Make yourself a versatile body spray

Witch Hazel, Elemi, and Sunflower Oil

Today we’re going to talk about how to make an aromatherapy spray, or a body spray, or a hair refresher spray, or a bug repellent spray or an itchy skin spray. There are so many different ways to use a spray make from essential oils. I’m going to tell you about a few of my favorite ingredients and suggest other ingredients you might try in your next concoction.

To start with you will need a 2 oz spray bottle, a funnel, witch hazel, distilled water, and essential oils. You might also like to add glycerin, oil, aloe, green tea, vinegar, or a decoction. There are many possibilities.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is the base for most of my sprays. Witch hazel is a hydrolate made with steam distillation of flowers of the witch hazel plant.

A hydrolate is the aromatic water left over from the condensation process in the distillation of an essential oil¹²³⁴. It is formed when essential oils are steam distilled, and all fat-soluble and fleeting plant ingredients form a concentrate in oil. Plants also contain several water-soluble components that are left behind in the distilled water, i.e. hydrolate². The most accurate technical term for these waters is ‘hydrolate’, which is derived from the latin words ‘hydro’ (water) and ‘lait’ (milk)³.

Witch hazel is an astringent and as a result, is helpful for acne, irritated skin, eczema, psoriasis, and removing makeup. You can also use it for mosquito bites, minor cuts, bruises, sunburns, cold sores, and diaper rash. It is also helpful to use as a deodorant - one of my favorite uses. I keep the spray in my bag just in case. It’s also great to use on your face as it is anti-aging and helps to minimize under eye puffiness.

Elemi

Elemi is a great essential oil to have but one that doesn’t get talked about often. It is great for skin and a good alternative to frankincense which is expensive. It is useful for dry, sensitive, and oily skin. It moisturizes, helps with acne and skin discoloration. Use elemi for fine lines and wrinkles and to improve vibrancy. It is antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory.

Sunflower Oil

I like sunflower oil because it is a good all-around oil for all skin types that do not need intense moisturization but is especially good for combination skin. It is non-comedogenic and helps to retain moisture and protect the skin. Since sunflower oil contains vitamin E, it is good for the healing of blemishes and scar tissue. Using unrefined organic oil is great for skin as it contains potassium, vitamins B and E, and omega 6 fatty acids. Test it first if you have any nut or ragweed allergies.

To Make Your Spray

You will want to use different ingredients depending on how you want to use your spray. For an aromatherapy spray, linen spray, a bug spray or a deodorant spray, use 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, 24 drops of essential oil, and fill the rest with distilled water. To make an itchy skin spray, infuse some witch hazel with dried lavender and chamomile flowers for a week. Strain the flowers and mix the witch hazel with a teaspoon of oil and distilled water. You can use just essential oils, but I found that it worked better using dried flowers. To make a spray for hair, you can use the aromatherapy spray recipe or trade the witch hazel for rose water, rose infused vinegar, or a hydrosol. Add aloe or your favorite oil for some moisturization. To make a spray for your skin, add a teaspoon of oil, aloe, or glycerin to the aromatherapy spray. This is the spray I keep with me all the time for hair, skin and occasional stinky kid. Use this all over your body or as a toner. To your toner, you can also add green tea, rose water, or another decoction.

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I hope you enjoy your weekend!! Email me and tell me how you use your spray!

-Carrie