De-stress yourself with these Indian fragrances – Times of India

Scent plays a large role in how our mood is. They arouse emotions, help us recall memories, attract other people to us and give us a feeling of security. Indian culture has always used fragrant ingredients, and besides the obvious advantage of having a beautiful smell, these ingredients are soothing to smell. When you smell sandalwood or turmeric, your mind feels relaxed and grounded. Scents like lavender and lemon boost serotonin production in humans. With this said, let us dive into some Indian fragrances that can help you de-stress and rejuvenate you, courtesy Radhika Iyer, Entrepreneur and Founder of Anahata Organics and Raa Foundation, Yogini, Mountaineer and Philanthropist.

Sandalwood: Sandalwood promotes calmness, lower stress levels and overall, better sleep. For many Indians, sandalwood is the scent of their childhood homes. This scent is specially recognised all over the world and its earthy nature ground your mind and body.

Lemon: Lemon is wonderful to make you feel energised, keep your mind calm, improve skin and keep you fresh for the day ahead. This citrus filled scent rejuvenates the brain and allows you to reset your mind.

Jasmine: Jasmine has a beautiful scent and it is known as one of the sweetest smelling flowers. It’s scent carries antidepressant properties, elevating the mind above all the clutter surrounding it. Jasmine is also known to induce sleep.

Vetiver: The scent of vetiver is deeply balancing, calming and de-stressing. This scent ground you in your reality and allows you to face your everyday issues with a clear head. It is also known to promote rest full sleep and relaxation. It is otherwise called the “oil of tranquility”.

Rose: One of the most famous scents in the world, rose or the Indian desi gulab, relieves stress, fights anxiety and relaxes your mind and body. The scent of rose is soft but pungent and is extremely comforting to the mind.

These scents work most effectively for de-stressing when you sit and meditate along with them. Aromatherapy can do wonders to lower your stress levels.