Nothing quite says homely like a sweet and warm aroma that embraces your senses as you open the door. Scents and fragrances are not just made for people to pay you compliments about how great you smell; they’re also designed to help encapsulate moments with our senses to relive at a later stage.
Think about it, every familiar smell reminds you of something, a place, a moment in time – even if it’s just the smell of burning wood. Research has shown that aromas can move us in many ways. Some of the feelings that can be inspired include energy, calmness, and upliftment.
Diffusers and scented candles are a great way to maintain a certain aroma in your home. The type of scent you choose will determine your mood too, so do your research and be specific with what you choose.
DIFFUSERS
There are several types of diffusers, but the most common are reed and electronic essential oil diffusers. With reed diffusers, you insert the reeds provided inside a glass bottle containing fragrance. The reeds then gently diffuse the aroma into the air. Oil diffusers are electric devices that disperse and diffuse aromatic essential oils into the air by breaking them down.
CANDLES
Scented candles function similarly to diffusers, except that you may need to burn them for the fragrance to be released. These will require caution and monitoring as they’re an open flame.
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DIFFERENT SPACES
Small spaces will benefit from candles and reed diffusers as the scent is emitted slowly and gently. Bigger spaces will work well with oil diffusers, although even reed diffusers can do the trick. Simply place a few reed diffusers in different spots so that the scent covers the whole area.
THE RIGHT SCENT
When it comes to scents, preferences are very personal. Welcome recommendations, but take the time to find the one for you. Here are a few popular aromas that may just win your olfaction:
Lemon: This scent is known to reduce stress and uplift the mood. In some cases, it can be used to help with sleep issues and boost immunity. The smell, which is fresh and citrusy, gives a burst of energy to the senses.
Lavender: Most of us are familiar with this scent because it’s used in most products, like fabric softener and air freshener. Studies have shown that lavender contains anti-anxiety and anti-depressive properties. The soothing scent of lavender is a gentle, sweet floral one that is pleasant to the senses.
Sandalwood: This scent is known to improve the mood and promote a sense of calmness. Used and preferred by most in fragrances, sandalwood is known to help boost mental clarity and to promote calmness, making it great for anxiety and stress. It has a warm, rich, and comforting smell.
Peppermint: Peppermint is a versatile ingredient as it can be used both as a fragrance and flavour. It has a strong refreshing smell and taste and is in fact sometimes used as a cooling aid. This scent helps boost alertness and decrease fatigue.
Patchouli: Another favourite, patchouli is known to be balancing and relaxing. The scent, which is woody and sweet, has a mood-enhancing effect and the ability to reduce tension.
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BY NTHABISENG MAKHOKHA
Extra Sources
healthline.com, entrepreneur.com, kaliana.com, vogue.com, sonomalavender.com, forbes.com, goodhousekeeping.com, byrdie.com, aromaessential.com
HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME A HAPPIER, CALMER SPACE WITH DIFFUSERS AND CANDLES
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
March 03, 2022
Rating: