There are reasons we choose certain scents to fragrance our home. Largely we want to create a mood or atmosphere. We’re often dictated to by how we feel or want to feel. So I thought id give a little run down of scents associated with certain moods and which ones can influence them. It is however subjective and what one person might find strong, overpowering and nauseating may evoke a warm and cosy feeling that in turn makes them feel happy or content.
We generally choose a scent to make us feel good and to elevate our mood. Words such as warm, cosy, happy, relaxed or fresh are just some of the words we may use to describe a fragrance within the home.
One of the more common moods we try to evoke with a home scent is a romantic one. ROMANTIC scents are those that create an atmosphere of love, intimacy, and attraction. They can be evocative and enhance how we feel. Below are some popular romantic scents and why they might be considered alluring:
Classic Romantics:
- Rose: The undisputed king (or queen) of romantic scents, roses have long been associated with love and passion. Their sweet, heady fragrance can be very seductive.
- Jasmine: This exotic flower has a sweet, intoxicating aroma that can be very alluring. Jasmine is sometimes referred to as an aphrodisiac and has been used in perfumes and love potions for centuries.
Warm and Inviting:
- Vanilla: Vanilla's sweet, comforting scent can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It can also evoke feelings of happiness and security, which can be conducive to romance.
- Sandalwood: This warm, musky scent has depth which is grounding and sensual. It can create a sense of intimacy and closeness.
Aromatic and Enticing:
- Amber: Amber has a warm, rich, and slightly sweet scent that can be very enticing. It's often described as mysterious and sensual.
- Patchouli: Patchouli has a strong, earthy scent that can be polarizing, but some find it to be very sexy and alluring. It can add depth and complexity when paired with other notes.
Unique and Memorable:
• White Musk: As a teenager in the 90’s this was a staple scent for any night out. This clean, slightly sweet scent is often seen as a more subtle and sophisticated alternative to traditional musks. It can be very sensual and create a sense of intrigue.
Keep in mind:
- What someone finds romantic is subjective. The most important thing is to choose a scent that you and your partner both enjoy.
- Consider the overall ambience you're creating. Certain scents may complement candles, music, or decorations you have planned.
- When using essential oils, remember to dilute them properly before applying them to your skin.
Several scents are known to have MOOD BOOSTING PROPERTIES. Here are a few that might brighten your day:
- Citrus scents like lemon, grapefruit, orange, and tangerine have a bright, invigorating aroma that can be very uplifting. These scents are associated with sunshine and summertime, which can trigger positive memories and feelings of happiness.
- Floral scents like jasmine, rose, and geranium can also be mood-boosting. Jasmine has a sweet, intoxicating aroma that is often associated with love and romance. Rose is another popular mood-booster with a complex fragrance that can be uplifting and energizing. Geranium has a rosy, herbaceous scent that is believed to improve mood and reduce stress.
- Spicy scents like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg can be warming and stimulating. These scents are often associated with the holidays and cosy winter evenings, which can evoke feelings of comfort and happiness.
- Peppermint has a minty, invigorating scent that can help to improve alertness and focus. It can be a great choice for a pick-me-up in the afternoon or when you need a little boost of energy.
- Vanilla has a sweet, comforting scent that can evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness. Vanilla extract is a common ingredient in baking, so the scent of vanilla may remind you of happy childhood memories or delicious treats.
There are times when we need help to decompress after a stressful day or when we feel wound up or anxious. A candle, wax melt or scented oil can be just the thing to help relax our mind and unwind from the day.
Here are some of the top scents for relieving STRESS, each with slightly different properties:
- Lavender: The king of relaxation scents, lavender is well-supported by research for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects. Its light floral aroma promotes feelings of peace and tranquility.
- Chamomile: Similar to lavender, chamomile offers a sweet, calming scent that can ease muscle tension and promote sleep. It's great for unwinding before bed or during a stressful day.
- Bergamot: While citrusy scents are generally considered uplifting, bergamot offers a unique blend of invigorating and calming properties. It can improve mood and reduce stress, making it a good choice for those feeling overwhelmed but needing a focus boost.
- Frankincense: This woody, balsamic scent has been used for centuries for its grounding and calming properties. It can help slow down your breathing and promote feelings of peace, making it ideal for meditation or relaxation practices.
- Sandalwood: Another grounding scent, sandalwood's warm, musky aroma can reduce anxiety and promote feelings of focus. It's a good choice for those who find strong floral scents overwhelming.
Choosing the right scent for you depends on your personal preference and the type of stress relief you seek.
- For pure relaxation and anxiety relief, lavender or chamomile are excellent choices.
- If you need a mood boost along with relaxation, bergamot might be a good fit.
- For those seeking a grounding and meditative experience, frankincense or sandalwood could be ideal.
For ANXIETY as well as Lavender, Chamomile, Bergamot, Frankincense and Sandalwood there is also Ylang Ylang and Vetiver.
- Ylang Ylang: This exotic flower has a sweet, floral scent that can be very calming and stress-reducing. Studies have shown that inhaling ylang-ylang oil can lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which can be elevated during times of anxiety.
- Vetiver: This earthy scent has a grounding effect that can help to ease anxiety and promote feelings of peace. Vetiver oil is also known for its ability to improve sleep quality.
So there you go, some suggestions of scents to look at when creating a mood in your home that will elevate the ambience and in turn improve the mood. The most important factor though is to choose scents that you enjoy.