You May Need a Reed

Diffusing essential oils is probably the most popular way to enjoy the benefits of these plant molecules. Fill the diffuser with water and drops of oils, plug it in, turn it on, and fill the room with wonderful smells.

But what if you have a smaller space? No outlet? Desire a light scent next to your computer at the office? Want to replace that bathroom candle?

Then let’s make a reed diffuser!

What you need:

• Glass bottle
• Reeds
• Essential oils: total of 50 to 60 drops
• 1/4 cup carrier oil: preferably fractionated coconut oil or safflower oil
• Rubbing alcohol: 1 to 2 teaspoons

Pour the quarter cup of carrier oil into the glass bottle. It is best to use one with a narrower neck to help keep the oil from evaporating. Add the rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol is used to thin the carrier oil if needed to help it move up the reeds better. I usually use the 2 teaspoons. Then add your essential oils! Gently combine the ingredients by either swirling the bottle, mixing with a reed, or plug the top with your finger and invert a few times. Then add a minimum of 5 reeds to the bottle.

Let the reed soak for an hour, then invert them. If you need to refresh the scent, just keep inverting the reeds. You will probably need to do this about once or twice a week. When the reeds become saturated, they stop dispersing the scent so that’s when they will need to be changed out. Your reed diffuser should last you several weeks. Enjoy!