If you’re just getting into aromatherapy, welcome to the club! This wellness and self-care obsession has gained quite a bit of attention, and for good reason: just about everyone who lives in this fast-paced, digital world needs a break.
Experts define aromatherapy as “the art and science of using essential oils to relax, balance, and stimulate the body, mind, and spirit”. Varieties of these natural, aromatic oils are known to calm the nerves and promote good sleep. Sounds like just what we need to survive a crazy work week.
The market is flooded with a variety of essential oils. They come in all scents, shapes, sizes, and vessels, which can get overwhelming. Consider this an introduction to your next self-care ritual.
Fragrance Oils
Available at Common Room, R2 Level, Power Plant Mall
For beginners, start with fragrance oils using diffusers, burners, or a spritzing spray. Fill the room with a Fresh Bamboo blend for that garden-fresh feel or start your day with an energizing lime scent with Bright Mornings. Missing the calm and serene waves by the shore? Let Beach Escape transport you to your favorite place sans the ticket! Nature, above all else, is the best stress reliever.
Available at Common Room, R2 Level, Power Plant Mall
Feel yourself getting foggy in the middle of the day? Add a few drops of Rosemary oil to your humidifier for a natural lift. It’s also an effective memory booster. You can also opt for Moringa oil to detoxify and boost the immune system.
Reed Diffusers
Reed diffuser available at Common Room; Candles available at Patty Ang, R2 Level, Power Plant Mall
If you’re not a fan of plug-in type diffusers, go all-natural with a reed diffuser. The concentrated essential oil comes in a glass bottle while rattan reeds diffuse the aroma. Leave your home smelling like a spa with a Lavender and Sage blend. Lavender is combats anxiety and insomnia while sage helps alleviate symptoms of PMS. The calming scent of both oils will melt your stress away and prepare you for a good night’s sleep.
Aromatherapy Candles
If you’re feeling tired or worried about a big presentation, lighting an aromatherapy candle works wonders. Try the Journee Beeswax Candle or Soleil Beeswax Candle.
Journee’s cedarwood base helps calm the nerves and has a great soothing and calming effect on the mind and body. It also drives away insects.
Citrus oils are a wonderful way to enhance mood and emotional balance. Soleil’s grapefruit extract lowers blood pressure, reduce fatigue, and boosts energy level. At the same time, it suppress an overactive appetite, which really helps if you feel like stress eating.
Essential Oil Blends
Each scent serves a purpose and promises specific results such as peace, calm, or joy. These blends are perfect to use anytime—without leaving behind a sticky feel. Use it when traveling or when you need a quick break from work.
Available at Healthy Options, R3 Level, Power Plant Mall
Grab Medieval Mix and inhale its citrus and herbal aroma for that rejuvenated feeling.
If you enjoy floral scents, let the rich and sweet aroma of Rose provide balance and serenity to your day. Rose oil is commonly known as the protector of the heart and is a good moisturizer for the skin.
Battling the Monday blues? Keep Tea Tree handy. Not only is it a natural immune booster, it fights infections and heals the skin too. These roll-ons don’t take up much space. Plop them into your work bag and get a quick fix any time throughout the work day.
Single Essential Oils
If you are after a specific aroma or health benefit of a particular plant, singe essential oils are the way to go. They’re great for making your own blend and mixing with other oils. Some are even edible!
Feeling a little anxious? A few drops of frankincense might help. Its sweet and balsamic aroma is very powerful and has been traditionally used to promote relaxation. It claims to combat negative emotions and lift the spirit. It also acts as a beauty serum as it helps reduce scars and prevent acne. Hello clear skin!
Insomniacs will love lavender oil. Its perfectly balanced floral-herbaceous aroma is a natural sleep aid. The relaxing scent also relieves headache and tension. We really can’t say no to a good night’s sleep.
This one might help get you through humpday. Lemon essential oil has a powerfully fresh fragrance that’s energizing and uplifting. It’s also a great way to clear a room of cigarette smoke or other unpleasant odors.
Whether you’re stuck on a desk or running in heels all week, you can say goodbye to sore muscles and joint pains with these cooling menthols. Peppermint and eucalyptus both have a cooling sensation that eases tension headaches as well as muscular aches and pains. All you need is a whiff to put the pep back in your step.
Essential oils are powerful for balancing our emotions and taking care of our health. Effects aren’t the same for everyone, and you may be averse to certain scents, but once you’ve found the oils that bring you joy or help you de-stress, it’s an immensely powerful tool.
