According to Dr. David Stewart (aroma therapist, author and lecturer), smell is the only sense directly connected to the central brain, rather than the frontal lobes. Because that part of the brain deals with nonverbal and emotional functions, he says, “our first response to anything we smell can be emotional rather than rational.” In other words, scents…including oils, can also bring about emotional healing and increase spiritual awareness in ways we can’t fully understand.

This theory explains why certain scents bring on thoughts of nostalgia that can transport us back to our childhood or a specific time and place in our lives. These momentary recollections often times come complete with not only the smell of the event, but with the depth of emotion as well. Some good, some bad. Like the scent of your grandmother’s favorite perfume, your child’s hair, or the whiff of fresh sap from a maple tree on a warm autumn day. These are sometimes all we need to offset the stress and strain of our 9-5, and bring us to a place just outside the present…..if only for a moment.

The aromas we experience in our lives stir our desires, activate our salivary glands, and soothe our aching hearts. But what if we could bottle up those scents to use whenever and wherever we desired. What if the sweet vanilla cookies your mom used to make to cheer you up and remind you that you were loved even when the rest of the world seemed to let you down could be at your disposal each time you needed that extra nurturing? Or that sensuous cologne, you know, the one that your husband wears every day just because he knows you like it? What if you could get the same scent, without all the chemical base products, to spray on your sheets each night he is out of town on business to make your dreamtime just a little sweeter?

Scents carry not only thoughts of nostalgia in each drop, but can even heal and uplift an aching spirit and weary body. The most potent and natural of these scents comes in the form of organic essential oils. Organic essential oils are plant oils extracted by distillation. Though the principal uses of essential oils serve as flavoring agents and as therapeutic remedies in aromatherapy applications, they can also be used to sweeten your laundry, brighten your clothing, balance energies within and around, and keep unwanted pests away. Specific essential oils have therapeutic qualities that when applied to clothing or bedding, can offer you additional protection against negative energies and toxic emotions. While many are found in commercial perfumes and scented air fresheners, the organic base of these wonderful extracts from nature are best applied and utilized in their natural oil state.

Below is a list of some of the more popular organic essential oils, their properties and their usage. When using essential oils (homemade or store bought) please adhere to the following guidelines to reap the full benefits of the oils. The fabrics in your home and in your closet will thank you for it.

Safety Guidelines

1. Always use pure oils with no alcohol or chemicals added. Read labels carefully, and look for the words ‘essential oil’. Many oils on the market today are highly diluted. Some contain alcohol or other chemicals which kill the essence of the plant.

2. Remember that these are scent oils. They are used by inhaling the fragrance. It is not wise to ingest any plant oil regardless of how diluted they may be. Honor the plants, the Creator and your body and use aromatherapy oils as they were intended.

3. Because pure oils are so strong, you must take care to avoid contact with your eyes or other mucous membranes. Always dilute a pure plant oil with olive or other pure carrier oil before applying it to your skin as it may burn. Also be aware that many plant oils can stain fabric if not properly diluted. So use caution and common sense when handling essential oils.

4. Remember that animals have much more sensitive olfactory capabilities than humans. Also, they tend to ingest any substance that touches their bodies. Do not spray room misters near your furry, feathered or finny friends.

5. Wash your hands after handling oils.

6. Keep oils away from direct heat or flame.

7. NEVER ever mix oils with rubbing alcohol or other chemicals.

8. Use only pure plant oils.

9. Essential oils should never be used at full strength on your skin.

10. Always use pure oils with no additives. Many oils on the market today are highly diluted. Some contain alcohol or other chemicals which may harm the essence of the plant.

Application Guidelines

Spray

Fill a plastic spray bottle with pure (not tap) water. Add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. Shake vigorously and before each use. Spray on upholstery, window treatments, car interiors, bedding lingerie drawer sachets or clothing, for that personal touch. Custom made quilts for friends and loved ones are made a little more special when hinted with a tranquil chamomile or other selected scent of choice. Can also be sprayed on curtains by an open window to energetically cleanse and bless a room.

Cotton Ball

Scent a cotton ball with crushed and dried jasmine, cinnamon or ylang ylang essential oils. Place in the corners of your fabric piles , linen closets or wherever you keep your fabric craft projects for at least 24 hours. This will leave a sweet and harmonious energy on the fabric for you and your friends, clients or loved ones to enjoy.

Laundering

Add a few drops of rosewood, peppermint or patchouli essential oils to the last phase of your rinse cycle to sweeten your laundry. Add a little lemon oil to freshen the load.

Add a little lavender or cinnamon to your unscented dryer sheets for a softer, more aromatic load with a hint of calming residue on your garments, bedding or other fabricated item.