Aromatherapy Misting

You're sitting at the beach (hopefully under an umbrella and slathered with sunscreen) sweltering, wishing you could cool off without jumping into the surf every 5 minutes. Perhaps you wish to cool off after a workout at the gym or need to be refreshed after a hard day of gardening. One of the new fads in small misting devices to help keep you cool. They range from coolers that attach to your waist via a belt with a wand to spray yourself with to little fans attached to a spray bottle. All of these blow cool mist wherever you like for an instant cooling effect.

A nice way to enhance the effect would be to add Aromatherapy. If the unit is a bit substantial or uses a pump instead of a motorized fan, adding pure (Aromatherapy grade) essential oils directly to the water should be fine. About 5 drops will do. Remember to shake the water well prior to spraying yourself. Also be mindful to stay away from essential oils that may make your skin more prone to sun damage and sensitivity. This includes orange and bergamot.

If your unit is inexpensive and/or runs via a fan motor try using hydrosols and floral waters instead. This way essential oils will not effect the motorized parts in any way. In addition, if the water container is plastic, essential oils may permanently permeate the plastic, making changing of scents hard to accomplish. Most essential oils also need to be stored in an opaque container in order not to become denatured and/or evaporated too quickly. Floral waters and hydrosols are easily created by soaking fresh or dried botanicals in water until their scent is transferred.

Scents / essential oils to try include:
- Rose
- Peppermint
- Vanilla
- Lavender

Another option is to use pre-blended essential oils that are specifically created to enhance your mood. Perhaps falling under the name of "Refreshing" or "Cooling".

-MAM

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