The Best Aromatherapy Scents and What You Can Use Them For

Apart from Japan, Thailand remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for those of us residing in Hong Kong. Asides from the sun, beaches and amazing street food, Thailand is also renowned for its spas, which mix massage therapy with aromatherapy for a truly relaxing experience.

Aromatherapy first originated in the 1900s when, René-Maurice Gattefossé, known as the "father of aromatherapy", accidentally burned his hands when conducting an experiment. On a whim, he decided to dunk his hands into a bowl of lavender oil and was left amazed by the results.

Below, see our breakdown of which scents to use to sleep better, clear up acne, chase away feelings of anxiety, and more.

To relieve stress and help you fall asleep:

Don't stress: Relaxation is only a whiff away with a calming chamomile scent. Renowned for its de-stressing benefits, chamomile oil has been proven to benefit the nervous system, helping fight off feelings of anxiety, boosting mood and eliminating stress.

Lavender is known to balance emotions and help aid sleep. Just taking a whiff of this sleep-inducing oil before bed can help.

Ylang Ylang-This sweet floral fragrance is renowned for its gentle, soothing and restorative properties. Packed with amazing skin benefits too, it’s also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, working to balance oil production and treat acne and blemishes.

Sandalwood- Known for its sweet, earthy smell, sandalwood oil has been used historically in many Eastern cultures as a natural remedy for many ailments. Boasting many health benefits, it is said to improve mental clarity and is also a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-viral ingredient.

Rose-This light and delicate fragrance is one of the most popular when it comes to fragrances, but did you know that rose oil also packs a punch when it comes to benefiting your skin too? This versatile oil is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids, all of which aid in treating common skin conditions such as ageing, redness and adult acne. Perfect for all skin types, its soothing effects also make it great for those with sensitive skin.

Jasmine -This uplifting oil is loved for its relaxing effects on the mind and body. With a refreshing floral aroma, it helps to nourish and replenish your skin, as well as uplifting your mood and emotions.

Neroli-This sweet and sensual oil is known to soothe the mind and has been historically used to relieve muscle tension. Deeply nourishing for the skin, it also helps to boost self-confidence and sensuality.

What types of aromatherapy are there?

Aromatherapy is mainly divided into 3 categories, which are:

Aromatherapy Diffusers: Rather than a heavy perfume, these clever diffusers harness the mind-soothing powers of aromatherapy as they fill up your room.

Aromatherapy Candles: Aromatherapy candles work harder than your run-of-the-mill Diptyque. Instead, their waxes include essential oils which are derived straight from the leaves, herbs, bark, and rinds of plants, evoking the same emotional response as the scent’s oil form.

Fragrance spray: An essential oil fragrance spray has a similar usage to perfume, but is designed to be used on both the skin and in the home. They’re a great way of freshening up a room area but they really come into their own when sprayed on your pillow for a good nights sleep.