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How Do I Choose the Most Relaxing Fragrance?

Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins

Aromatherapy is a scientifically proven way to calm the mind and body by evoking peaceful thoughts that naturally relieve strain and stress. To choose the most relaxing fragrance, pay attention to those that have the best reputations, such as jasmine, chamomile, sage, sandalwood and lavender. This is just a partial list of natural herbs and oils renowned for aiding in relaxation. Many other scents — from patchouli and bergamot to clary sage and marjoram — are also reputed to have a balming effect on the psyche.

Aside from those already mentioned, some of the most ubiquitous oils and extracts used for relaxation are rosewood, camphor, pine needles, tea tree, melissa, frankincense, cypress, eucalyptus and cardamom. Some popular ingredients typically used in food also come highly recommended for a relaxing fragrance: cinnamon, cloves, lemongrass, cardamom, fennel seed, basil, pepper and thyme. The citrus peels from lemons, grapefruits or oranges also are renowned relaxers when inhaled.

The smell of marjoram can be very relaxing.
The smell of marjoram can be very relaxing.

Others use more obscure natural ingredients for a relaxing fragrance. This might be oak moss, rosewood, cedarwood, neroli, myrrh, geranium, hyssop or palmarosa. Some use a single ingredient for targeted aromatherapy, while others prefer a diverse medley to improve the chances for calm.

Many employ a relaxing fragrance by using an essential oil made from any number of calming herbs, flowers, roots or barks. Others burn incense or place potpourri throughout their home or office. Another way to enjoy the benefits of these natural mood enhancers is by using a lotion or perfume with calming ingredients. This way, the aromatherapy follows the wearer wherever he or she may go.

Rose oil is relaxing, and is thought to be an aphrodisiac.
Rose oil is relaxing, and is thought to be an aphrodisiac.

Scientists have long pored over reputed aromatherapy agents to gauge their effectiveness, not just as a relaxing fragrance but for other benefits. Fragrances like peppermint or lily of the valley have been proven to enhance cognition and performance at work. Some of the sweeter smelling herbs or flowers are thought to trigger pain relief. Still, other smells like frankincense, myrrh, lavender, jasmine and rose oil are believed to have aphrodisiac effects, but this is largely attributed to their relaxing properties.

Many people find the scent of basil to be relaxing.
Many people find the scent of basil to be relaxing.

A 1991 Duke University study for the Fragrance Foundation's Sense of Smell Institute found that women have four distinct phases of life in which certain smells will evoke different feelings and are worn for different purposes. In the first stage, when a girl reaches puberty, she is likely to choose scents that define her territory, improve social status, or react to the perceived shame of the body's changing looks and smells. The other phases in a woman's life lead to different kinds of scents that will attract a mate, improve the mood, and keep from repulsing others in social situations.

Discussion Comments

Chmander

@RoyalSpyder - Well, I wouldn't say that the fragrances were cheap, it's just that some last longer than others. Also, you have to remember that since fragrances are delicate, they could run out very fast. Between the smog and stuffiness in the air, it's certainly something to take into consideration.

RoyalSpyder

Does anyone know where I can buy the best fragrances? I've been to several stores in the past week, and bought several for my car (the ones that hang above the window). However, they were very cheap, and didn't last for long.

Krunchyman

Sometimes when I'm outside, I love smelling the flower fragrances. Not only is there a lot of variety to the smells around us, but similar to what the article discusses, they're very relaxing. Also, though there are many types of fragrances, it all depends on what kind of person you are, as you may prefer one kind, while someone else doesn't, and vice versa.

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    • The smell of marjoram can be very relaxing.
      The smell of marjoram can be very relaxing.
    • Rose oil is relaxing, and is thought to be an aphrodisiac.
      By: Corinna Gissemann
      Rose oil is relaxing, and is thought to be an aphrodisiac.
    • Many people find the scent of basil to be relaxing.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Many people find the scent of basil to be relaxing.
    • Jasmine has a reputation for having a very relaxing fragrance.
      By: nadsud
      Jasmine has a reputation for having a very relaxing fragrance.
    • The scent of cardamom is often considered relaxing.
      By: margo555
      The scent of cardamom is often considered relaxing.
    • Thought a bit more obscure, myrrh is considered by some to have a relaxing fragrance.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Thought a bit more obscure, myrrh is considered by some to have a relaxing fragrance.
    • Essential oils may be used in aromatherapy to treat varying maladies.
      By: dolphfyn
      Essential oils may be used in aromatherapy to treat varying maladies.