Chances are that you already own something containing essential oils. Think about it for a moment. Candles, oil burners, diffusers, aromatherapy balms, bath soaks, pillow mists, beauty products, it seems as if essential oils are everywhere. So whether you’re at the spa, home or even in the office, you’re guaranteed to find someone or something with an essential oil! 

So what’s the deal? Is it great marketing or does aromatherapy make a difference? And if so, how?

Aromatherapy for Beginners

Smell is incredibly powerful. One whiff of something can even bring a lost or forgotten memory back to the surface. Aromatherapy is an ancient, natural therapy that’s built upon this phenomenon of smell, memory, and emotion. 

And it seems to be becoming ever more popular in the 21st century, probably because we’re all in dire need of some help to juggle our expanding daily workload and manage our soaring stress levels. 

The first thing to know about aromatherapy is that it’s different to scent or perfume. Whilst all three certainly smell appealing, essential oils also offer therapeutic benefits, particularly for the mind. 

Although research remains ongoing, some studies have demonstrated that aromatherapy might have a beneficial effect on:

• Anxiety, stress, and depression
• Improved sleep
• Nausea

What are Essential Oils?

These are organic compounds that capture fragrance and are derived from plant sources. Parts of a plant, including its bark, roots, petals, and leaves are distilled, resulting in a highly concentrated oil.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

Inhalation of an essential oil automatically awakens your sense of smell. It stimulates smell receptors in the nose, which send a message via the nervous system to the brain’s limbic system, otherwise known as the emotional centre. So, aromatherapy largely works on the premise that different smells cause us to feel certain emotions which in turn, produces a physical reaction. 

Lavender, for example, is used to help us feel calmer and de-stressed. This translates into slower, deeper breathing, relaxed muscles, and lower tension amongst other things. For more about how aromatherapy affects the limbic system Click here.

How To Start Aromatherapy

There’s a multitude of essential oils for different ailments and when you’re starting out, it can blow your mind. Luckily, Scentered has made it easier for beginners by creating six beautiful aromatherapy blends that help you to easily transition into more desirable mindsets. 

Choose the mindset you’d like and apply the innovative aromatherapy balm, perfect for mess-free application to your wrists, neck, and temples. Inhale deeply three times and let the essential oils get to work and enhance your mood. How unbelievably simple is that!

Wondering which aromatherapy balm to use? Check out our guide below.

HAPPY Balm:  A truly uplifting citrus and mint blend which delivers a huge dose of positivity, perfect for applying when you wake up to set your mood for the rest of the day. 

Zingy Grapefruit lifts the spirits whilst Lemon Myrtle energises and Spearmint boosts positivity. Sunshine anytime!

FOCUS Balm:  Whenever you need a clear head to accomplish goals and tasks, like before work, going into a meeting or refocusing after a break, this is the balm of choice. 

It’s an invigorating blend that combines Rosemary, well-known for increasing alertness and boosting memory, stimulating Mint that helps focus on cognitive tasks, and Clary Sage, a mental fatigue reliever and banisher of brain fog. Better than coffee!

ESCAPE Balm: Ideal for shifting from work and chores to me-time. You’ll be instantly transported away from your to-do list with this evocative blend. 

Oud enhances clarity of mind, Sandalwood helps strengthen mind-set, as well as being beneficial for yoga and meditation practice, and immensely grounding Frankincense, is there for it’s wonderful balancing properties. ‘Me time’.

DE STRESS Balm:  The ultimate blend to unwind, de stress and retain an air of serenity. Popular Chamomile promotes a calm mind and Neroli and Mandarin are excellent soothers of tension. 

Give yourself some aromatherapy support to juggle throughout the day, whilst maintaining a sense of calm and feeling in control. Alternatively, use this one at the end of the day to rapidly unwind from daily stresses. 

LOVE Balm: A warm-hearted, woody oriental scent with depth, enhancing emotional connectivity to yourself and others. Ideal for use when you’re feeling emotional or on edge, hormonal, in need of a hug or some self-care, or disconnected from others.

Experience spicy citrus top notes of Orange and Clove, heart-warming floral Rose, and Jasmine notes, all wrapped in the rich base notes of Patchouli, Vanilla, Cedarwood & Cabreuva.

SLEEP WELL Balm: A sophisticated floral lavender blend that quietens a restless mind to promote a deep, uninterrupted, peaceful sleep. 

Therapeutic Lavender, Chamomile, Palmarosa and Ho Wood, are skilfully balanced with Bois de Rose and Geranium. The Patchouli, Clove and Ylang Ylang heart brings a contemporary oriental twist.

All of the components work in total affinity so that you awaken feeling rested and rejuvenated. 

 

Interested in finding out more on aromatherapy? Try reading ‘What is Aromatherapy and How Can It Help You’

We would love to hear about your mental wellness journey. You can also keep in touch via our Instagram @iamscentered or sign up to our newsletter for updates, news and offers.