry out the sticks and be ready for use.

    Once complete, fill your container opening with as many reeds as possible to keep the liquid from evaporating too quickly.

    The best reed diffuser sticks to useThe best reed diffuser sticks to use
    Make sure your reeds are porous. Sticks with hollow centers work best as reeds.

    Tips and Tricks for Reed Diffusing

    Placement

    Where you decide to place your reed diffuser can actually make a huge difference in how well it will perform. You want to try to place it in an out-of-reach spot, away from little fingers and paws but aim for a spot where movement will help to circulate the air and the scents.

    Placing it near a vent can actually help to circulate the scent. Heat and sunlight will also aid it in a stronger smell, but it will last for a shorter period of time. Avoid warmth for a longer-lasting diffusion.

    Remember, this diffuser will not be a strong smell. They are meant to diffuse subtle fragrances for the everyday house. It works best in an enclosed place, such as a bathroom, or you won’t really notice the smell.

    You can use bigger containers for larger rooms to get a better diffusion of smell, but it can get pricey, considering how much essential oil you will need to fill the container. This is why I prefer small containers in small rooms.

    DIY reed diffuser in front of a textured art pieceDIY reed diffuser in front of a textured art piece
    Hallways, where lots of movement passes by, are great spots for this natural diffuser.

    Reeds

    In order to get the most out of your natural reed diffuser, you will want to give the reeds some attention. While I say reeds, this will apply to whichever kind of sticks you choose to diffuse the oil.

    Rotate which reed ends are in the solution once a week to help refresh the scent.

    Reeds will need to be replaced every 4-6 months. After a while, they stop diffusing the oil. This also helps to avoid any rotting stems.

    sticks to use as reed diffuserssticks to use as reed diffusers
    After 4-6 months, compost the reeds and replace them with new ones from your garden.

    Oil

    You will likely need to replace the oil monthly as it will slowly lose its scent. To ensure you are not wasting oil, only fill your container up halfway at a time. I suggest creating batches and storing them in a mason jar until ready to use. This way, you have it ready to go whenever it needs a top-up or replacement!

    Reed diffuser oil ideasReed diffuser oil ideas
    Replace your oil every month to keep the scent fresh.

    More Ways to Use Essential Oils to Freshen Your Space

    How to Make a Natural Reed Diffuser

    Looking for a simple, natural way to freshen up your space? Add a few of these pretty natural reed diffusers with homemade diffuser oil.

    • oil to use as base I like fractionated coconut oil, safflower oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil.
    • essential oils of your choice
    • natural reeds Bamboo skewers, rattan reeds, sticks or stems from your garden – just make sure it is porous so the liquid can travel through them.
    • Mix together a combination of 70% oil and 30% essential oils.

    • Add reed oil to the jar, and add your reeds.

    • Place the natural reed diffuser out and enjoy! I’ve found they work best in enclosed spaces such as bathrooms. They also work well near an air vent or in front of a window.

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Essential Oil Perfume: Blend Your Own Custom Scent – Garden Therapy

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    Essential oil perfume allows you to enjoy the fragrance of natural botanicals without any of the icky potential toxins. Plus, it just takes minutes to put together these pretty rollerball recipes. 

    Roller bottles are popular in aromatherapy as a way to apply an individual dose of herbal benefits for a variety of different moods and ailments. Roller bottles can also make beautiful perfume bottles.

    By replacing lab-created fragrances with naturally occurring essential oils, you’ll not only smell good but you’ll feel pretty fantastic too.

    Today, I’ll share some tips on how to make your own custom scent and the base recipe I use for all my botanical perfumes.

    This post will cover…

    homemade perfume with botanicalshomemade perfume with botanicals
    Add some colour and beauty to your perfume with real botanicals.

    How to Create the Perfect Essential Oil Perfume Blend

    Blending essential oils is a skill that takes practice. To get started, take a few of the scents you are usually drawn to and hold the open bottles to your nose. When you breathe in the combination of fragrances, you’ll learn what you like and what you will want to give a pass.

    Understanding Fragrance Notes

    Essential oils’ fragrance characteristics are classified as “notes”. Specifically, top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Here’s a bit about each one so you can start to identify them as you create essential oil perfume recipes.

    • Top notes are light, fresh, fast-acting, and tend to evaporate very fast. This is usually the first scent you smell in a blend.
    • Middle notes help to balance the blend. You might not smell the middle note right away, but the soft fragrance may become apparent after a few minutes.
    • Base notes are very strong and heavy, grounding the blend with their long-lasting diffusion. Balance your perfume creations by blending different notes together to make the end result complex and alluring.

