So, I have been noticing a lot of dark emotions over the past few months this year and it is really beginning to bring me down. I began to wonder what I, as someone who has sadly suffered these emotions this year, could write to try and help us feel better, or at least attempt to. The first thing that came to mind was smell goods (i.e. candles, melts, oils, beads, etc).

I began to look into what kind of scents would be good for relaxation, insomnia, depression, anxiety and more. This is what I found:

Scents for Relaxation/Anxiety

1. Lavender

Frank Mangano said, "In the past, lavender is being utilized as an antiseptic as well as for mental health purposes. These days, lavender is being used to relieve anxiety, to solve problems of insomnia and to ease depression." He also stated, "According to a study, lavender used for aromatherapy slows down the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, the body system that responds to stress, which allows improved quality of sleep and relaxation. Massage using lavender oil also produces better sleep quality, mood stability, and a more focused concentration."

2. Lilac

"In spite of its color symbolizing sadness and mourning, lilac is a flower of love. The scent produced brings serenity, pleasurable memories, and peaceful slumber. Lilac induces calming effect for those who are insomniacs."

3. Vanilla

"In some studies, vanilla, when ingested, increases the levels of adrenaline, thereby stimulating and invigorating the person. The Book of Spices described vanilla as having an aroma of peculiar bouquet, that is why it is the most loved and most popular among essential oils."

Scents for Insomnia/Anxiety

1. Rose

Lucy said, "Rose has lots of great properties to it, including helping you sleep. Rose is believed to have sedative effects so should really help you feel nice and dozy before bed. On a very different note, rose can act as an aphrodisiac – be warned! "

2. Jasmine

"It turns out jasmine is a fantastic sleep aid – it helps relax your body, meaning you can drift off more easily. This is also great for anyone with restless-leg syndrome as your muscles relax before you fall asleep, making it less likely that you have a disturbed sleep full of flailing limbs and twitchy feet."

3. Cedarwood

"cedar wood is often used to help your nervous system fight anxiety and stress, so if you’re feeling tense and struggling to wind down, light one of these candles and enjoy. This aroma is believed to encourage undisturbed sleep, great for anyone who finds it hard to sleep through the night. "

Scents for Depression/Anxiety

1. Bergamot

Dr. Axe said, "Bergamot oil is a great antidepressant because it’s very stimulating. Bergamot can create a feeling of joy, freshness, and energy by improving the circulation of your blood. It’s also shown the ability to work as a natural remedy for anxiety, as a 2011 study in Thailand found that bergamot lowered the anxiety response in rats."

2. Roman Camomile

"Chamomile benefits your emotions by providing soothing qualities to help with depression. According to research from Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review, inhaling chamomile vapors using chamomile oil is often recommended as a natural remedy for anxiety and general depression. "

3. Ylang Ylang

"Inhaling ylang ylang can have immediate, positive effects on your mood and act like a mild, remedy for depression. Research shows it can help release negative emotions such as anger, low self-esteem, and even jealousy!

Ylang ylang works because of its mild sedative effects, which can lower stress responses helping you relax. To enhance confidence, mood and self-love, try diffusing the oil in your home or massaging it into your skin."

I have recently started to use an oil diffuser in my home, but before that, I had always used candles and incents. This is something, from someone who suffers from both depression and anxiety; and my husband from insomnia and restless legs, that I highly recommend doing if you do not already. To give you all a headstart, I am providing a link below in which you can purchase oils, candles, wax melts, and more.

www.countryscentscandles.com/store/rfmassey