From a cup of hot chocolate, to warm pjs and a scented candle, the holiday season brings all the cosy vibes. Throughout this season we love to light our favourite scented candle to set the mood and feel a sense of calm. But, when used with intention, the ritual of using candles or essential oil aromas can be therapeutic and positively impact mental and physical well-being.  

This method of mental and physical medicine is known as aromatherapy and has been used for centuries. It is believed that when inhaled, essential oils and scents impact the part of our brain that deals with emotions and behaviour. More specifically, scent can release serotonin and dopamine to the part of the brain that impacts mood and memory.  
For anyone who loves to take a relaxing bath or massage, using essential oils can have soothing effects on the body and relieve tension.  

There are two main ways to take in many wonderful scents and their benefits:

1. Candles  

When used during the day candles will not only make the space smell nice but can help you to work harder and feel refreshed. But when lit at night candles can calm the mind and body. The subtle light and the soft flicker of a candle will alert the body that it’s time to sleep and lull the body into a state of relaxation to help you fall asleep more easily.  

2. Essential oils  

Often used in aromatherapy, essential oils are plant extracts that are used to capture the fragrance of a plant. The oils are made by pressing or steaming the plant to capture the compound that produces scent. Essential oils help plants survive and thrive and have therapeutic physical and mental benefits to humans when inhaled or applied topically.  

Scent 101: Choosing the right scent  

Lavender  

One of the most loved and versatile essential oils, lavender is popular for its ability to calm the mind and improve sleep.  

Several studies have found that when inhaled, the scent can send the body and mind into a state of relaxation, calm the heart rate, and slow down breathing before falling asleep.  
Sleep is so important for our overall physical health. Our body needs regular rest and quality sleep to thrive and be healthy. This is the time when our body recovers and repairs so that we are fit and ready for the next day. Without a regular sleep pattern and quality nights' sleep, everything from physical health to mood and mental health can be negatively affected.   

Rosemary  

Rosemary is often used to improve memory, mental alertness, productivity and reduce stress.  
When inhaled rosemary can lower hormone stress levels to help cope with feelings of stress and anxiety. Some studies have also suggested that rosemary can help to improve cognitive performance and boost productivity.   
So if you need a mental boost in the morning or the middle of the day, just apply a few rosemary drops to your neck or add them to a diffuser.  

Rosemary also works well as a medicine to relieve cold and flu viruses. Because of its antiseptic properties, inhaling the aroma can help to break down mucus and reduce inflammation to relieve cold and flu symptoms.  

Just add a few drops of the essential oil to a hot bowl of water and inhale or use a diffuser. This should help with respiratory issues and congestion.  

Beauty tip – when applied to the scalp rosemary is a great ingredient for stimulating hair growth and keeping hair healthy.  

Frankincense  

Perfect for the holiday season, this scent not only adds to all the Christmas vibes but will improve memory and alertness.  

When used in either a candle or oil, this scent calms the mind and clears any mental distractions (this is a great aroma to use during meditation).  

Just like rosemary, frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to clear your airways, clear nasal congestion and relieve cold and flu symptoms. Perfect for any winter cold and blocked nose.  

Just add a few drops of the essential oil to a hot bowl of water and inhale or use a diffuser.  

Peppermint  

Peppermint is recommended to apply topically when suffering from muscle pain, headaches or joint pain. Most used for headaches or migraines, peppermint is a cooling and refreshing scent that contains menthol that has a cooling effect on areas of pain or tension. When applied directly onto the skin, peppermint can help to ease muscle pain and tension.  

Rose  

One of the most loved, Rose is known as a nurturing and calming essential oil. Used to help promote healthy mental and emotional well-being, Rose can help to balance your emotions and calm your mind during stressful or emotional times. Studies suggest that inhaling rose oil can release endorphins to the brain to increase positive feelings of well-being.  

Essential oils are from the natural world and many studies support the positive effects of aromatherapy on our health and wellbeing. Using candles or an oil diffuser can become part of your self-care routine whether it's to help deal with stress, to relax your mind, relieve tension or just to put you in a good mood for the rest of the day. Add some essential oils to your bath to relieve physical stress or light a candle when you're journaling or practicing meditation to clear your mind and feel good. When you choose the scent that works for you, your mind and body will be able to unwind, rest, and repair so that you can be your best self.