Well, who doesn’t experience stress in their life? We all do! But what makes us different from others is the way we choose to overcome stress. While meditation, sleeping, engaging in nature or taking a hot bath help some people to unwind and relax after a stressful day, some people also find relief by inhaling some soothing scents.

How do natural scents help to calm anxiety?

Tell us if the smell of rain on dry earth brings back memories of your youth. If so, you could agree that certain smells have the power to heal. Health Shots spoke with Vani Ahuja, Ayurveda and Wellness Expert, to learn more about how aromas and fragrances can reduce stress and anxiety.

Ahuja says, “Everyone has different ways to unwind after a challenging day. But whatever you choose to do, using some calming scents may help you calm down and relax. It is a result of the strong correlation between scent and emotion. And therefore, certain scents have been shown to increase mood and brain activity.”

Here are 5 calming scents that can relieve stress and anxiety:

1. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular fragrances to reduce stress. When you’re around lavender, you’ll feel calm and relaxed, and your mood might even improve. As a result, it is utilized in baby bath products as well. A component of lavender called linalool is responsible for reducing anxiety and blood pressure. Use lavender-scented candles or add them to your bath to relax before bed.

2. Chamomile essential oil

Before going to bed, many people drink chamomile tea to unwind and encourage sleep. However, this fragrant yellow blossom is capable of much more. Chamomile essential oil not only relieves pain and inflammation but also helps with an upset stomach. Apply chamomile oil on your skin after diluting it, or include it in a warm bath.

Also read: Shoo away stress from your life with these relaxation tips

3. Bergamot essential oil

This essential oil comes from bergamot oranges, a hybrid combination of lemon and bitter orange. The fruit’s peel is used to manufacture the oil, which is also used to make Earl Grey tea and its scent. Bergamot oil has a calming effect and may also help with mood and anxiety improvement. Avoid applying the essential oil directly to your skin if you’re going outside because it might increase your sensitivity to the sun. Instead, dab a cotton ball with a few drops of the oil, and inhale the aroma two or three times to help with anxiety.

4. Jasmine

Jasmine oil is commonly used in perfumes because of its pleasant floral scent, but it also has other health advantages. Jasmine oil calms without putting you to sleep, unlike lavender and chamomile. It can be used as a diffuser to fill rooms with its aroma, inhaled straight from the bottle, or applied topically.

5. Neroli

This common, basic household aroma immediately conjures feelings of comfort and freshness. In addition, it provides relaxing effects and has been shown to aid in concentration. You can utilize neroli essential oil by gently heating it and distributing it throughout the space.