Aromatherapy

When it comes to scent, it makes sense to begin by understanding the properties and benefits of each one. As I started experimenting with different essential oils, I realised I had never consciously considered the emotional and psychological effects these natural scents could offer.

Sure, I had a rough idea, lavender is relaxing and often tucked into little linen bags and placed in bedrooms to promote sleep. I knew that my grapefruit scented body wash always left me feeling invigorated. But I hadn’t explored the topic in any real depth. It quickly became clear there was much more to learn.

Before diving in, I figured I should probably do some research and build on the wisdom that’s been around for thousands of years. I picked up a brilliant book on essential oils from Neal’s Yard, it was bright, engaging, and incredibly accessible, the perfect starting point for my scent experiments. I decided to focus on natural oils that support wellbeing through smell.

There are so many options, but I’ve pulled together a handy starter list to help you begin your own scent journey. It’s organised by emotional and mental effects, so you can explore what you need most:

• Chamomile (Roman): Calms nerves, soothes irritability.
• Clary Sage: Relieves tension, supports mood balance.
• Lavender: Reduces stress, eases anxiety, improves sleep.
• Marjoram (Sweet): Promotes rest, eases grief and emotional pain.
• Vetiver: Grounds emotions, reduces overthinking.
• Ylang Ylang: Comforts, reduces anger and frustration.

• Black Pepper: Stimulates motivation and courage, energises without overwhelming.
• Cardamom: Boosts alertness and focus, lifts low mood and lethargy, eases mental burnout.
• Eucalyptus: Clears mental fog, invigorates the senses.
• Grapefruit: Refreshes, combats emotional burnout.
• Lemon: Increases energy, lifts low mood.

• Benzoin: Eases sadness, encourages self-compassion.
• Clove: Provides emotional comfort during stress or grief.
• Geranium: Balances mood, fosters emotional harmony.
• Jasmine (absolute): Uplifts mood, promotes confidence and intimacy.
• Rose: Opens the heart, nurtures emotional healing.
• Ylang Ylang: Comforts, encourages joy and sensuality.

• Cedarwood: Provides emotional strength and calm.
• Frankincense: Deepens breathing, supports meditation.
• Myrrh: Grounds emotions, used in grief processing.
• Patchouli: Encourages presence and body-awareness.
• Sandalwood: Promotes inner peace and spiritual clarity.

• Basil (Sweet): Increases clarity, relieves mental strain.
• Juniper Berry: Clears negativity, purifies emotional space.
• Lemongrass: Refreshes, cuts through apathy.
• Pine: Clears mental fatigue and sluggishness, refreshes foggy or overwhelmed mind.
• Rosemary: Boosts focus, improves memory recall.
• Tea Tree: Clears mental clutter, supports immune imagery.
• Thyme: Stimulates clear thinking, sharpens concentration.