How to Make Liquid Potpourri With Diffusers

Essential oils and reed diffusers

Essential oils from plants, fruits and flowers are the basis of liquid potpourri. Different combinations not only smell pleasant but have the ability to energize, relax, soothe and calm. According to Janice Cox, the author of "Natural Beauty at Home," aromatherapy affects behavior through the sense of smell. Aromatherapy has been practiced for over 5,000 years, beginning with the ancient Egyptians.

Things You'll Need

• Eyedropper
• Clary sage, lavender, lemon essential oils
• Sandalwood, rose geranium, bergamot essential oils
• Basil, cypress, grapefruit essential oils
• 3 dark bottles with caps, 1/2 oz. size
• 8 oz. jar
• Strongly scented flower petals, such as rose, jasmine, lilac or orange blossom
• Wooden spoon
• Almond oil
• Strainer
• Diffuser
• Reed diffusers

Instructions

Purchased Oils

1. Combine 3 drops each of clary sage, lavender and lemon essential oils into a dark bottle for a calming, stress-reducing scent.

2. Combine 3 drops each of sandalwood, rose and bergamot essential oils into a second bottle for a scent that promotes contentment.

3. Combine 3 drops each of basil, cypress and grapefruit essential oils for an energizing scent into a third bottle.

4. Adjust the ratio of the oils to your own liking. For example, you may prefer more lavender scent in the calming scent or less basil in the energizing scent. Keep the bottles out of direct light and away from heat. Close the caps tightly.

Homemade Oils

1. Fill an 8 oz. jar with strongly scented flower petals, such as rose, jasmine, lilac or orange blossoms. Pack the petals down with the handle of a wooden spoon.

2. Cover the flowers with almond oil.

3. Place the jar in a warm place. After a few days, strain out the old flowers and replace with a new batch of flower petals. Continue until the scent is strong.

Diffuser

1. Fill the diffuser with equal parts almond oil and an essential oil or homemade oil combination.

2. Insert enough reeds to fill the opening. Let the reeds absorb the oils for a few moments.

3. Remove the reeds from the diffuser and insert the dry ends into it. The ends, wet with oils, will now wick scent up and into the air. When the ends dry, flip them over and put them back in the oils. The ends previously in the oil will now be ready to scent the air again.

Tips & Warnings

• Store the reeds in a zip lock bag when you want to change scents. Use fresh reeds with a new scent.

• Keep the bottles out of direct light and away from heat. Close the caps tightly.

• Some oils will irritate the skin, so wash your hands after handling them.

References

• "Natural Beauty at Home"; Janice Cox; 1995

Resources

• Aroma Web