Are you looking for something special to give your home a calm and inviting atmosphere? Your nose is one of the most powerful senses, so using natural scents in your home instantly boosts its tranquility.
An oil diffuser is an ideal way to have these calming scents naturally fill the air, creating a tranquil setting that helps bring peace to both mind and body. However, you need to find the right scents first.
To simplify this, we’ve compiled seven of the best essential oils for relaxation that can be used in an oil diffuser. Read on for our list of go-to scents that’ll leave you feeling calm and relaxed at home regardless of what life throws at you.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy, or scent therapy, stimulates smell receptors in the nose, sending signals to the brain’s limbic system, the area responsible for emotions and memories. When inhaled, the aroma of essential oils is believed to stimulate brain function and promote relaxation (depending on the scent).
Many people use oil diffusers in their homes to experience the benefits of aromatherapy. Oil diffusers work by dispersing essential oils into the air to create a pleasant and calming atmosphere. You can find relaxing scents, calming scents, and even scents that promote productivity.
There are various types of diffusers, including ultrasonic diffusers that use water to disperse oils into the air, nebulizing diffusers that break down oils into particles, and fan diffusers that use a fan to disperse oils.
View this oil diffuser for an example of what we’re talking about. Regardless of the type you choose, oil diffusers help you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy, such as:
- Reducing stress
- Improving sleep
- Boosting mood
- Relieving pain
With its non-invasive and natural approach to enhancing well-being, aromatherapy can be a great addition to any self-care routine. Just ensure you choose the best scents for your needs.
The 7 Most Calming Scents
While you can put just about any of your favorite aromatherapy scents in an oil diffuser and feel relaxed, certain scents have more calming, healing properties than others. From gentle, earthy scents to floral scents that evoke images of carefree summer, here are seven calming scents to try.
1. Lavender
Research suggests that this scent can have a calming effect on the mind, helping to reduce anxiety, stress, and even depression. One reason is that lavender can interact with the neurotransmitter GABA, which has a calming effect on the brain.
Besides its calming properties, lavender also has a range of other benefits. For example, it’s been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve pain.
Additionally, lavender is often used to promote sleep. This makes it an ideal choice for those who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders.
2. Jasmine
This soothing aroma lowers the heart rate and blood pressure and encourages relaxation. Additionally, jasmine oil is also known for its healing properties, such as:
- Promoting healthy skin
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving sleep quality
To experience the full benefits of jasmine oil, add a few drops to an oil diffuser and let the aromatic mist fill the air around you. You’ll be feeling zen in no time.
3. Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang is an essential oil derived from the Cananga tree. Its floral aroma is widely known for its calming effect on the mind and body. When inhaled, it can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and uplift your mood, making it one of the most relaxing scents available.
Additionally, ylang-ylang oil has been used for centuries for its healing properties, such as:
- Reducing stress
- Improving heart health
- Boosting immune function
It also acts as a natural aphrodisiac and can boost libido. Utilizing this oil in an at-home oil diffuser is an easy and effective way to experience the benefits of Ylang-Ylang oil.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary has been an ancient healing method for centuries because of its many therapeutic health benefits. Inhalation of rosemary essential oil has been known to stimulate the immune system, aid in mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve focus.
The scent of rosemary also works as a natural pain reliever and can help reduce symptoms of headaches and migraines. Additionally, rosemary oil can help relieve respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.
5. Vanilla
The aroma of vanilla essential oil is known to have a soothing effect on the body, helping to lower blood pressure and regulate heart rate. It can also help reduce anxiety and depression by releasing dopamine, which helps to soothe the nerves and uplift the mood.
In addition, vanilla oil has antioxidant properties that can neutralize free radicals, helping to protect against cell damage.
Vanilla oil can also be used in an at-home oil diffuser to boost libido, relieve PMS symptoms, prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, and even improve cognitive function. Basically, it’s a great scent for pretty much everything.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint is a scent commonly associated with relaxation and calmness. This scent has been used for centuries for its therapeutic effects, including its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Peppermint oil can also be used to alleviate headaches and respiratory issues. Peppermint oil can help clear the airways and promote better breathing when using a diffuser. Or you can place a few drops on your temples to relieve tension headaches.
It can also improve focus and concentration, making it a great scent for use in a home office or study.
7. Sweet Basil
Finally, sweet basil’s fresh and uplifting aroma is said to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. When used in an at-home oil diffuser, sweet basil’s scent can help create a peaceful and calming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a long day.
Sweet basil is also believed to have several other healing properties, such as:
- Boosting mental clarity
- Easing digestive issues
- Relieving headaches
Overall, using sweet basil as an essential oil can offer several benefits to the mind and body, making it a great addition to any at-home wellness routine.
Understand the Signs of Stress
Using calming scents in your home is one simple way to decrease stress and create a more harmonious environment. However, this is hard to do if you’re unsure what’s triggering your stress.
To help you understand the main causes of stress, read through our helpful guide on The Physical Signs of Stress. Next time you start feeling stressed, you’ll be able to understand how to address the root cause, making your essential oil scents even more effective.
