9 Fragrances That Can Do Wonders For Your Wellbeing

To most people, a smell isn't just a fragrance - it's a memory. When you get a whiff of chocolate cake, you may think of baking in your Mum's kitchen. When a warm breeze blows the smell of fresh flowers, you're instantly rocketed back to your BBQ's in your grandparents backyard during summer.

And these nostalgic ties aren't just a coincidence - there's science behind why we cherish these aromas. Our olfactory response is directly linked to the emotional center of our brain, causing a flood of warm and fuzzy feelings with a simple sniff. Unlike touch or taste, scents are directly correlated with past experiences. It's no wonder the smell of rain or the scent of a swimming pool makes us so reminiscent. Often, at a Scentsy party, guests will smell a Scentsy fragrance and instantly be transported back into their memories - it's truly incredible to be a part of this process.

But aside from their memory-inducing powers, certain scents can also do amazing things for our mind and body. From stress relief to headache relief, certain fragrances have a way of making an impact (and positively so). In honour of Sense of Smell Day, below find 11 scents that are more than just a nice fragrance - they benefit your wellbeing.

Lavender can help you sleep.

As a go-to scent for relaxation, lavender can help calm the mind and body almost instantly. But perhaps its most useful benefit is its ability to help treat insomnia in students. In a study of 42 college women, research found that the fragrance effectively eased sleep problems and depression in the participants. Next time you're having trouble getting your shuteye, try turning to the soothing scent for a little help.
French Lavender and Jammy Time in the Scentsy range will have you relaxed in no time.

Cinnamon can sharpen your mind.

It's one of the coziest scents out there - but this sweet-smelling spice can also boost your brain power. Researchers from Wheeling Jesuit University studied participants and found that those who took a whiff of cinnamon improved in cognitive functions like visual-motor response, working memory and attention span.
Check out Scentsy fragrances Cozy Chai, Snowberry or Candied Pomegranate if you love your cinnamon.

Pine can alleviate stress.

There's more than one reason why pine trees bring us cheer around the holidays. A pine scent could be decreasing our anxiety, according to research. In one Japanese study, participants who went on a walk through pine forests reported significantly lower depression and stress levels. The research also discovered that anxious subjects had a greater feeling of relaxation after indulging in the scent. Use that as an excuse the next time your family wants to get rid of the Christmas tree right away!
If you love the smell of Christmas, Scentsy fragrance Cranberry Garland with it's earthy pine cones is right up your alley!

Fresh-cut grass can make you more joyful.

You may think mowing the lawn is an annoying, menial task, but the fresh scent the chore yields may be making you happier. Scent researchers found that a chemical released by a newly-mowed lawn can make people feel joyful and relaxed. The aroma may also prevent mental decline as you grow older. The smell apparently is so powerful that neuroscientists came up with a perfume and air fragrance that matches it so the lawnless can also reap the benefits of the feel-good scent - no lawn mower required.
Scentsy fragrance Thunderstorm is exactly as it sounds - the scent of the breeze in a storm!

Citrus can help you feel more energized.

If you're looking for a little pick-me-up, you may want to forget the cup of coffee and opt for citrus instead. Scents like lemon and orange are not only well-known for their Vitamin C properties, but simply sniffing the fruit can help boost energy and alertness. Talk about a real superfruit!
Citrus lovers will adore Scentsy Fragrances Sunkissed Citrus, Lemon Verbena and Oodles of Orange.

Vanilla can elevate your mood.

Vanilla may often be used as a synonym for "bland," but this scent is anything but when it comes to our happiness levels. Researchers found that taking a whiff of vanilla bean elevated participants' feelings of joy and relaxation. The results were measured through mood mapping, which included emotions ranging from happiness and stimulation to apathy and irritation.
Is vanilla what you are looking for? Scentsy fragrances Simply Vanilla, Vanilla Bean Buttercream, Black Raspberry Vanilla and Sugar Cookie are the essential no-calorie treats!

Peppermint may boost concentration.

In addition to giving you sweet breath, peppermint may also do your brain a favor. A small study out of Wheeling Jesuit University found that smelling peppermint could be linked to greater cognitive stamina, motivation and overall performance. Known for invigorating the mind, it's even been used as an aid for students when taking tests. There is also a small bit of research to suggest that the menthol scent in peppermint even tricks the brain into thinking that it alleviates stuffy nasal passages -- just the thing you need when you're feeling a little under the weather.
Just Breathe, Peppermint Dreams, Snowberry and Peppermint Rush are all Scentsy fragrances that will blow your mind.

Jasmine may ease depression.

Their aesthetic is already pleasing enough, but this floral scent also has serious mood perks. A 2010 study found that not only does the smell of jasmine create a sense of alertness, it can also serve as a way to help with depressive thoughts. Researchers found that the stimulating effect of jasmine oil can aid in the relief of depression and can lead to an uplifted mood. Pretty powerful for a tiny flower.
One of my most favourite of fragrances, Scentsy incorporates Jasmine into Luna, Forever Yours and Passion Fruit Vanilla.

Apples may mitigate a migraine.

You know what they say, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" - and that may be more true when it comes to headaches. Research has suggested that the smell of the crisp fruit may actually help ease a migraine. One 2008 study showed that those who found the scent appealing had a noticeable reduction in headache symptoms as well as shortened migraine episodes. Previous studies on a green apple's odor have also found the scent may help control feelings of anxiety during stressful moments.
A stunning apple medley can be found in Scentsy fragrances Crisp Orchard Air and Apple Crush.

Scentsy make no therapeutic claims about their fragrances. For fragrance to set the mood the effect can be purely psychosomatic - it's almost impossible to tell the difference anyway! To find your ideal Scentsy fragrances, click here!