Ancient Chinese, Indians, Romans and Greek were all using scented plants for well being. Today, many scientific studies proved that smelling the right aromas can soothe emotions, ease tensions, boost happiness and promote relaxation. When certain scents travel from nose to brain, release of endorphins and serotonin – happiness hormones – get stimulated.

10 Natural Scents to Cheer You Up

Keep these natural aromas handy and take a sniff when you feel tense or stressed out!

1- Citrus

If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, try sniffing some citrus. Lemon scents in particular can reduce stress and boost energy and alertness. Clean your house with lemon instead of chemicals to make your home smell happy and pleasant. Tangerine, grapefruit and orange scents are associated with cleanliness, and delightfulness.

 

2- Vanilla

When it comes to happy scents, vanilla always come at the top. The study by Chemical Senses and International Flavors & Fragrance have found that the rich aroma of vanilla bean makes people feel happy, relaxed, and crave sweets. Don’t use chemicals made to smell like vanilla, because lab tests show only the real natural vanilla works.

3- Lavander

Lavender is not just a smell of happiness, but also one of the most calming scents out there. It’s been proven to improve mood and soothe anxiety. It is well known for better sleep. University of Miami School of Medicine showed that smelling lavender can decrease blood pressure, makes you feel more relaxed, and even helps you feel energized.

 

4- Pine

Pine is mostly associated with winter holidays and its aroma helps to reduce stress. Japanese folks proved walking through woods filled with pine trees reduces depression and anxiety. Pine aroma is booster for your brain and lungs function too.

5- Jasmine

A series of studies from Rutgers University found that jasmine flowers induce powerful and positive emotions and can be used as anti-depressant. Exposure to jasmine scents can increase your immediate association with happy thoughts.

 

6- Rosemary and Peppermint

These herbs are shown to enhance mental power and contribute to alertness. Studies have found that the smell of rosemary enhances ability to remember complex events and tasks, even eases migraine. Peppermint elevates the mood, promotes breathing and better concentration.

7- Rose Geranium

Rose geranium helps to reduce stress and worry. Its balancing effect on the body and mind makes rose geranium an excellent choice to uplift mood and to promote feelings of well-being, its stimulating properties lift the spirit and promote sensual feelings.

8- Cinnamon

The stimulating properties in cinnamon can help fight mental fatigue and improve concentration.

 

9- Freshly Cut Grass

Researchers in Australia have found that a chemical released by freshly cut grass can cause people to become more relaxed and even feel joy. They’ve even bottled the scent into a spray-on fragrance. The smell is so powerful that is said to prevent mental decline as you age. Research showed freshly cut grass releases a chemical that acts on the amygdala and hippocampus to relieve stress and jack up the brain’s memory core.

 

10- Anise

Anise essential oil possesses the distinctive aroma of black licorice. It blends beautifully with cinnamon, lavender, orange and pine scents. Emotionally, anise essential oil can act similar to narcotics and have calming effect when used in very small dilutions.

Anise and star anise essential oils are often grouped together and sometimes are confused with each other as both possess a similar aroma and have similar, but not completely identical properties.

 

 

By: Tina I Ureten MD, RDMS, RDCS

 

 

novembre 27, 2023