What Essential Oils Can Do For Your Space

Experiment with aromatherapy and try these not-so-basic scents

by Chinggay Labrador Aug 25, 2017

Photography: Michael Angelo Chua and Dudu-Osum (Main Photos)

If you’ve ever dipped your toes into health and wellness, you’ll have come across one of the year’s biggest trends, essential oils. While these modern tinctures and concoctions are gaining huge traction these days, these simple and natural cure-alls have been around for centuries. Just think back to natural healers, old folks’ remedies from the provinces and even local folklore—chances are, you’ve heard of the perks that natural herbs and fragrances can evoke.

Apart from the anti-viral and anti-bacterial claims these oils bring are the signature fragrances you can mix, match, or use individually. Diffused through your home, rubbed on your temples, or sprayed on your linens, these scents add just another layer to personalizing your space. Take what appeals to you and read up on these scents’ potential benefits.

Lavender

Perfect for: The Bedroom

Think of the sprawling fields of Hokkaido or Provence and your mind may immediately transport you to a transcendental state of calm.

IMAGE Dudu-Osum

Lavender has that same effect. Said to be a way to calm your nerves, its scent can help bring your stress levels down and let your parasympathetic nervous system—responsible for the rest and digest reflex—kick in.

Cinnamon

Perfect for: The Study

The spice that reminds us of Christmas and all things warm and cozy, cinnamon is believed to perk you up.

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Just think of the stick of cinnamon gum you chew on—its inherent spice can wake you up and give you some reprieve from tiredness. Spray this in a space where you need the ultimate wake me up elixir so you can stay focused all day.

Lemon

Perfect for: The Bathroom

There isn’t much that lemon can fix—a hot cup of honey lemon tea when you have a sore throat; a drop of juice on a stained kitchen counter can take all the grime away.

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IMAGE Agroweb

Think of lemon as an all-around cleansing agent—something that can be useful even for a state of mind that needs detoxifying. This citrus scent is also said to help boost the immune system and amp up your circulation.

Peppermint

Perfect for: The Home Gym

Minty freshness isn’t just for toothpaste and mouthwash, it’s a great scent to invigorate and freshen up your spirit.

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Think of dousing your self in a virtual wash that revitalizes you throughout the day.

Eucalyptus

Perfect for: All Around Stress Relief

Think back to your grandma’s old remedies for a bad cough or a clogged sinus and chances are you’ll remember the strong scent of eucalyptus.

IMAGE Healthline

Known to help undo respiratory blocks, this could be the scent for you if you’re suffering from any bumps on the road—mental, emotional and otherwise—too.

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