Simple Aromatherapy for Home

Today we use aromatherapy in our homes in order to get the pleasure that is created through the aroma of the fragrant smoke rising in the air.

Creating your own aromatherapy is really quite easy once you decide which type you want to make. Here we will discuss some of the more popular methods such as dough aromatherapy and loose aromatherapy.

Loose Aromatherapy
Loose aromatherapy is the least complicated type of aromatherapy to make and is generally used a teaspoonful at a time, either in an incense dish or thrown on top of a smouldering fire. Here is a sample recipe to get you started:

• 75 grams / 3 ounces powdered frankincense
• 50 grams / 2 ounces powdered orris root
• 25 grams / 1 ounce powdered cloves
• 25 grams / 1 ounce sandalwood shavings
• A few drops of your favorite essential oil

Mix all of the dry ingredients together and sprinkle the essential oil on top. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place for 8 to 10 weeks at which time the aroma will have matured.

Dough Aromatherapy
Another type of aromatherapy that is relatively easy to make is dough aromatherapy. However, it requires a blender, bowls, a wooden spoon for mixing, and a little experimentation! Here is a recipe that doesn't require a specific amount of each ingredient. Just mix them all together with the goal of making a smooth paste which can then be formed into shapes (such as cones).

• sweet smelling dried herbs or spices
• half the amount of the above herbs or spices in scented wood bark shavings
• tragacanth powder
• potassium nitrate (saltpeter)
• water
• food coloring (optional)

First, reduce to a powder and combine, the dried herbs and/or spices with the dried scented bark. Then mix the potassium nitrate with a little bit of water. Add tragacanth powder and mix into a smooth paste, adding more water if needed. Continue to add dried herbs/spices, water and tragacanth powder as required to make the amount of dough desired. If the scent is not strong enough, a few drops of essential oil may be added. If desired a few drops of food coloring may also be added to color the mixture. This dough can then be shaped into cones, cylinders and coils or can be rolled onto bamboo skewers (leaving the end portion bare so that it can be inserted into an incense holder).

Whichever shape you choose, let the dough aromatherapy dry thoroughly and store the aromatherapy in an airtight tin to preserve the aroma.
As you can see, with a little effort and creative experimentation, incense is a great way to invigorate the senses and fragrance your surroundings!