Do you want to turn your home into a sanctuary for relaxation and tranquillity? Aromatherapy is a cost effective way to achieve this, using various fragrances to influence your overall mood, health, and well-being. You can harness the power or aromatherapy right in your own home, all you need is a reed diffuser and a selection of essential oils for scents.

At Freeman & Harding, we offer a range of glass jars and bottles, and our glass reed diffuser bottles are extremely popular due to their use in at-home aromatherapy. Our team has put together this guide to some of the more popular scents used in aromatherapy at home, and an exploration into the practice itself. 

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses a variety of plant extracts to promote health and wellbeing by using aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. There are several benefits to this, but the main one is the overall enhancement in both physical and emotional health and well-being. It can aid in reducing stress, fighting depression, relieving pain, and improving sleep, among other benefits.

It is thought that aromatherapy works by stimulating the receptors in the nose that smell and send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system - which is the part of the brain that controls your emotions. This interaction between the aroma and the brain impacts your heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function. Aromatherapy is a deeply personal practice with different scents triggering unique responses in each individual, allowing for a tailored approach to health and well-being.

Understanding Essential Oils and Diffusers

At the very heart of aromatherapy lies the vast selection of essential oils available - these are created with concentrated plant extracts and keep the natural smell, flavour, and essence of their source. These essential oils are then paired with a diffuser to disperse the oils into the air to allow the aroma to fill a space. 

The versatility of essential oils means they can be tailored to suit specific needs and preferences, making aromatherapy a highly personalised experience. This customisation allows individuals to experiment with various scents to address different aspects of their well-being. Whether it's a single oil or a complex blend, the right combination can create a powerful sensory experience, turning a simple routine into a therapeutic ritual. 

Diffuser Scents for Relaxation

To create a nice relaxing atmosphere, there are several common go to essential oils you can choose from. The most common is lavender, which is known for its soothing properties and its ability to ease stress for maximum relaxation. Other options include chamomile, which is usually associated with the tea but it also works wonders in reducing anxiety when used in a diffuser. Another option is sandalwood, which has a rich and woody scent to encourage even deeper relaxation and meditation. 

Energising Scents

As great as essential oils are for relaxation, they can also have the opposite effect. With the work from home movement becoming more common within various workplaces, essential oils can be used to energise you to handle the workload in the comfort of your own home. Some choices we recommend include: 

Peppermint - fantastic for invigorating the mind and enhancing focus. 

Lemon - can uplift spirits and improve overall mood. 

Eucalyptus - perfect for stimulating mental activity and clearing the mind. 

Any essential oil that has a minty or citrusy fresh scent is an ideal option for achieving an energising effect via aromatherapy. 

Scents for Better Sleep

For a restful night’s sleep, certain scents can be incredibly beneficial. Ylang Ylang’s sweet, floral fragrance is known for reducing stress and promoting a sense of peace. Bergamot, while uplifting during the day, can be surprisingly soothing at night, helping to calm the mind before bed. Jasmine, with its sweet and romantic aroma, not only enhances the quality of sleep but also boosts the feelings of positivity upon waking.

For more information, contact Freeman & Harding now! 

To find out more about the wonders of essential oils, or to purchase your glass reed diffuser bottles directly from us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Freeman & Harding today! Or, if you’re looking for any of our other products, we offer a huge selection of glass jars and bottles - including preserve jars, chutney jars, and more! Reach out to enquire more about our stock. 

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