The Scented Home and Garden: Essential Oils 101

“To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat” –John Beverley Nichols

Many think of essential oils only as something used by aromatherapy experts. However, there are plenty of ways that the average person can use essential oils around the house. Due to health and environmental concerns as well as financial considerations, more people are making their own household cleaning products. Essential oils are a great addition to these “green” products, as well as to home fragrance and bath and body products, all of which are easy to make yourself. In this blog, I intend to share recipes and directions for such items. But first, here are a few basics about acquiring and using essential oils.

First of all, what are essential oils? They are pure oils extracted or distilled from plants. Depending on the variety, they may come from the leaves, flowers, roots, bark, or other plant parts. Making them is beyond the scope of most home gardeners, as special equipment and large quantities of plant material are required to make just a small amount of essential oil. So you will probably want to purchase your essential oils. I purchase my essential oils from a wholesaler, www.naturesgardencandles.com. There are many other reputable online sources, both retail and wholesale, and the oils are also usually available at natural food and craft stores. Look for pure essential oils, rather than synthetic. Quality oils will be packaged in dark-colored glass bottles and it is best to store them in the original bottles in a cool, dark room. Essential oils usually come with some sort of dropper, as a little bit goes a long way and oils should be measured out one drop at a time. You will probably want to start out by purchasing oils in the smallest size available.