    Some examples are:

    homemade perfume with calendula petalshomemade perfume with calendula petals
    Find a combination featuring top, middle, and base notes.

    Essential Oil Perfume Recipe Blends to Try

    There is a world of fragrances that you can create with essential oils. Here are a few combinations to get you started:

    I also have a post dedicated to my go-to blends, a romantic blend and a fresh blend.

    Carrier Oils

    Carrier oils are oils used to suspend and deliver essential oils. They are the base that you add essential oils to so that they are properly diluted before applying to your skin, which can prevent irritation. Good choices for carrier oils are thin oils without a strong fragrance, as you want the essential oil scent to be the star.

    My favorites are fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil for making essential oil perfume.

    perfume recipe with dried peony petalsperfume recipe with dried peony petals
    Some carrier oils may also have their own scent.

    Great Flowers for Long-Lasting Colour

    Part of the fun of this recipe is adding colourful pops of botanicals. Unfortunately, not all of the flowers that are beautiful in the garden hold their colour well when they are submerged in oil.

    You can test out flower petals and leaves that you have available, or use some of these tried-and-true varieties.

    • Blue and purple –Centaurea (bachelor’s button) petals
    • Pink- Dried peony petals
    • Yellow- Sunflower petals
    • Orange –Calendula petals

    Note: lavender and rose flowers would be an obvious choice if they held their colours well. Unfortunately, both quickly turn brown in oil applications and don’t look that attractive. For that reason, I do not recommend those for clear vials like this.

    essential oil perfumesessential oil perfumes
    Calendula, peony, and centaurea petals in perfume.

    How to Make Essential Oil Perfume

    Now the fun part! Here’s how to make a one-of-a-kind essential oil perfume in just minutes.

    Ingredients and Materials

    Makes one 10 ml aromatherapy perfume

    Make It!

    Spend some time blending essential oils to come up with a fragrance that works for you. Collect fresh or dried petals and leaves to use in the bottles. Prepare the roller bottle by removing the lid and rollerball.

    botanicals and bottle for perfumebotanicals and bottle for perfume
    Roller balls work best for botanical perfumes.

    Fill your perfume bottle with a carrier oil. Choose fractionated coconut oil if you don’t want your perfume bottle to have any colour. The other oils will be in various shades of amber and green (grapeseed oil is shown here).

    adding essential oils to homemade perfumeadding essential oils to homemade perfume
    I used grapeseed oil, which had a faint greenish hue.

    Add 10 drops of essential oils per 10 ml bottle. With the strongest scented oils, start with only one drop and move up if it’s not strong enough. There are some scents—like lemongrass and cinnamon—that are so strong that they can take over the entire blend.

    Add a combination of fresh and dried flowers, leaves, or petals into the oil to decorate the bottle.

    add botanicals to homemade perfumeadd botanicals to homemade perfume
    Botanicals should not be used in any spray bottles; only roller balls.

    Pop the roller ball lid onto the glass vial. Shake well to combine the oils.

    Leave the blend for 24-48 hours to develop. As the oils work together, the scent will change. You may even be surprised at how different it is!

    all-natural perfume recipe with essential oils and botanicalsall-natural perfume recipe with essential oils and botanicals
    Let your perfume sit for 24-28 hours before using it.

    Give It!

    Package up a collection of four different scents in a kraft paper jewelry box. Use washi tape with a message (I used some that say “With Love”) to create a band on the box lid.

    a set of homemade natural perfumesa set of homemade natural perfumes

    That’s it! Whether you keep it or gift it (or both), essential oil perfume is simple to make and will leave you feeling (and smelling!) great all day.

    Other Natural Recipes to Try

    DIY Essential Oil Perfume

    Learn how to make a custom essential oil perfume blend using botanicals and oils. This diy makes a great gift too!

    • Remove the lid of the rollerball.

    • Fill the rollerball bottle with the carrier oil.

    • Add up to 10 drops of essential oil per bottle. Stronger scents like cinnamon will only need 1-2 drops as they are powerful.

    • Add the fresh or dried botanicals for some colour and additional fragrance.

    • Place the rollerball lid back on, then shake well to combine.

    • Apply and enjoy!

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • How to Make DIY Herbal Flea Collars | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Keeping your dog safe from fleas is crucial, but many commercial flea treatments contain harsh chemicals. If you’re looking for a natural and effective alternative, DIY herbal flea collars might be just what you need. These collars are not only safe and cost-effective but also simple to make at home.

