The Relaxing Scents of Summer

Oh, the sweet scents of summer - the sweet aroma of honeysuckle and the fragrant purple blooms of lavender floating on a warm breeze, the summer-damp perfume rising from a fresh-cut lawn, the clean scent of towels drying in the warm sun, brisk ocean breezes wafting citrus and coconut. The scents of summer transport you back to a time of happy childhood memories - a time of uncomplicated simplicity.

Scent is very powerful. Use scent to transport you back in time and let the nostalgia bring happiness and contentment to your heart. Let the delightful aromas of summertime renew your body and your mind, melting away stress.

Using essential oils, rather than perfumes, help in your physical and emotional health and well-being. Authentic essential oils are most therapeutic and have a fuller, sweeter, yet milder characteristic when compared to synthetic perfume blends. They can only be produced in nature. And, as they are slightly more expensive than perfumes, you only need a few drops, which justifies the higher cost. They can be found at most health food stores.

Try these simple summertime mixes to uplift your spirits and melt away stress.

Scented Glass
Collect seashells on your next trip to the beach. Also look for the small pieces of glass and pebbles that have been worn smooth by the drifting tides. Put 2-3 drops of some essential oils in a bag (try bergamot, lavender and sandalwood). Add the glass, seas shells and pebbles and shake to coat evenly. Add sea salts for a more uplifting scent. Display this colorful, aromatic mixture in an attractive dish or bowl.

Glowing Shells
Collect and clean whole seas shells. Melt paraffin wax or tea lights without the metal tins and fill the shells carefully with the melted wax. Add 2-3 drops of essential oils to the wax while it is still soft and pliable. Burning these clever candles will produce a soft, lasting scent.

Summer Hair Rinse
Place 4 drops of chamomile to 1 ½ cups of water in a bottle. Use this as a final rinse after shampooing for a relaxing, fragrant hair rinse that will add shiny highlights to blonde and light brown hair.

Sleepy Linens
Mix 5 drops of clary sage and lavender with 1 cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray on freshly laundered linens for a calm, restful night's sleep.

* Bergamot is a soothing scent. It works well with lavender, chamomile, clary sage and sandalwood, which are also calming scents. You can find these scents, and more, at your local health food store.