An aroma for every moment…
Scent is the most powerful memory trigger
AROMATHERAPY is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain, which may explain why the smell of something can so immediately trigger a detailed memory or even intense emotion.
‘The heart and soul of the plant’: Essential oils are aromatic essence of Nature’s plants, extracted mostly by steam distillation and some by the cold-pressed method. Each aroma ‘family’ exhibits a primary aromatic trait by which it is easily recognised for a corresponding effect, which can help to readily identify the ideal application for it. Still, choosing the right oils may seem daunting.
SOiL ORGANIC AROMATHERAPY, South Africa’s leading aromatherapy range, holds the expertise required to lead this journey of aromatic self-care. A comprehensive selection of PURE and CERTIFIED ORGANIC essential oils, of the highest quality, boasts a symphony of scents that hold the potential to enhance the mind, body and atmosphere.
The subjectivity of scent highlights aromatic-based wellness as an individual’s journey to self-care. With some essential oils, such as lavender, seemingly offering limitless benefits, overlapping in therapeutic properties with many other oils, choosing a personalised toolkit to wellness can be made easier by narrowing down the options based on the characteristics of the ‘aroma families’. Explore the eight core aroma families, before drilling down into the sub-groupings, in which several categories of essential oils overlap.
CITRUS oils are light fruity scents that are characteristic of the rinds from which they are extracted. They can be described as tangy, tart, fresh, clean, vibrant, invigorating, exciting, energising, and uplifting. Examples include lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, lime, citronella, lemongrass.
FLORAL scents are often reminiscent of the flowers from which they are extracted and described as being feminine, powdery, subtle and romantic. These timeless aromas are often sweet-smelling and create a feeling of cheerfulness. Examples include chamomile, rose, geranium, lavender, ylang-ylang, petitgrain.
HERBACEOUS scents can be described as smelling green or grassy. These oils often have mild floral yet invigorating, spring-like scents that are associated with lush, wet foliage. They are reminiscent of the aroma of fresh leaves, moss, mown grass, herbs, and trees. Examples include chamomile, clary sage, fennel, marjoram, melissa, rosemary, thyme, tea tree.
CAMPHORACEOUS oils have strong scents known to be beneficial for clearing the respiratory system due to their clarifying, penetrating and energising aromas. Examples include cajeput, eucalyptus and niaouli.
MINTY scented oils are strong-scented, fresh fragrances, reputed to be clearing and cooling when used in aromatherapy and topical applications. Examples include peppermint, spearmint and wintergreen.
SPICY oils have exotic, warm, intense aromas that are often reminiscent of baking and other warm memories. With strong scents, they are commonly used to stimulate energy and focus. Examples include basil, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, clove bud.
RESINOUS essential oils exude deep, rich scents that are smoky, woody, earthy, sweet, musky, and warm. Their tranquil, alluring and long-lasting fragrances lend a reassuring quality that makes them popular in spiritual practices. Examples include benzoin (often described as vanilla-like), frankincense and myrrh.
WOODY oils have deep, warm, lingering scents. Often described ‘earthy’, they are reminiscent of the scents of a forest floor or damp soil. Their fragrances are soft, masculine, musky and sensual. Examples include cypress, juniper berry, pine, sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli and vetiver.
Navigate the rollercoaster of emotions the day presents with a personalised arsenal of SOiL organic essential oils, enriching daily wellness. https://soil.co.za/
