LILL's LIST

I noticed a sign at my doctor’s office recently. “Please do not apply fragrances before your visit. Many of our clients and staff are allergic to scents.” Well, that set me back. I love fragrances, but these days, more and more people aren’t able to tolerate them. That means that when I go out in public, I forego that dab of essential oil I used to put on each wrist. Instead, I used unscented crystal deodorant and my mildest shampoo.

However, when I know I’m going to be spending the day at home, I indulge myself with one of the many homemade scented products I make. Here are three recipes that you might want to try if you like scents. Just remember that it’s best to keep them for days when you won’t be in close quarters with the public.

One of my favorite ways to make my whole house smell wonderful is with hanging air fresheners in every room.  I use cedar mixed with a complementary scent. They’re so easy to make and make great little gifts for Christmas. You can even tie one onto a bigger present.

Hanging Air Fresheners
Ingredients:
Cedar Shavings (you can get these at your local pet store)
Essential Oil
Dried Herbs
Dried Citrus Peels
Dried Flowers
Pretty Handkerchiefs, napkins or cloth
Rubber Bands
Ribbon

Add 10-20 drops of essential oil to the cedar shavings. Let it soak up the oil for several hours. Then mix the shavings, herbs, citrus peels and dried flowers together and put some into each handkerchief or piece of cloth. Gather the cloth and use the rubber band to close it tightly. Then tie the ribbon around it. You can vary the scent by using different essential oils, flowers and herbs. Lavender goes very well with cedar, as does cinnamon. You can even use cinnamon sticks. Or tie a cinnamon stick, sprigs of herbs or dried flowers on stems into the ribbon. If you prefer, you can leave the cedar shavings out and just use the other ingredients. Hang from closet rods, with a push pin in corners of rooms and attach them to wreaths or curtain rods. Make small ones and put them in drawers or on linen closet shelves. When the scent fades, refresh it with a little essential oil.

Perfumed Body Balm
Lavender and rose are my two favorite scents. I mix them into this balm and apply it to pulse points. If it’s kept in a cool, dark place, it lasts for a long time.
Ingredients:
1 TBSP Jojoba, Grapeseed or other light oil
1 TBSP Beeswax
10-15 Drops of essential oil
Contents of Vitamin E Capsule
Microwave the light oil and beeswax until thoroughly melted. With an eyedropper, add the essential oil one drop at a time. Mix together. Pour into small containers and cover tightly. It will harden as it cools. Apply sparingly because scent develops as your body heat warms the balm.