(That’s just) common scents How to smell yourself well!

Can you smell your way to wellness? Turns out you can!

as senses go, smell might be the one we most take for granted. It’s just there, doin’ its thing. But what a thing! It has the power to evoke memories of times, places and people – a hint of jasmine might transport you in an instant to your childhood garden; or fresh baked bread to your grandma’s kitchen and her wood-burning stove.

Smells can comfort, calm or energise. They can also alert you to danger (what’s that burning?), tell you milk is off, or even repulse you (think rotting garbage or catching a whiff of an ex-for-a-reason’s aftershave!)

Certain smells – or scents – can even help you heal and boost overall wellbeing. Not sleeping well? There’s a scent for that. Need a mood boost? Gotcha covered. Stress and anxiety reduction, pain relief, clearer focus and concentration – scents can help create a mind-body reaction that really works. In fact, smell is the only sense that has a direct connection to the brain.

SMELL TO BE WELL

Widely known as aromatherapy, using scents, specifically essential oils, for wellness is as old as dirt. Speaking of which, that fresh, earthy scent when new rain falls on dry ground? Divine! That smell actually has a name – ‘petrichor’ – from the Greek words meaning ‘stone’ and ‘fluid that flows in the veins of gods’. WHEREVER, WHENEVER

You might typically associate aromatherapy with exy day spas, but you can absolutely DIY it and get all the benefits at home – or wherever you happen to be – using simple techniques.

1

Diffuse it. Pop several drops (5 to 9) of your chosen essential oil in an electronic diffuser filled with water. There are many different styles and price points, but they all release a microfine vapour into the air. Place them wherever you spend time and need a lift. Check out portable versions for your car so you can diffuse on the move, too! 2

Reed diffusers (no power needed) work by slowly absorbing the oil in a glass container through a thin,

straw-like reed, then releasing the scent into the air via evaporation. 3

Burn it. An oil warmer powered by a tea light candle gently releases fragrance. See also, quality aromatherapy candles infused with pure essential oils. 4

Add several drops to your bath or shower recess, and breathe in. 5

Many companies incorporate essential oils in their skincare, hair and make-up lines. Check out the lovely range at natio.com.au. 6 On the go, mini aromatherapy inhalers or rollers are also great. In a pinch, add a couple of drops to a hanky, tissue or cotton ball and take a hit as needed! 7 Massage at home. Add 6 to 10 drops to 30ml of a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond, and put your partner to work.

Losing your sense of smell (hyposmia) is usually nothing to worry about. Commons colds and allergies can cause temporary loss. However, if lack of ability to discern smells lingers, see your doc. It could be an indication of a more serious condition.