Aromatherapy uses scents to improve your overall well-being and can be a great addition to other wellness practices like different types of massage. There are many different aromatherapy scents to choose from. These scents come from two main categories: essential oils and fragrance oils.
Essential oils: Nature’s aromas
Common essential oils and their benefits
- Lavender: For relaxation and sleep
- Eucalyptus: For lung support
- Peppermint: For energy and headache relief
Essential oil blends
You can combine multiple essential oils to create synergistic blends, which means the combination of oils works even better than any of the single oils on their own.
For example, a stress relief blend might combine lavender, chamomile, and bergamot.
Some retailers sell pre-defined essential oil combinations, also called house blends.
Fragrance oils: Synthetic scents
Fragrance oils are artificially created scents. They’re designed to smell like natural aromas, or to create unique blends.
These oils are often used in perfumes and candles, including beeswax candles, known for their potential health benefits.
Here are some fragrance oils:
- Amaretto: Smells like sweet almonds.
- Aventus: Smells like the popular men’s cologne.
- Blood orange: Smells citrusy and sweet.
Things to keep in mind when choosing scents
First, know the difference between aromatherapy oils and fragrance oils. Aromatherapy oils are natural and have therapeutic benefits. Fragrance oils are synthetic and are mostly used for scent.
Also, don’t mix fragrance and aromatherapy oils. Combining them can lead to weird scent changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nicest smelling essential oil?
“Nicest” is subjective, but many find lavender, chamomile, rose, and sweet orange particularly appealing. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences! Experimenting with different scents is the best way to discover your favorite.
What is the most popular aromatherapy scent?
Lavender is consistently ranked as the most popular aromatherapy scent. Its calming and versatile properties make it a favorite for relaxation, sleep support, and overall well-being, which is why many people explore options like Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Sleep Mist. It’s a staple in many aromatherapy starter kits and blends.
What are the top 50 essential oils?
Listing the “top 50” would be quite extensive! However, beyond the classics like lavender and peppermint, some other commonly used and beneficial essential oils include eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon, rosemary, frankincense, cedarwood, ylang-ylang, and geranium. The best choices depend on your specific needs and desired therapeutic effects.
What are the 18 best essential oils?
Similar to the “top 50,” narrowing it down to the “18 best” is a challenge. It really depends on what you’re looking to achieve! Consider researching oils known for specific benefits like stress relief (lavender, chamomile), energy boosting (citrus oils, rosemary), or respiratory support (eucalyptus, peppermint) to find the best options for you.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils are derived directly from plants, while fragrance oils are often synthetic. When choosing aromatherapy scents, think about the effect you’re going for and what smells good to you. There’s no right or wrong answer!