If you are a potpourri fan, but would like a less toxic and more environmentally friendly way to enjoy the lovely scent without shelling out tons cash and disposing of excess packaging...make some of your own.
Fill a little pot halfway with water, add essential oils of your choice, a mixture of spices, and/or get creative with dried flowers or citrus peels, then turn the stove on to low heat and let it simmer. For gifting and making it look a bit prettier, make a sachet with a piece of cheesecloth, add the ingredients and tie it off with some string. Just be sure to check the pot often as the water evaporates to avoid a fire or burning the pot. Add more water as necessary.
One of my favorite potpourri recipes for this time of year is: a few dashes of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and a splash of vanilla. I especially like warming up a pot of this before entertaining guests and to help clear out the awful smell of something burning in the oven. Cinnamon, whole cloves and vanilla sticks work well too.
For those of you, especially pregnant women, who tend to feel a bit stuffy, a few drops of eucalyptus and peppermint oil can work wonders. Bring the water and oil to a boil, remove from heat, drape a towel over your head, hover over the pot and inhale the steam. It is an affordable and natural treatment that can be very beneficial.
Play around with scents you enjoy or do an online search for "homemade potpourri" or "homemade potpourri sachet" to find many more ideas/recipes.
Happy Green Living!!!
