What Scents Help With Relaxation and Stress Relief?

Meditation, massage, a good book — there are plenty of ways to relax, but one of our favorites is using aromatherapy. The healing practice goes back thousands of years and is still used today as a holistic way to relieve stress. 

“There are plenty of ways to enjoy aromatherapy,” says Angela Mustone, founder of HighOnLove, a personal care brand that offers scented candles, body butters, oils, bath salts, and more. “You can use an essential oil diffuser to fill your space with a calming scent, light a candle to set the mood, or even add bath oils or salts with relaxing aromas to your bath.  But in order to get the full relaxing benefits of the practice, you should be a little choosy about the kinds of scents you use to do it.

“Aromatherapy works with the part of your brain that manages emotions, helping to create a sense of calm,” Mustone explains. “Some of the best scents for relaxation are lavender, chamomile, bitter orange, ylang-ylang, jasmine, sandalwood, and vanilla — these scents work wonders on your nervous system.” While they all ultimately function to enhance your mood, each scent has a different kind of effect and benefit. “Lavender is known for reducing cortisol levels, helping you sleep better. Ylang-ylang and bergamot can lower blood pressure and ease tension, making you feel more at peace,” Mustone says. Smelling these plant oils can actually have a positive effect on your brain, allowing it to release dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that are linked to feelings of well-being and can put you in a good mood — something we all can use.

While some scents are known for their relaxing benefits, you also can use aromatherapy to stimulate your energy. “If you’re looking for something uplifting, bitter orange has a bright, cheerful aroma that’s great for easing anxiety,” Mustone shares. Sandalwood can be used for a grounding effect, and vanilla is the perfect yummy scent to help give you and your space a sense of coziness.