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Cold Enfleurage – It’s Easier Than It Sounds

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ENFLEURAGE ………. huh, pardon what is she on about now I hear you mutter under your breath 🙂 Well until today I had no idea  what it was either. ENFLEURAGE – the art of capturing the scent of flowers in some kind of fat for later use as a perfume. That got you thinking didn’t it………… Have any of you seen the movie “Perfume” before?  you know the one  where the guy kills 13 redheaded virgins for perfume. It’s called an ENFLEURAGE and it’s pretty easy actually.

YOU WILL NEED

  • deodorised/refined fat — it’s important that it smells as neutral as possible. You could  use refined shea butter or cocoa butter can be an alternative. Animal fat can be used as well, but why kill animals for that?
  • a flat tray/plate and a plate of glass of the same size (or plastic wrap if you don’t have a glass plate)
  • flowers (this “cold” enfleurage is perfect for fragile scents like roses, tuberoses, hyacinthes or citrus peels but you can basically just experiment. Just don’t start killing virgins :D)
  • gum benzoin solution (it’s a fragrant resin that helps to stabilize the perfume)

Pop on over to Mademoisellechaos Blog for a step by step tutorial on how to do this yourself.  HOW EXCITING I would love to hear comments from any of you out there that have tried this before.

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Comments

  1. Wow, what a clever idea! I haven’t tried this but will definitely put it on my ‘must try this’ list. We have a load of roses that we never know what to do with, and this would be a great way to use them well (you know, the ones that aren’t good enough to just put in a vase). Thanks for the link to the tutorial!

Have you read?

DIY Herbal Vapor Rub Balm – A Natural Vicks-Style Decongestant for Cold and Flu Relief

When someone in the house starts sniffling, you just know it’s going to make the rounds. That’s when I reach for this homemade herbal vapor rub—our family’s go-to chest balm for easing congestion, coughs, and that heavy-headed sick feeling.

Made with gentle yet powerful essential oils, this balm works just like the classic Vicks rub (but without the synthetic stuff). It’s safe, effective, and smells like a eucalyptus grove with a hint of grandma’s medicine chest—in the best possible way!

Whether you’re treating a toddler’s sniffles or trying to head off a man cold, this DIY vapor rub will be your winter wellness MVP.

Why You’ll Love This Natural Decongestant Balm

  • No petroleum or nasties – A clean, green homemade Vicks alternative 
  • Gentle enough for kids – With optional adjustments for littlies 
  • Nourishing balm texture – Melts into skin without being greasy 
  • Essential oils – Provide cooling, clearing, and comforting support 
  • Customizable – Make it stronger for adults or extra-gentle for babies 

Ingredients

Base:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a softer balm) 
  • 2 tbsp shea butter or mango butter 
  • 2 tbsp beeswax pellets 

Essential Oil Blend (for adults):

  • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil 
  • 8 drops peppermint essential oil 
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil 
  • 4 drops tea tree essential oil 
  • 4 drops lavender essential oil 

Optional for kids under 5:
 Replace eucalyptus and peppermint with fir needle and cedarwood atlas, and halve the total essential oil amount.

How to Make Your Own Vapor Rub

  1. Melt the base:
     In a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), gently melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Stir until smooth and liquid. 
  2. Cool slightly:
     Remove from heat and let cool just a few minutes—enough that it’s no longer scalding hot but still liquid. 
  3. Add essential oils:
     Stir in your essential oil blend. Don’t add them too early or the heat will evaporate their goodness. 
  4. Pour into tins or jars:
     Carefully pour into a small glass jar or metal balm tin. Let cool completely before putting the lid on. 
  5. Label & store:
     Store in a cool place away from sunlight. Balm will keep for up to 6 months. 

How to Use Your Herbal Chest Rub

  • For chest and back: Rub a small amount onto chest, upper back, and soles of the feet during cold or flu season. 
  • For steam relief: Add a pea-sized amount to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale. 
  • For headaches: Dab a touch on temples and neck (use caution and avoid eyes). 

Mum Tips

  • Patch test first if you’re unsure about sensitivities. 
  • Keep a tiny jar in your handbag during winter for on-the-go sniffles. 
  • For a nighttime version, add a few drops of Roman chamomile or lavender for extra sleep support. 

 

 

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