    Benefits of Herbal Flea Collars

    Herbal flea collars leverage the natural repellent properties of certain plants and essential oils. Unlike chemical treatments, they are gentle on your dog’s skin and coat, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Additionally, using natural ingredients can promote a healthier environment, free from toxic chemicals.

    Choosing the Right Ingredients

    The key to a successful herbal flea collar is selecting the right ingredients. Essential oils such as cedarwood is known for its flea-repelling properties. It’s important to use high quality, therapeutic-grade oils to ensure the best results. Combine these oils with a suitable carrier oil like almond or coconut oil to dilute them safely.

    Materials Needed for a DIY Herbal Flea Collar

    To create your herbal flea collar, you’ll need a few simple materials:

    • A soft, breathable collar or bandana
    • 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (e.g. almond oil)
    • 10 drops of essential oils (e.g. cedarwood)
    • A small mixing bowl and spoon

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    1. Prepare the mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of your chosen carrier oil with 10 drops of essential oils. Mix thoroughly to ensure the oils are well blended.
    2. Soak the collar: Place the soft collar or bandana in the bowl, allowing it to soak up the oil mixture. Ensure the fabric is evenly coated with the oils.
    3. Dry and use: Once fully saturated, remove the collar from the bowl and let it air dry completely. Once it’s dry, place the collar on your dog. Reapply the mixture every two weeks, or as needed.

    Safety Tips and Considerations

    While essential oils can be incredibly effective, they must be used with caution. Always dilute essential oils properly before applying them to your dog. Avoid using oils that are toxic to dogs, such as tea tree oil. Monitor your dog for any signs of skin irritation or allergic reactions, and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

    Conclusion: Embrace Natural Solutions

    By making your own herbal flea collars, you’re not just protecting your dog from fleas. You’re choosing a safer, healthier option that benefits the entire household. This simple, cost-effective solution ensures your furry friend stays comfortable and flea-free without the use of harsh chemicals.


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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    Animal Wellness

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  • Homemade Scented Pinecones and a Pretty DIY Diffuser

    Homemade Scented Pinecones and a Pretty DIY Diffuser

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    Scented pinecones are an easy, affordable, and festive way to add some festive fragrance to your home this season. Start off with the vanilla and pumpkin spice hues of fall, then transition into the pine and cinnamon scents of Christmas. And do it all by foraging for your own pinecones!

    Many people believe that aromatherapy has the power to heal our bodies and calm our minds. Whether you believe in the purported healing benefits of aromatherapy or not, smelling your favourite fragrances can make you feel relaxed, revitalized, and comforted.

    This can be especially nice during the holiday season if you scent your home with festive, cozy fragrances that make you want to curl up and relax.

    Use natural essential oils to fill your home with the warmth of the holidays by making this pinecone aromatherapy diffuser! Scented pinecones are easy to make at home as long as you follow a few important steps. 

    Here’s how to make them!

    Use essential oils for a natural but effective scent.

    How to Make Scented Pinecones

    What I love most about this craft is how affordable and easy it is to make. You can also customize it with any scent you like and add some extra pizzazz, such as I did with the cinnamon sticks and star anise.

    Materials

    Make It!

    If you don’t already have a supply of pinecones that you’ve collected for crafting, take a walk around a park, wooded area, or tree-lined street and collect a number of pinecones in varying sizes. Choose recently fallen cones that are intact and have a nice shape.

    Fill a sink with warm, soapy water and gently wash the pinecones. Once they are clean, take them out of the sink, shake off excess water, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

    For this project, it is best to use pinecones that are completely dry and as open as possible, and the best way to ensure this is to “bake” them in the oven at a low temperature to dry out thoroughly.

    Put the pinecones in the oven at around 200 degrees F (or whatever the lowest heat setting of your oven is) until they look open and feel very dry, about 30 minutes to an hour. Take them out of the oven and let cool completely before working with them.

    Next comes the fun bit: pick the combination of scents you want to use! I prefer to use only all-natural, pure essential oils as they smell better than synthetic fragrances, and they don’t contain harmful chemicals.

    baking pinecones in the ovenbaking pinecones in the oven
    Baking pinecones helps to sanitize them, get rid of any bugs, and open them up fully.

    Scenting Your Pinecones

    You can choose any scents that you like, but here are some of my favourite essential oils for fall and winter:

    To blend your signature essential oil fragrance, add the desired amount of each of your chosen essential oils into the empty glass bottle using the dropper. Screw the lid on and shake the bottle well, mixing the essential oils together to create a new scent combination.

