How To Make Potpourri At Home

There is nothing more inviting and invigorating than stepping into a pleasant-smelling space. Whether through a diffuser, burner, scented candle, or potpourri, the right scent can create a light and fresh atmosphere without being overpowering. What better way to achieve this than by crafting your own essential oil-infused potpourri? You can have fun adding beautiful stones, crystals, herbs, spices, and various essential oils. Not only do these potpourri creations look stunning, but they also release delightful natural scents that can uplift your mood and offer numerous health benefits.

How Do Essential Oils Work?

Breathing in the aroma of essential oils activates the brain's limbic system, which controls emotions, among other functions. The properties of these oils stimulate your central nervous system, helping to monitor internal organs and transmit signals to glands and muscles. Different oils provide distinct benefits: some can lift your mood, reduce anxiety, relax or energise you, improve concentration, relieve pain, or even boost your sex drive. A quick search online can reveal which essential oil might be most beneficial for your specific health needs.

Creating Your Own Potpourri

The beauty of potpourri lies in your ability to let your imagination run wild. Using high-quality therapeutic grade essential oils is crucial, as they retain their lovely scents longer and ensure you're not inhaling any harmful chemicals found in conventional oils.

Potpourri Using Dried Fruit

Drying fruit for potpourri is a simple and quick process. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are perfect because they maintain their shape and colour when dried. Here’s how to do it:

1. Slice: Cut citrus fruits into thick slices.
2. Dry: Place the slices on a wire rack and preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Dry the fruit for about two hours, turning the slices every half hour. Leave the oven door open to let moisture escape.
3. Check: If the fruit isn't completely dry after two hours, continue heating and monitor closely to avoid burning. You can also dry leaves and peels using this method.

Potpourri Using Flowers

For floral potpourri, tie a bouquet of flowers together and hang it upside down to dry. This method can take a few weeks. Once fully dried, toss the flowers into a bowl and add a few drops of your favourite essential oils. You can enhance the visual appeal and scent by incorporating bark, leaves, stones, crystals, and herbs like cloves.

DIY Recipe for Flower Potpourri

Any strongly scented flower will work well, with roses being a popular choice. Here’s a quick recipe:

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
2. Prepare Tray: Cover a sheet tray with wax paper.
3. Cut and Arrange: Cut flowers from the stems just below the heads, placing them on the tray, or remove individual petals to lay them flat.
4. Add Ingredients: Incorporate slices of dried citrus fruits or sprigs of rosemary, lavender, or thyme. Whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or allspice can also add an attractive and fragrant touch.
5. Essential Oil Mixture: In a small spray bottle, mix 5 to 10 drops of your chosen essential oils with one tablespoon of water and spritz this mixture onto the potpourri ingredients.
6. Dry: Place the tray back in the oven and dry for at least two hours or until the flowers are brittle but not burnt.
7. Final Spritz: Once done, remove the potpourri from the oven and give it another spritz of your essential oil mix.
8. Cool and Store: Allow the potpourri to cool to room temperature, then gently mix it and place it in a bowl or a small hessian bag. To refresh the scent, simply spritz it with the oil-water mixture.

We hope you enjoy the creative process of making your potpourri. It can make a lovely birthday or Christmas gift for someone special! If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at help@feelgoodhealth.co.za. We’re here to help you discover the best natural ways for your health and wellness. Happy crafting!