“A change of season calls for a change of scent that is both energizing and refreshing.” -  Hannah Bronfman

Aromatherapy has been used throughout history, and its exact origin is unknown; the Egyptians are thought to have created the first distillation machines to extract oils from plants such as cedarwood, clove, and cinnamon, while the practice of using infused oils as a mood enhancer is believed to have begun in China. The Greeks are also thought to have been early adopters, using myrrh in their perfumes and experimenting with aromatherapy for healing purposes. No matter its origin, the benefits of aromatherapy have been passed down through generations, and today we see the practice becoming more mainstream once again.

Research suggests that certain scents work to trigger different parts of the brain, and stimulate memories and emotions which affect our mood and behaviour. At Scentered, we use some of the most powerful essential oils in our products, each with its own extensive benefits. Here are some of the most effective:

Palmarosa

Palmarosa is known to help relax the muscles and settle the nervous system, so embracing this essential oil as part of your nightly bedtime ritual could help you drift off into a restful sleep. Paired with classic lavender and ylang ylang within our Sleep Well range, it really is the perfect extract if you want to prioritise bedtime.

Lemon Myrtle

Energising, refreshing and uplifting is just some of the words to describe this citrus-y mint blend, known to promote all-round relaxation, deliver an instant burst of positivity, and encourage feelings of happiness and gratitude. If you want to brighten your mood naturally, this is the essential oil to invigorate your senses and leave you feeling ready for anything. Our Be Happy Balm contains lemon myrtle, making it the perfect pick-me-up to always have in your handbag.  

Clary Sage

This is an essential oil that could arguably be better at keeping you alert and focused than coffee! With the ability to aid in relieving mental fatigue and promote clarity of the mind, Clary Sage is an excellent scent to prepare for a busy and high-intensity day, and you will find it in our Focus Balm to help direct your mind, encourage clear thoughts and boost concentration. With regular use, you can begin to pre-empt situations where you will need to focus, and use this balm as a tool to concentrate anywhere.

Frankincense 

If you need to get back some “me time” in your week, then you’ll want to incorporate frankincense into your routine. Its scent is both grounding and balancing, making it the ideal scent for a mental reset. Whether you’re relaxing with some gentle exercise or reading a book on the sofa, frankincense is a wonderful aroma to surround yourself with. Our Escape Balm is designed using frankincense to help stimulate your motivation, and help your brain recharge to tackle its next task.

Jasmine

Jasmine not only smells divine, it has amazing mood-boosting properties that help to energise and awaken you - and it’s also known as an aphrodisiac! Smelling jasmine is thought to promote optimism and confidence, helping you form stronger relationships with the people in your life. You will find jasmine in our Love Balm, ready to help you communicate with your loved ones and enhance feelings of connection.

What are your favourite scents, and what do you use them for? Share them with us on our social media channels.