Top fragrances to use for stress relief at home

After a long hard day at work, what do you do? Do you take a long hot bath or sit back and sip on a cup of tea or coffee?

People have different ways of relaxing wherein most prefer to rejuvenate or replenish themselves; for instance, many people are into aromatherapy, which uses scents and aromas of essential oils. But isn’t aromatherapy confined to wellness centres and spas?

Not necessarily. People can utilise the scents and essential oils in varied ways from the comfort of their house and have their little spa session.

A lavender sachet next to your bed or lighting a scented candle inside your bedroom can help to relieve stress and unwind. Additionally, studies have shown that aromatherapy has an effect on behaviour and alters behaviour effectively. Nonetheless, manufacturers do not create all the scents equally, nor do they affect human behaviour and physiology the same way. Also, they all have various properties.

Let us take a look at some of the top scents and their benefits:

Rosemary

Rosemary got its name from the Latin term ‘’dew of the sea’’ as it is native to the cliffs of the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the aromatic family of herbs, including Basil, Lavender, Myrtle, and sage. Moreover, Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, and Hebrews considered rosemary sacred and used it to improve memory, for protection, and to remind the life and death cycle.

When used in aromatherapy, rosemary can help reduce stress levels and nervous tension and boost mental activity. Simultaneously, it encourages clarity and insight while relieving fatigue and supporting respiratory functions. You can also use it when you are overcome with negative moods or having difficulty retaining information; it can help you concentrate.

The scent of rosemary, when used in essential oils, works wonders to stimulate the appetite; it reduces the stress hormones level that is released when someone is experiencing stress. Therefore, it has demonstrated the ability to reduce cortisol levels. So, the next time you experience anxiety or stress, light a rosemary candle or use the essential oils of the scent.

Lemon

Have you ever used a deodorant that has a citrus fragrance? You must have experienced the rush of freshness it provides throughout the day if you have. The lemon scent is cold-pressed from the fruit peel and is an excellent mood enhancer. It is used to boost the feelings of energy, spirit and vitality.

It is widely dubbed as ‘’liquid sunshine and rightfully so; if you want to experience a delightful bath, then drop a few drops of lemon oil in the bathtub and lay back and enjoy. The lemon essential oils have cleansing and purifying properties and are beneficial for skin and hair.
However, It is recommended to seek the guidance of a medical practitioner before using Lemon Essential Oil if pregnant, nursing or on medication, for those who have recently undergone surgery, or for those with a pre-existing health condition of any kind.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood, which has a light woody aroma, has been used throughout history in religious rituals and traditional ayurvedic medicines. It plays a prominent role in spiritual remedies and practices and is also used in luxury consumer goods such as perfumes and cosmetics. It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties.

Sandalwood essential oil brings calmness to the mind while supporting feelings of clarity and peace. It is also a well-known mood enhancer that reduces the feelings of tension and anxiety to higher quality sleep and increases mental alertness to enhanced feelings of harmony and sensuality.

If you find it difficult to concentrate during meditation, the smell of sandalwood helps to provide a sense of centring and balance. Furthermore, the oil helps to manage feelings of discomfort due to headaches, coughs, colds, and indigestion, promoting feelings of relaxation.

Vetiver

Vetiver essential oil or scent is derived from the aromatic roots of the Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn) Nash. Botanical. It has a grounding, sensual and calming scent that is known as ‘’the fragrance of soil in India and Sri Lanka. Since ancient times, the scent has been used for various applications, including perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. It is also used in food and drinks as it makes an excellent cooling beverage and sorbet flavouring.

Vetiver scent is especially beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, inability to concentrate or remember.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang scent is extracted from the steam distilled flowers of the Cananga Odorota botanical, found predominantly in tropical rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia, Java, Sumatra Comoro and Polynesia. It has a pleasant floral fragrance that is known to soothe feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, tension and sleeplessness.

It is also reputed to have anti-depressant properties that address negative feelings, including nervousness, shock, and fatigue. Moreover, it also promotes positive feelings of cheerfulness and optimism, thus uplifting the mood.