Scents and Your Mood, articles, health

Scents and Your Mood

by Émilie Carignan
published April 07, 2010

rating: (25 Ratings)

Close your eyes and try to remember an aroma that was prevalent during your childhood. Do you have it? Is it the sweet smell of chocolate cake or mom’s homemade chicken soup? Is it grandma’s cedar clothes chest or the scent of your father’s cologne while he cradled you to sleep? Scents can affect us in rather deep and meaningful ways, and can also play a role when it comes to our mood. How can you use the power of perfume to benefit you? We’ve got some ideas.

Flower Power

Floral scents have a knack of comforting and calming us. While the scent of roses is known for its regenerative properties, jasmine can comfort us in difficult times. Take advantage of the exotic ylang ylang during downtime, as it can quell signs of irritability. Another example: the ever-popular lavender, which has quite the fresh scent, can help relieve tension. Our choice of flower depends on our emotional state.

We recommend: Dans un Jardin’s Cotton Flower collection, especially its soothing foam bath. $7.45 (50ml) and $22.95 (250 ml).

Shiny Citrus

Citrus-y scents are known for their ability to reduce the effects of stress while balancing the nervous system. Whereas lemon and mandarin improve attention, memory and concentration, orange on the other hand helps with mood-boosting and sleep. Grapefruit helps rid negative thoughts and replaces them with an impression of clarity. In short, citrus is great for its anti-depressant powers and ability to boost self-confidence.

We recommend: The Body Shop’s Sweet Lemon collection, particularly its shower gel at $13 (250 ml).

Sweet Tooth

The benefits of sweet scents not only include soothing of the soul, but also aphrodisiac properties! Vanilla, for example, is great for softening the skin, but also increases desire. Look for euphoric scents like cocoa, or milder ones like honey or maple, in order to charm your sweetie all the while retaining your silky smooth skin.

We recommend: Mange Too massage bar, $9.95 at LUSH.

Fresh Spice

Crisp, spicy scents have invigorating properties. Cinnamon, ginger or sage are used in cases of fatigue, whereas cardamom helps stimulate the digestive and immune systems, and rosemary’s crisp scent can fortify us instantly. Spices are strong stimulants and can favor good blood circulation.

We recommend: Cucumber and Coriander liquid hand soap, $15.95 at Bella Pella.

Tag(s): health, scents, wellness