5 SCENT NOTES TO HELP YOU RELAX
Gents focuses
In our modern lives, the pace is often high, and it can be nice to relax now and then. Many turn to massage, yoga, and calming scented candles or essential oils, but you can also find perfumes containing ingredients that act as balm for the soul. Here are five examples of scent notes you should look out for that have a relaxing effect.
lavender
Lavender is well known for its calming properties and is often used in aromatherapy and herbal remedies. The scent can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality while lowering cortisol levels and blood pressure, contributing to lower stress levels. Lavender mainly grows in France and Italy but can also be found in the southernmost parts of Sweden, with France being the leading producer. Lavender oil is often found in scented candles or herbal teas and is extracted through distillation. Its fragrance is fresh, fruity, slightly herbal, and woody with floral notes and a touch of powderiness.
vanilla
Vanilla – originally a precious spice – has a long history of use for relaxation and stress relief, and essential vanilla oil is often used to alleviate the effects of anxiety and depression. Vanilla has a warm, sweet, and creamy aroma that is uplifting while simultaneously calming the nervous system and lowering blood pressure. However, not everyone appreciates vanilla’s sweet scent, as some may find it heavy and cloying, while others experience a strong sense of well-being.
bergamot
Bergamot is a small citrus fruit primarily cultivated for use in perfumes, cosmetics, and for flavoring tea. The peel is cold-pressed to extract the essential oils. The citrus scent of bergamot oil differs from other citrus fruits with its rich, sweet, and slightly woody fragrance, often described as lemon with hints of pear. The oil, particularly popular in aromatherapy, is known for its uplifting properties, which can elevate mood and help alleviate sadness, anxiety, stress, reduced appetite, and sleep issues.
sandalwood & cederwood
Woody notes like sandalwood and cedarwood are classic ingredients for relaxation and well-being. Sandalwood, with its slightly sweeter and softer scent, has been used for centuries in meditation and incense, known for its ability to soothe irritation and calm the nerves. Cedarwood, on the other hand, has a distinctive forest-like scent reminiscent of pencils and sawdust. It offers calming, anti-inflammatory properties and promotes blood circulation. Cedarwood is often blended with citrus notes like bergamot and orange, which also have relaxing effects.
ylang-ylang
The essential oil extracted from the ylang-ylang tree, which grows in Asia, releases a tropical, very sweet scent often described as a blend of jasmine, bitter almond, and peppermint. Ylang-ylang has positive health effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its exotic aroma calms, uplifts, and brings a sense of peace, making it popular in massage and aromatherapy.
