Balsam reminds us of nature hikes through the woods, golden autumn mornings, cozy fall and winter nights by the fire and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you want to infuse your home with this scent, all you have to do is make a simple balsam scented oil. You can burn it in an oil burner, or place a teaspoon of it in a pot of simmering water, rub it on your candles or add a few drops to fading potpourri to liven it up. Balsam scented oil is easy to make with a few simple ingredients.
Instructions
1. Collect a pine cone and some balsam tree twigs, if balsam trees grow in your area. The balsam twigs are not essential for this scented oil; the other ingredients will replicate the scent. Take the pine cone and twigs outside. Lay the paper plate on solid pavement. Put the twigs and pine cone on the plate. Use a hammer to crush and bruise them, so their oils are released.
2. Bring your beaten pine cone and twigs inside. Place a medium sized glass or enamel pot on the stove. Measure 1/2 cup of an unscented oil base, such as jojoba oil (you can also use grape seed or olive oil), into the pot. Turn on the burner to low and heat the oil until it is almost simmering.
3. Place some twigs and pine cone bits in the oils, along with two cinnamon sticks, the nutmeg and the cloves. Stir occasionally, keeping the heat low enough so that the oil is hot, but not simmering. If it begins simmering, lower the heat. After 5 minutes, remove it from the heat.
4. Allow the oil, with all the ingredients in it, to cool to room temperature.
5. Double up a piece of cheesecloth and lay it across a Mason jar or a plastic container. Put rubber bands around the mouth of the jar to hold the cheesecloth in place.
6. Remove some of the larger chunks, such as twigs, cinnamon sticks and pine cone chunks, from the balsam mixture, using a spoon. Pour the mixture over the cheesecloth to strain it. Remove the cheesecloth and rubber bands. Cover the container with a tightly fitting lid. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Tags: pine cone, cinnamon sticks, cone twigs, pine cone twigs, rubber bands, twigs pine