If you’re using essential oils regularly for your home to create a pleasant smelling and emotionally grounding environment, we don’t see why not you can’t do the same by using essential oils in your car. This is also the perfect time to switch out the artificially scented car freshener and opt for something natural and therapeutic instead.
When it comes to driving, especially if you’re on road trips, having to deal with constant traffic, and experiencing road rage, you’ll want to try out these essential oils to promote calmness while giving you a boost of energy:
- Citronella
- Citrus
- Coffee
- Eucalyptus
- Lemongrass
- Palmarosa
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Spearmint
- Sweet basil
It’s better to avoid these essential oils as they possess one thing in common – sedating properties. You don’t want to be getting too relaxed, especially if you’re already tired and when you have to drive for long hours:
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Sweet marjoram
- Ylang ylang
Using a portable compact sized diffuser or a diffuser specifically made for cars is a great and convenient way to freshen up the inside of the car. Not to mention the scents of essential oils tend to linger, so your car always smells nice. Below are two links prepared if you’re considering getting a diffuser for your car.
Here is a portable diffuser from InnoGear. The light weight and compact size doesn’t take up much space, therefore making it ideal to use outside your car as well:
If you want something that takes up even less space, try out these regal looking vent clips diffusers from RoyAroma:
This adorable acorn shaped car diffuser, also from RoyAroma, doubles as both a diffuser and a cute yet minimalistic decor for your car:
Alternatively, if you happen to have some DIY essential oil room spray or sprays on hand, you can spray your car the same way you would spray the rooms in your home. You may want to focus more on car seats that tend to retain sweat, damp clothes, previously spilled food or drinks and etc.
Here is another simple method that doesn’t require any gadgets. Place 1-3 drops of essential oils on a handkerchief, small cloth or towel, and place it on your car’s dashboard. The heat from your car’s engine will help to distribute the scent of the essential oil throughout your car. Try to avoid using a tissue as they’re light and thin, so they may not stay put.
Now that you’ve got an idea of how to utilize aromatherapy in your car, do remember that your car is smaller than your home and room, therefore it doesn’t require as much essential oils for the scent to stimulate your senses. Start with a very small amount and gradually work your way up if you desire a stronger scent but make sure not to go overboard as well.
Related: Here’s how you can freshen up your laundry too