We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Most Relaxing Fragrance?

Dan Harkins
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,426
References
Share

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.

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.

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.

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.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Dan Harkins
By Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his journalism degree, he spent more than two decades honing his craft as a writer and editor for various publications. Dan’s debut novel showcases his storytelling skills and unique perspective by drawing readers into the story’s captivating narrative.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Chmander — On May 24, 2014

@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.

By RoyalSpyder — On May 23, 2014

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.

By Krunchyman — On May 23, 2014

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.

Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-most-relaxing-fragrance.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.