Apart from picturesque scenes, delicious foods and soothing music, refreshing scents also have the capacity to help us relax and get over a day’s or week’s worth of stress and pressures. For instance, many people find pleasure in taking walking tours at parks and gardens to smell the subtle scent of flowers. Others make it part of their daily routine to spray perfume on their clothes before going to work or school to smell nice. Still, many others like to take a bath and go to bed with a lighted scented candle in their room. If you’re more inclined to use perfume or scented candles and soap, it might be best to know how to choose the right scent for you. Basically, you have two choices; you can either opt for products with essential oils or synthetic fragrances. Now what’s exactly the difference between these two?
Essential Oil
What is it?
Essential oil is made from the essences and extracts of aromatic plants. Usually, this is sourced from the skin of plants, leaves, seeds, fruits, sap or flowers. Apart from these, some essential oils are also obtained from resins, roots and bark of certain trees. Experts refer to essential oils as the “life force” of trees and plants, knowing these contain therapeutic properties usually used in aromatherapy. Because these are sourced from natural plant materials, the types of essential oils produced may depend on the season and the availability may vary throughout the year.
The manner of obtaining this type of oil isn’t easy. It involves a series of labour-intensive, physical processes1, which usually starts with distillation or maceration with either steam or water. In this process, the raw plant material is crushed and steeped in warm water to let out the enzyme-bound oils. After the distillation process, the oil is then isolated from the water phase. This method is commonly used when extracting oils from wintergreen, onion, bitter almond and garlic. Apart from this, essences can also be obtained through a process called expression or cold-pressing, which is commonly used to extract oil from citrus peel.
Where and when it’s best used?
With its relaxing scents, these are used as oils for aroma-therapeutic massage and spa sessions. Some soap, lotion and other beauty products also contain essential oils, although a series of chemical processes are applied to mix these with other cosmetic ingredients. Oils can also be taken internally for medicinal use.
Synthetic Fragrance
What is it?
Synthetic oils or fragrances are usually manufactured. These are made artificially using a range of substances and chemicals to mimic a specific, natural scent such as those of flowers and fruits. Usually used by perfumers, synthetic fragrances are good replacements for natural raw materials (e.g., plants, fruits, trees), which are already diminishing. Producers can copy a range of natural scents, which cannot be obtained naturally such as lily or lilac.
Where and when it’s best used?
Knowing synthetic fragrances are artificially made, these are the usual types found in soaps, creams, lotions, perfumes and other cosmetics that are meant for mass production. Manufacturers of food flavourings and candles also add fragrance oils to their products to enhance the smell. Makers also apply patents for their signature synthetic fragrances because the production of these products involves a specific choice of chemicals and blending processes. Unlike essential oils, artificial scents should not be taken internally, knowing its high chemical content.
Aroma-therapeutic Properties of Some Plants
Now that you already know the difference between essential and synthetic oils, it’s now time to shop for the right fragrances.
Specific Scents and Their Therapeutic Properties
Although there are a plethora of blends on the market these days, you might like to get started with the following scents to benefit from their specific aroma-therapeutic qualities:
• Peppermint – can be a perfect mental stimulant, especially for those who would be driving long distances
• Fir – is a good sanitizer and relaxant, which can lower stress levels and help one feel refreshed
• Ylang-Ylang – has a unique kind smell that can create a sense of sensuality and can also give one an instant happiness boost
• Lavender – has a calming, relaxing scent that can greatly reduce stress and enhance mood
• Vanilla – has a relaxing smell that helps reduce stress
• Rosewood – exudes a calming smell that can function as an anti-depressant
• Basil – has an upbeat fragrance that uplifts the mood and improve alertness
• Lemon – is another mental stimulant that is perfect for those in the workplace to minimise errors and improve focus
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