Everyone has that one thing they can call upon when they're feeling a bit frazzled. It might be running a hot bath, pedalling away worries in a spin class or hunkering down on the sofa to switch off with a Netflix series and a candle. I can vouch for all of these, however, there is one ritual I come back to time and time again to relax, boost my mood and sleep, as well as give me a sense of calm, and that's aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, particularly in Ancient Egypt, India, Pakistan, Iran and China, but it was only in the 1800s that aromatherapy was viewed through a scientific lens, and was proven to have a whole host of benefits for the mind and body.
You would be forgiven for thinking that aromatherapy only provides benefits through our sense of smell, but it actually works on multiple levels. Indeed, smelling essential oils taps into our olfactory senses and our limbic system—the part of our brain concerned with memory and emotion—to bring a sense of calm and well-being. That being said, the actual inhalation of aromatherapy oils can provide great benefits to our respiratory system too. When you inhale the aroma of essential oils, they are also absorbed inside the body. This makes it great if you've been struck with the lurgy, as it helps to support the respiratory system, and the antibacterial and antiviral properties of essential oils make them great for fending off the symptoms of a cold.
Finally—this one blew my mind—is that aromatherapy oils can actually be absorbed through the skin. This means that the molecules can enter our bloodstream and deliver all of the benefits from an inside-out approach too. Some blends have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects, so if you're feeling achy or want to soothe post-workout muscles, applying some directly to your skin can work wonders. But it's important to always use a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) with essential oils if they're not pre-blended like the ones below. Never use pure essentials neat as they can cause skin irritation.
So, which aromatherapy blend is right for you? Whether you want to boost your sleep, your mood or just give yourself a little pick-me-up, there's one for everyone. Aromatherapy can come in many forms to suit your lifestyle, whether via a rollerball roll-on, a bath oil or a diffuser. Ahead are the best blends to try.
To Boost Sleep
If sleep is evading you, then turn to blends with lavender to encourage a better night's sleep. Spray this mist onto your pillowcase, bedding or even your pyjamas to help catch some Zs.
An essential oil diffuser is great to have in your bedroom or living room as you wind down for the evening. This one by Neom is particularly chic and helps to scent your space with your chosen essential oil.
Try a lavender essential oil with your diffuser to help set the scene for some decent shut-eye.
To Relax and Unwind
If you need relaxing and unwinding, you'll want to look for calming camomile, vetiver, frankincense and grounding sandalwood and cedarwood.
This is by far my favourite aromatherapy product, ever. Aromatherapy Associates make some incredible blends, but this best-seller does what it says on the bottle. I apply this to my skin before bathing or showering and I always emerge from the bathroom fully renewed and ready for a good night's sleep.
Create a calming solace in your home with this grounding reed diffuser, which uses ylang-ylang, frankincense and cedarwood to clear the mind and de-stress.
You can keep this compact forehead balm with you on the go to relieve tension and soothe stress.
To Relieve Anxiety
I like to pop one of these rollerballs in my bag to use on my commute or on the go whenever I need clear my head. Simply apply to the wrists and inhale to create a sense of calm.
This bath and body oil is the ultimate way to make your bath or shower a calming haven.
Stomach in knots? This aromatherapy blend helps to soothe directly with a rollerball application.
To Energise
This does what it says on the tin. Rhubarb, ginger, orange and cinnamon are a winning combination to feel energised and uplifted.
This set centres around uplifting citrus notes via a body wash, hand cream and essential oil blend.
With a citrusy blend of white neroli mimosa and lemon, this uplifting and energising scent is great to light whenever you need a pick-me-up.
To Soothe Aching Muscles
Bath salts are a must for post-workout, and these also contain white willow, eucalyptus and arnica to soothe sore muscles.
When I trained for the marathon a few years ago, I religiously used this muscle melt balm during my training to soothe my legs.
Not only does this look chic perched in your bathroom, but the sweet fennel, cypress and mint inside will help intently soothe tired-out limbs.
To Boost Immunity
If you're prone to colds or are just feeling under the weather, then this is the oil for you. It has eucalyptus, pine, tea tree and peppermint essential oils to help fend off colds and relieve the symptoms.
Blocked nose? Apply a couple of drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale the scent to help decongest.
To Balance Hormones
If you feel a bit out of sorts, then reach for balancing geranium and grounding frankincense to help lift your mood.
For a bit of balance on the go, this rollerball can easily be applied and is perfect for popping in your bag or a nearby draw.
Up Next: Danish People Have Notoriously Impeccable Skin—4 Things They Do That We Don't