    Now, you are ready to scent your pinecones. Using the dropper, apply the essential oil to the gaps in the pinecones. Essential oils are quite strong, so you don’t need a lot to scent your pinecones—just three or four drops per cone is plenty.

    Lay the pinecones out in an attractive dish or bowl along with some whole spices for an even more pleasant scent and an attractive holiday display. When the scent fades, simply add a few more drops of your custom essential oil blend to the pinecones.

    Scented Pinecone Diffuser with Natural SpicesScented Pinecone Diffuser with Natural Spices
    I added cinnamon sticks, star anise, and some cloves for decoration.

    FAQ About Making Scented Pinecones

    How long do scented pinecones last?

    The scent lasts me for about two weeks. Afterward, all they need is a quick refresh by adding some more essential oils to your pinecones.

    How do you make pinecones smell Christmassy?

    To make your pinecones smell like walking through a winter forest, combine cypress, cedarwood, and sweet bird essential oils.

    Another great combination to try for a sweeter Christmassy scent is sweet orange, cinnamon leaf, and vanilla absolute essential oils.

    Find more Christmas scent combinations in this post.

    How to refresh scented pinecones?

    All you need to do is add 3-4 drops to each pinecone. Utilizing a dropper can help, or you can shake the essential oils directly onto the pinecones.

    essential oil blend to scent pineconesessential oil blend to scent pinecones

    More Pinecone Crafts to Try

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Easy Homemade Lavender Bath Salts Recipe – Garden Therapy

    Easy Homemade Lavender Bath Salts Recipe – Garden Therapy

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    Making fragrant jars of homemade lavender bath salts couldn’t be easier. In vintage mason jars, bath salts look beautiful on display and make wonderful gifts. Here is a recipe to make your own in just a few simple steps.

    There are so many different botanicals you can add to bath salts, and somehow I keep coming back to lavender again and again. The scent is soothing and relaxing, and I find the benefits of the plant to be numerous.

    You’ll find me in the tub frequently. My body requires a good soak pretty well every day to manage the aches and pains. While I use my hot tub all the time now, I still appreciate the therapeutic benefits of an Epsom salt bath.

    Epsom salt is primarily made of magnesium, and your body can absorb it externally. Combine it with the aromatherapy of lavender, and you’ve got quite a therapeutic combo.

    Here’s what you need to know about lavender bath salts!

    fresh lavender from the gardenfresh lavender from the garden
    I use real dried lavender buds for this recipe. I harvest mine from the garden, but they’re also easy to find online.

    The Benefits of Bath Salts

    After a long day in my garden, I often look forward to a long soak in the tub afterward. For this reason, I make sure to keep my supply of bath salts well-stocked! Bath salts are made with Epsom salt,  and some of the benefits include:

    • Helps with insomnia – there’s a reason a nice soak in the bath will make you sleepy. Epsom salt has magnesium, which can help your body produce melatonin naturally. Combine that with the relaxing effect of soaking in hot water, and you’ll sleep more soundly.
    • Reduces pain and inflammation – for those who have inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia, the magnesium in Epsom salt can improve symptoms and reduce pain (also consider this magnesium lotion for pain).
    • Help with sore muscles – athletes are often advised to soak in a tub of Epsom salt after tough workouts. There’s no reason the same benefits can’t be applied to those of us with lesser athletic endeavours!

    The Benefits of Lavender

    Lavender has plenty of healing and cleansing properties, making it the perfect addition to a jar of bath salts. Some benefits of using lavender, whether dried or in essential oil form, include:

    • Reduces anxiety – there’s something immediately soothing about the scent of lavender. A recent study showed that science backs this up too!
    • Helps with sleep problems – the same study also showed that lavender was superior to a placebo when used for insomnia, disturbed sleep, or restlessness.
    • Stabilizes mood – whether you are in a season or stress, or dealing with depression, lavender is beneficial aromatherapy to employ.
    • You can grow it at home perhaps the most fun thing about lavender is that you can grow it right in your own backyard! It also happens to be an excellent way to attract beneficial pollinators to your yard, too.
    lavenderlavender
    Lavender is quite prolific, and one bush can provide you with plenty of dried lavender buds.

    Tips for Picking and Preserving Lavender

    I harvest lavender for crafts and DIYs quite often at my home. I wrote an entire post detailing my process, but here are the highlights of how to harvest lavender for bath salts or any other project:

    • Use sharp pruners and leave a minimum of 2 leaves on the stem to promote regrowth.
    • Dry bunches of lavender by hanging them upside down.
    • Once dry, shake the dried lavender off into a bowl or container.

