3 Easy Essential Oil DIY Recipes

Essential oils often sit in a cupboard whilst you think about ways you might use them. These powerful plant essences are sometimes intimidating to explore, so here are a few easy ways to become comfortable with using them.

1. Body Powder

A few key ingredients and this lovely Body Powder is ready to go. Package it into antique compacts or unique salt shakers and you have a beautiful upcycled gift! 

A Body Powder absorbs moisture and can soothe irritated skin. Wonderful as a simple body deodorizer, for a baby's diaper area, or for an elderly person who is at risk for bed sores.  

RECIPE: 

1/2 cup Arrowroot Starch (try Bob's Red Mill brand)

2 tablespoons baking soda

15-20 drops pure essential oils - for a fresh Citrus + Lavender blend, try 14 drops lavender and 6 drops sweet orange. Of all the lavenders in cultivation, there is nothing quite like blending Maillette Lavender oil with a citrus oil - they are a match made in heaven! 

Optional ingredients:

• powdered calendula petals (buzz dried calendula petals in a blender until you achieve a powdery texture)
• pulverized organic oatmeal (buzz oatmeal in blender until it is soft, fine particulate) 
• rice grains

Mix arrowroot starch and baking soda together, making sure to crush any hard lumps. Add the essential oils one drop at a time, stirring well after each drop. 

Scoop into your containers, add a few grains of rice if desired to prevent clumping. 

2. Bath Drops

These are really delightful to give as gifts, in a tiny bottle with a tag explaining how to use them. Start with a simple blend that uses 2 or 3 essential oils. Once you become comfortable with the nuances of the oils, your confidence will increase and you can experiment with different oils. 

Two easy ways to explore blending:

• Fresh and approachable using lavender as the main oil with top notes of citrus or mint
• Restorative for aches and pains using lavender as the main oil with top notes of eucalyptus or middle notes of tea tree 

I love tiny 2mL bottles for gifting these 'Bath Drops'. An easy blend is 5 drops lavender:3 drops eucalyptus (adjust ratio to the capacity of your bottle). Dispense directly into the bottle that will store your blend until you reach the neck of the bottle.

To Use: as you draw your bath water, add 1 cup of Epsom Salts and 10 drops of your Bath Drops

Need bottles for blending? We have a great set of Aromatherapy Blending Bottles to get you started with your DIY projects. 

3. Countertop Spray

With a little vinegar, distilled (or boiled) water and essential oils you can keep your kitchen and bathroom counters sparkling fresh! 

RECIPE:

• 175mL Distilled Water 
• 25mL White Vinegar
• 10-15 drops Pure lavender essential oil
• 20-25 drops Pure tea tree (or citrus) essential oil

Use your nose to guide you with this blend, you may prefer a fresh citrus aroma or a more medicinal one - adjust your drops accordingly. Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before using.

Need to cut grease? Add a little dish soap directly onto the surface you are cleaning, spray cleaner on top and rub vigorously!

This is also a great cleaner to use on door knobs, faucets, light switches – just spray your cloth and wipe down the surface.