Natural Home Fragrance: Your Questions Answered

Natural home fragrance options derived from plant-based scents and pure essential oils avoid many synthetic chemicals that may be found in conventional air fresheners. Research from the Environmental Working Group has found that many conventional air fresheners may contain chemicals that can trigger respiratory irritation, headaches, and other sensitivities with regular exposure¹. Studies have also shown that some commercial air fresheners may release compounds that can affect indoor air quality². Natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers, botanical room sprays, and plant-based wax melts rely on aromatic compounds found in flowers, herbs, fruits, and trees rather than laboratory-created fragrances. ¹Environmental Working Group. ²Journal of Environmental Health Research.

There are several lovely ways to enjoy essential oils throughout your home. Electric diffusers are popular for their convenience, gently dispersing oils into the air to create a pleasant atmosphere in any room. Reed diffusers offer a constant, subtle fragrance without needing electricity, perfect for hallways or bedrooms. Oil burners using tea light candles create a cozy ambiance while releasing beautiful scents. For targeted use, you can add a few drops to bath soaks for a relaxing evening ritual, or use them with massage oils for personal aromatherapy moments. Room sprays made with essential oils provide instant fragrance when needed, while some people enjoy adding drops to potpourri or natural cleaning solutions.

Lavender, Chamomile, Bergamot, and Frankincense are popular essential oils known for their calming and relaxing properties, perfect for unwinding and promoting a peaceful atmosphere. Lavender is perhaps the most researched relaxation oil, shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality through its main components linalool and linalyl acetate. Chamomile offers gentle sedative properties that help ease tension, while Bergamot combines uplifting and calming qualities. Frankincense has been used in meditative practices for centuries due to its ability to deepen breathing and quiet an overactive mind. These oils work beautifully in aromatherapy practices or as bath soaks for a relaxing evening routine.

Essential oils require careful consideration around pets, as they can be harmful if used incorrectly. According to ECO. Modern Essentials, each pet responds differently to essential oils, so always diffuse in well-ventilated areas starting with minimal amounts and never leave bottles accessible to animals. Monitor pets for behavioural changes including leaving rooms during diffusion, altered eating habits, respiratory symptoms, or excessive scratching - if these occur, discontinue use immediately. Cats are more vulnerable than dogs due to lacking specific liver enzymes that break down toxins, meaning oils can accumulate in their systems. APVMA consider oils like Lavender, German Chamomile, Frankincense, Cedarwood, and Sandalwood as dog and cat friendly, while recommending to avoid Tea Tree, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Citrus oils, Cinnamon, and Clove. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Children require special consideration when using essential oils, as they're not simply smaller adults. According to ECO. Modern Essentials, essential oils are potent substances that can cause adverse reactions when used incorrectly around children. Always ensure well-ventilated areas when diffusing, use shorter diffusion times than for adults, and children will typically show clear preferences for oils they enjoy. For topical use, proper dilutions are essential: diffusion only for babies 0-24 months (no skin application), 0.25% dilution for ages 2-6 years, and 1% dilution maximum for 6+ years. Child-friendly essential oils include Lavender, Rose, Mandarin, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Spearmint, Lemon, Orange, Lemon Myrtle, and Neroli. We stock the complete ECO. Little range, specially formulated with children's safety and developmental needs in mind.