The Benefits Of Using Home Fragrances

Our sense of smell is arguably the sense most closely associated with the memory and as such has a constant effect on our daily lives. Did you know that we breathe in more than 23,000 times each day and with every breath there is an opportunity for our sense of smell to trigger memories of people or places long forgotten or lurking deep within the furthest recesses of our memory? Using home fragrances to create delightful scents around your home is a simple, unobtrusive  way to recall those special places or events and spirit you away from the humdrum chores of daily life.

As with fashion, home fragrance tends to follow trends. Life has never been more hectic so it’s not surprising that there is a perceived benefit these days in any product which can aid relaxation or help you “chill out”.

By using natural aromas derived from plants or other botanicals home fragrances, whether they take the form of scented candles or reed diffusers, can help promote a feeling of wellbeing and calm. But home fragrances do not need to be used just to help you relax. By the use of invigorating scents such as citrus, or spices such as cinnamon or ginger, home fragrances can be used to stimulate, soothe or aid memory.

In short there is a home fragrance which can be used for every mood or situation.

So how do you choose the ideal fragrance? When choosing a fragrance (or fragrances) for your home it is always important to take care to select scents that are complimentary and do not clash. Try to layer fragrances in the home in the same way you would do with personal scent, using scented candles or reed diffusers which enhance each other. Whether you choose a scented candle or a fragrance diffuser will depend on a number of factors, not least convenience. A scented candle is ideal if you are looking for a short term burst of fragrance which lasts for a few hours and which you can control easily. On the other hand, if your preference is for something more subtle and long-lasting, then a scented reed diffuser, which will fragrance your room continuously for many months, would be the perfect choice.

So what are the choices of fragrance available and what particular benefits do they offer?

The first category of fragrances to consider are the “edible” scents.  Certain natural aromas such as vanilla, cinnamon or ginger may evoke memories of favourite foods, perhaps recalling lazy afternoons spent with Mum, baking in the kitchen. The memories associated with these fragrances can help create deep feelings of wellbeing and comfort, harking back to simpler days.

Next come the “floral” scents. Candles and  reed diffusers are available in an enormous range of floral fragrances, including freesia, jasmine and the ever-popular rose. These light, fragrant aromas are a great way to bring the freshness and the warmth of a summer garden into your home on even the dullest of winter days.

 Next up are what are termed the “fresh” scents, redolent of the great outdoors and reflecting the current trend for healthier lifestyles and “green” living. These fresh, clean scents are often inspired by nature and the elements, for example, rainfall or snow, or by aromatic herbs and plants such as thyme or clover. These aromas are capable of lifting the mood and leaving you feeling invigorated, just as if you had  taken a long walk along the seashore or through the countryside.

Last, but not least, are the “spice” fragrances. Rich aromas derived from the spice market help create a feeling of warmth and comfort and are increasingly popular, particularly when the weather turns colder. During these months, when sunshine is at a premium, people love to fill their homes with the rich aromas of warm woods and rare spices perfectly captured in fragrances such as Sandalwood or Clove. These comforting aromas help create an oasis of calm and tranquillity, especially if the wind is howling or the rain lashing outside!

So you see whatever your mood - whether you are looking to relax or feel revitalised - there is always a fragrance out there to suit the occasion. The most difficult part may be choosing just one from the vast array available, in which case why not layer your favourite scents to create your own personal fragrance mix!