HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS AT HOME, ACCORDING TO A FRAGRANCE EXPERT

We all lead stressful lives, whether it be balancing work, relationships or childcare — there is plenty going on for all of us. Our homes should be a place when we can relax and using fragrance and aromatherapy can help you achieve this.

Different smells have different emotional effects, so experiment until you find a blend that works for you, and think about where you're putting each fragrance.

For example, according to Robin Fisher, Fragrance Expert at ARRAN, lavender and spearmint can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, while eucalyptus is more uplifting.

Which scents are best for each room?

Robin says: "Working essential oils into your sleep routine can help you get a good night’s rest. Having essential oils such as lavender and spearmint in the bedroom can help alleviate stress and anxiety before bed allowing a deeper sleep while bringing a sense of zen to the space." Yes, please.

For the bedroom

This also goes for your living room, as this is most likely where you will wind down after a long day, so it’s important to create a calming atmosphere — but you may also like a more refreshing option.

"Fresh and floral scents are the perfect choice for everyday living areas. Eucalyptus is fresh and uplifting and can have the added benefit of helping clear sinuses. Jasmine is another great choice because of its mood-boosting properties."

For living spaces

On the other hand, offices should be geared towards maximum productivity – especially as a lot of us spend a significant amount of time here nowadays. "Lemon in particular is great for office spaces as it can help to increase focus and concentration, whereas grapefruit is perfect for fighting fatigue," Robin tells us.

For the office

Finally, kitchens and bathrooms should feel fresh, clean and bright, so try uplifting scents like lemon. "Bringing bright and citrusy scents into areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and office spaces are a great way to add long-lasting fragrances to areas that can sometimes harbour unpleasant smells," says Robin.

For the kitchen and bathroom

You'll need to choose whether you prefer reed diffusers, candles, oils or room sprays — and it may vary from room to room. "For a stronger scent try a reed diffuser or candle, or for something more subtle opt for a room spray," advises Robin.

Electric diffusers disperse the oil into the air within steam. Plug the diffuser in, fill it with water, add a few drops of your favourite blend and let it do its thing. You will need to purchase the diffuser and oils up front, but essential oils also have other uses. You can add a few drops to the bath, inhale them on a tissue if you’ve got a cold or using them in a compress if you have a headache — plus, peppermint oil is a great spider repellent!

The flickering light of a scented candle can add ambience to dark and chilly evenings and there are plenty to choose from at all price points, in both natural and manmade waxes.

If candles give you a headache or they’re a potential hazard for young children or pets, a reed diffuser is a good alternative. Unlike oil diffusers, they don’t use electricity, so they’re a bit more eco-friendly.

2024-02-07T12:41:00Z dg43tfdfdgfd