DIY RECIPE OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 2021

HOLIDAY SCENTED ROOM SPRAY

Download Recipe Card in PDF Format - Holiday Scented Room Spray

Scent memory is something many in the fragrance industry know very well. It can make a perfume or fragrance compelling as it draws on our emotions, and we resonate with it. As part of our evolutionary process, our olfactory senses were a vital part of survival. Smells go directly into our limbic system, the system that deals with our emotions and memories. This 'cataloging' of scents helped us determine danger, and direction, or reminded us which foraged berry was edible or poisonous. We may have less need in modern days to use scent for survival, but scent and memory still play an important role in our lives.

Due to this correlation of scent to our limbic system, most of us exercise the powerful ability to associate smells with emotions, places, and people. My grandmother's perfume or freshly baked bread flood me with warm feelings of childhood. Another common 'warm and fuzzy' is the scent of the holidays, which to me is fresh pine or cedar, mulling spices, and popcorn. The combination elicits fond memories of friends and family and past gatherings. I wanted our December recipe to provide an extra boost of care and togetherness for the season, as many of us will not be traveling or having our normal celebrations.

This month's recipe is a simple one and is open to your interpretation. Our Holiday Scented Room Spray will hopefully evoke your best holiday memories, using the essential oils of your choice. I will list what I used below but feel free to mix up your blends for what speaks to you most. You will need approximately 70-80 drops (depending on strength of the oil) for this 8 oz. recipe.

Our Organic Alcohol is a great addition to room sprays. It helps the mist to evaporate faster, preserves your mixtures, and helps the oils to dissolve. The oils and alcohol can damage certain furnishings or materials, so be careful using the finished spray around your home.

I plan to make this and bottle it up for loved ones to spread a little extra cheer that we may not be able to share in person this year.

Extra tips for your bottle-of-joy: I added some cardamon pods and cloves to my alcohol and let extract overnight for a little added punch. You can use other whole spices, dried or fresh citrus peels, or even bits of cedar or fir. I also have used flower water, or hydrosols (think rose water) in replacement of plain distilled water for a more delicious fragrance.

THIS MONTH'S RECIPE: HOLIDAY-SCENTED ROOM SPRAY

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• • • 8 ounce Spray Bottle
      Or double the recipe and use a 16-ounce one
    • 3 ounces of Organic Alcohol
      I used Organic Cane
    • 4 ounces of Distilled Water
    • 40 drops Douglas Fir Essential Oil
      You can also use Cedar or another type of Fir
    • 15 drops Juniper Berry
    • 10 drops Sweet Orange
    • 3-5 drops of Clove Oil
    • 3-5 drops of Cinnamon
    • 10 Whole Cloves (optional)
    • 10 Cardamon Pods (optional)
      
      
      

WHAT YOU'LL DO

1. 1. 1. Add Cloves and Cardamon to Organic Alcohol
         Let sit in a cool, dark place for 24-48 hours
      2. Once extracted to desired strength, strain alcohol into your Spray Bottle
      3. Add in Essential Oils and swirl until dissolved
      4. Fill with Distilled Water
      5. Cap, and give it a good shake
      6. Label it
         I like to write what oils are inside so folks know what they are getting

It really is that simple. This recipe can be used for all seasons, just test and change your blends of oil. Enjoy, and happiest of Holiday Seasons.