    Lavender buds look beautiful in a clear jar of bath salts, especially if I want to present it to someone as a gift. Sometimes, when lavender dries, it turns gray or brown, but there are a few things you can do to help the buds keep their pretty purple colour.

    It’s a good idea to harvest lavender before the buds bloom.

    Choose One of These Varieties

    Any lavender can be harvested and dried for use, but Purple Bouquet, Royal Purple, and Folgate lavenders hold their colour especially well as they dry out.

    Harvest at the Right Time

    Cut your lavender from the plant just before the blooms open for the best colour. I like to leave at least some blooms to open in the garden for the bees, though.

    Store Properly

    I like to keep my lavender (and my lavender bath salts) in a clear glass jar, but exposing the dried buds to light will make them lose their colour, so keep the jar of lavender hidden away in a dark cupboard or drawer.

    Lavender buds and BeeswaxLavender buds and Beeswax
    Store your lavender away from sunlight and heat.

    Lavender Bath Salts Recipe

    Okay, let’s talk about how to make the bath salts! It only takes a few minutes to make (well, after you dry the lavender, that is) so you’ll be soaking in the tub in no time.

    Materials

    Lavender Bath Salts Handmade Gift IdeaLavender Bath Salts Handmade Gift Idea
    Don’t worry about having bits of stems of leaves from the lavender make their way in.

    Make it

    1. Open all your Mason jars. Set the lids aside, but keep them handy—you’ll need them shortly!
    2. Fill each Mason jar about halfway full of the Epsom salts.
    3. Next, we can add the lavender oil. I have found that 10-15 drops are about right, but if you are making a small container, adjust accordingly. Then, put the lid back on and shake well to combine.
    4. Remove the lid again, and add one tablespoon of your dried lavender flowers. Then replace lid once more and shake to combine.
    5. Add more Epsom salts to fill the jar and then (you guessed it) replace the lid and shake, shake, shake.
    6. Optional: download and print these freebie canning labels to dress up the jars. This is especially fun if you are making these as a gift!

    As you can see, making this DIY is simple. You’ll be so glad you gave this one a try!

    Lavender Bath Salts Mason JarLavender Bath Salts Mason Jar
    Add as many lavender buds as you wish!

    FAQ About Lavender Bath Salts

    Will the lavender buds clog up the drain?

    If you have a lot of build-up and use lots of lavender buds, then yes. I find that the buds mostly stick to the sides of my tub. I just wipe them up with a face cloth and shake them into the compost. If you’re looking for a quick cleanup, you can put the bath salts in tea bags, like I do in this post.

    Can I make these lavender bath salts ahead of time?

    If you’re making these as gifts, they do keep quite well. To maintain the purple colour of the lavender buds, store them in an airtight jar away from sunlight and heat. Feel free to top up with more lavender essential oil when it’s time to use or gift the bath salts.

    How can I prevent my Epsom salts from clumping?

    You want to keep the moisture out of them as much as possible. Keeping them in an airtight container is your best bet. You can also add in a hint of some jojoba oil or other oil to prevent clumping. You can also try adding in a brown sugar saver, as they absorb moisture.

    How much Epsom salt should I use in a bath?

    It depends on the size of your tub. I like to use one cup of bath salts for my large soaker tub, but if you’re looking for more therapeutic benefits, add in two.

    More Posts with Lavender

    Love lavender? Me too! Check out all of the crafts and projects that can be done with just a few backyard lavender plants:

    DIY Lavender Bath Salts

    It doesn’t get much more relaxing than a long soak in a tub filled with lavender bath salts! Here’s how to mix up a batch at home.

    • Fill each Mason jar about halfway full of the Epsom salts.

    • Add just 10-15 drops of essential oil, replace lid, and shake.

    • Remove the lid again, add 1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers, replace lid and shake (again).

    • Add more Epsom salts to fill the jar, replace the lid and shake well once more.

    • Optional: download and print these freebie canning labels to dress up the jars.

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Flame Fireplace Essential Oil Diffuser – Wicked Gadgetry

    Flame Fireplace Essential Oil Diffuser – Wicked Gadgetry

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    This beautiful Flame Fireplace Essential Oil Diffuser will turn your living space into an aroma heaven. It creates a warm ambient glow while diffusing scents that will transform your living space into an aromatherapy session.

    Wickedgadgetry.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate program that allows sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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    Kyle

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