DIY Natural Air Freshener
I LOVE "smell-goods"- candles, wax warmers, room sprays, you name it!
I DON'T love the migraines that come with them so we try to stay as scent-free as possible in our home. But, that doesn't mean our house can't smell delicious! Read on for a few recipes you can simmer up on the stove- your house will smell like Christmas before you know it!
Notes: Each recipe calls for a quart of water- keep an eye on the level because if it simmers down, it will NOT smell delicious (ask me how I know). Add all ingredients to pot, stir and place on medium low heat until it simmers. Simmer as long as you'd like, replacing water and ingredients as needed.
Christmas Cheer
A few inches of orange peel
A few whole cloves
2-3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground ginger (or 2 tsp fresh ginger)
1 bay leaf
1 quart of water
Frosty the Snowman
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (the real stuff—not hot chocolate mix!)
2 tsp peppermint extract or use a few drops of peppermint essential oil, if desired
1 tsp cinnamon
1 quart of water
**This one is my favorite!! I go a little heavier on the peppermint extract- it's heavenly!
NOTE: Use caution with peppermint essential oil if you have young children as it can sometimes cause breathing issues in children. Peppermint essential oil may also have a negative impact on milk supply for some breastfeeding individuals.
Tea Party Mix
You can use any of your favorite teas, but apple cinnamon and chai tea are the perfect mixes for this warm simmering scent:
The contents of 1 tea bag (think apple, chai, ginger, or earl grey)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cardamom (or 4-5 cardamom pods)
1 quart of water
Extra Bonus: Inside, winter-air can be super dry causing dry skin and irritation. Simmering up these lovely recipes will not only make your house smell delicious, but it will add some humidity back into the air as well.
