Overview

In aromatherapy, the essential oil of lily of the valley is thought to alleviate depression and bestow a sense of security and happiness. Whether it does or not, lily of valley does smell wonderful. Capturing that fragrance may be accomplished in two ways: perfumed oil made with essential oil or with the flowers themselves placed in alcohol. The second method requires gathering quite a few fresh flowers over a period of a week.

Oil Perfume

Step 1

Clean the small glass jar with soapy water, rinse well and let dry.

Step 2

Place 5 drops of lily of the valley essential oil in the jar.

Step 3

Fill to within 1/2 inch of the top with sweet almond oil. Shake well.

Step 4

Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and rub onto your wrist. Wait 30 seconds and then sniff your wrist. If the scent isn't strong enough, add 5 more drops of lily of the valley essential oil and retest. Continue until the scent is as strong as you would like.

Alcohol Perfume

Step 1

Clean the large glass jar with soapy water, rinse well and let dry.

Step 2

Pack the lily of the valley flowers into the glass jar, and gently tamp down with your fingers. Don't bruise the flowers.

Step 3

Fill the glass jar with vodka. Place in a warm, dark place for two days.

Step 4

Strain the vodka out of the mixture and save it. Throw away the spent flowers. Wipe out the jar; it's not necessary to wash it. Pack fresh lily of the valley flowers into the glass jar, and refill with the vodka that was removed. Top off the jar with fresh vodka if necessary. Continue the process for one to two weeks, until the vodka has been infused with the fragrance of the lily of the valley.