The air can feel heavy and stale when humidity and heat take over during summer. For those who enjoy spending time at home, fragrance can be as important a part of the ambience as a comfortable couch or the proper lighting. Though wellness through aromatherapy is nothing new, there are more ways now than ever to diffuse scents and essential oils into a space to help lift our moods.
Natural fragrances have been known to help alleviate a whole host of ailments, from anxiety to nausea. Though almost all but a few natural fragrances is suitable for anyone who wants to liven up a space and bring in a dose of freshness, there are a few things to keep in mind when inviting scents and smells into the home. Here, we explore how five popular scents can enhance wellness and the potential dangers they might pose.
#Lavender
Lavender
The light, sweet floral fragrance is one of the most effective scents for tackling stress and insomnia. A few drops of the essential oil in a bowl of water at the bedside can often help those who have difficulty relaxing before bedtime. A National Library of Medicine paper suggests lavender is an effective mood stabiliser that can be rapidly absorbed when directly applied to the skin to deliver healing properties.
Citrus
If you’re looking for a bit of clarity and livening up a space that feels stale, citrus scents are an excellent option. Bright scents of oranges, lemons and grapefruits provide a strong energy boost. A study with antidepressant users found that those who use citrus fragrances show a reduced reliance on medication.
Sage
A scent now frequently used due to the increased popularity of smudging, the practice of burning dried herbs and wood such as palo santo, sage is believed to be an excellent medium for cleansing. Though those who use the smudging ritual often do so as part of spiritual practice, the earthy scent is said to be an excellent calming fragrance.
Smudging is one way to use sage, but it is not recommended for pregnant women as burning the herb can produce a significant amount of smoke. Those who enjoy the sweet, rustic scent can also opt for candles or essential oils.
Lemongrass
Its lively, distinctive and bright scent might evoke images of a tasty frozen cocktail enjoyed on the beaches of Phuket; lemongrass is also a natural treatment for nausea and dizziness. Asian remedies such as mosquito repellants and insect bite topicals often include lemongrass infusion; a 2016 study found that lemongrass can effectively kill off bacteria.
Rosemary
Not only is it an excellent herb for cooking, but rosemary is also an effective muscle relaxant and can be used to calm the body as a home fragrance and as a topical. The rosemary essential oil continues menthol, which is effective for treating minor muscle aches.
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