The ongoing global pandemic, endless quarantines, remote work and education have wreaked havoc on our daily routines and lifestyle in general. It seems that everything about our current reality only creates more stress. To prevent it from becoming a chronic state of affairs, let us give our immediate attention to selfcare and mental health.
The world of calming scents is an effective and pleasant place to start. We have collated a list of natural aromatherapeutic products which will help ease tension quickly and restore your balance. The sense of smell is a powerful tool which can do miracles to our state of wellbeing.
Topical application: perfumes and essential oils
de Mamiel
Anchor
One of the likely consequences of chronic stress is insomnia, the state of restless wakefulness throughout the night and inability to stay asleep. If this sounds like something you are dealing with, de Mamiel’s scented balm might be just the thing for you.
Its complex formula includes frankincense and essential oils of lavender, sandalwood, vetiver, Persian rose, chamomile, bergamot and patchouli to promote deep quality sleep. Best used as part of an evening ritual by warming up a small amount in your palms and either inhaling the scent or applying the balm to your wrists and neckline.
Tisserand
Organic Lavender Pure Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is probably the best known natural calming ingredient. Its scent is light, cool and lacks sweetness, making it perfectly associated with a freshly aired bedroom, the smell of crisply ironed bedding and deep sleep.
The essential oil can either be applied topically to your pulse points (a drop on each wrist or clavicle), as well as used in an oil burner or a special oil diffuser (3-5 drops). Its aromatherapeutic qualities aside, lavender will also help normalise pressure, release muscle spasms and improve focus.
LILFOX
Fôret Vert No. 2
Translated from French as “The Green Forest”, the title of this perfume speaks for itself. A calming warm scent which takes you back to a summery walk in the woods, with its rustle of lush shiny vegetation, a sweet woody smell of sun-soaked trees, and an occasional crackle of a branch under your heel. The aroma carries hints of juniper, cypress, vetiver and viola – a fresh, sunny combination.
NEOM
Scent to De-Stress Essential Oil Blend
This humble looking potion offers a blend of 24 essential oils, including lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood with its typically sweet undertone. The scent arrangement promises blissful relaxation, calm and a boost to one’s mental state. Can be used in a diffuser or added to your bath.
H. Gillerman
Stress Remedy
This essential oil blend of herby lavender, medicinal sage and such citruses as blood orange and tangerine will dispel all signs of tension, low mood and anxiety. The contrasting combination of calming and invigorating scents is bound to make you feel together again.
Rahua
Palo Santo Oil Perfume
Palo Santo was otherwise known as “holy wood” or ibiokai to ancient Incas who used it as an incense in a variety of rituals. To modern urbanites though its woody citrusy scent with hints of mint is a great meditation aid. This particular perfume is designed to help achieve a state of calm and balance irrespective of a hectic lifestyle. Pop it in your handbag and treat your senses to its positively intoxicating scent throughout the day.
Our go-to scented candles and sprays
Pacific Northwest Essences
Pillow Of Flowers Aura Mist
This Pillow of Flowers spray takes full advantage of chamomile’s anti-stress properties which help reduce anxiety and gradually transition into blissful sleep. The formula’s further medicinal calming action is delivered by the healing scent of calendula, the citrusy fresh smell of blue vervain and white morning glory. The latter is considered to be capable of regulating our circadian rhythms. Spray it around your bedroom before bedtime and enjoy drifting off into the dreamland.
Eym
Rest Candle
The name of this candle alone is enough to instil a sense of relaxation and calm. The scent of purity and tenderness is brought by a combination of lavender, chamomile and sweet orange. Safety is guaranteed through its convenient packaging and natural components, including such touches as a cotton wick and soy wax. In addition, this cutie promises 50 hours of burning time.
Sunday of London
Sleepy Mist
A couple of spritzes of this on your pillow and bedding will guarantee deep restful sleep. The magic is in its antistress formula which contains essential oils of cedar, vetiver, Roman chamomile and – where would we be without it? - lavender. Manufacturers recommend taking the spray outside the bedroom too to use in workplaces and especially ahead of any intense meetings.
Cowshed
Active Invigorating Room Candle
While lavender and chamomile might come as no surprise here, eucalyptus adds an extra hit to create an intricate herbal scent which aims to improve vitality. Allow the candle to burn for a couple of hours on first use to allow the wax to melt evenly across the surface. Be careful to not overdo it though as prolonged burning will cause it to lose its scent. The wick needs regular trimming to maintain a 0.5 cm length, helping the candle last longer (around 60 hours).
ilapothecary
Beat the Blues Room Spray
Beat the blues with this scented spray using clary sage, a mind balancing scent backed by aromatherapists. Another active ingredient is petitgrain, an essential oil derived from leaves and twigs of bitter orange tree, bringing a citrusy woody smell capable of calming anxiety and a sense of fear. Can be used any time you need a comforting spritz, whether it is in your home, car or office.
Little Aurelia
Sleep Time Pillow Mist
A delicate calming spray with a scent of angelica, chamomile and lavender developed especially for children. Anyone can use it though, especially if you want to tap into your inner child and have a carefree moment. Can be applied to your pyjamas, linen or any homeware textile you can think of.