Aromatherapeutic Smelling Salts (and other DIY Gift Ideas)
Lise
So there are undoubtedly some last minute things that need doing before the holiday break, some of which might be gifts. This post shows you a few things you can put together and add all kinds of your own personal touch to.
Let’s start with these lovely smelling salts (pictured above).
Classic Smelling Salts
Smelling salts have been around for ages. From days of yore, where they functioned as a go-to remedy for ladies who would tend to faint (due to their constrictive corsets). But smelling salts are still in use today. I’m sure you’ve seen them used in televised sports-related situations. Classic smelling salts pack a real punch due to the content of ammonia.
But.
What if smelling salts could have other functions?
Like, say
a 'Christmas Spirit' blend to jump-start the holiday cheer
a 'Clear The Head' blend to help battle stuffy noses
a 'Summer Memories' blend to bring a whiff of summer warmth
a 'Calm Your Spirit' blend to aid sleep and relaxation
One might even consider making a lovely personalised gift for someone.
Are you inspired?
Good, then let's get started!
Ingredients & Necessities
Small glass bottles that hold 10-15 ml with tight-fitting lids
Coarse salt (The Himalayan Crystal salt I used has a fabulous pink color, but you could use normal coarse salt or even decorative colored salts)
25-30 drops essential oil blend per bottle
Small funnel (for dripping accuracy)
Method
Plan and combine your blend(s) before you start. Make a note of how much of each essential oil (EO) you want to use. In this example, I have created a small batch I call My Good Morning Pick Me Up blend which consists of
Rosemary EO: 1 g
Peppermint EO: 0.75 g
Menthol Crystals: 0.5g
Eucalyptus EO: 0.5 g
Tea tree EO: 0.5 g
When you've planned and made your blends, it's simply a matter of
Filling the bottle with salt
Adding your essential oil blend
Capping the bottle and giving it a bit of a shake
Rejoicing at your fabulous creativity
If you make different blends and are using the same salt in all of them, do find a way to mark or label your bottles. I did 2 different blends here. The mix including rosemary got a little sticker at the bottom. Optional: make a proper label for each bottle.
How To Use Aromatherapeutic Smelling Salts
Uncap the bottle
Waft the under the nose and inhale deeply
Note: keep your smelling salts out of the reach of children.
More About Classic Smelling Salts (LINK)
Inhalers
If you happen to have the necessary containers, you can also make personalised inhalers.
Click the picture to see the Clear Nose Inhalers post.
Or click the picture below to make aromatherapy inhalers
Teas
If you have a stock of dried herbs, there are a few ideas for personalised tea blends.
Click the picture below to make Calm Steam Face Tea
Clicking the picture below will take you to the Gentle Steam Botanical Face Tea post.
Finally, there is a guide to how I make my own Personalised Herbal Tea Blends if you click the picture below (for sipping)
Have fun!
Do Tell
Which essential oil combinations would you use to make your smelling salts? Which herbs you you use to make a personalised tea blend?
PS: If you happen to have this book, creating and making your own bi-phase cleansers is both easy and fun
