Scents can be amazingly powerful. They can help our mood, calm us down or motivate us. Essential oils can be used at home, in a diffuser, or added to a massage or carrier oil. Different base scents might make some more appealing to you than others – this list will help you identify your scent vibe.
Camphoraceous Oils
When your scent vibe is clean, healthy and warm
Camphoraceous oils have a very pungent and distinctive base aroma. Many of the products we use when we are unwell or in pain have a camphoraceous base. Some people describe these scents as being medicinal. Chest rubs and muscle relaxants often contain these types of oils. They can help make breathing easier and can help to warm up an area when applied in a carrier oil. Common types of camphoraceous oils include:
- Camphor
- Eucalyptus
- Laurel
- Pennyroyal
Citrus Oils
When your scent vibe helps get the party started
This distinctive group of scents has a tangy and fresh scent which many people find to be uplifting and refreshing. They can help reduce feelings of stress and bring positive energy to your home. They are often used for cleaning purposes, and most have antibacterial properties. Common types of citrus oils include:
- Bergamot
- Citronella
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Lime
- Mandarin
- Orange
- Tangerine
Floral Oils
When your scent vibe is like a relaxing bubble bath
Feminine and fresh, floral scents are timeless. They are frequently used in perfume and beauty products for women, and many, such as lavender, are used in products to help calm and comfort. The floral aromas are often sweet and happy. Common types of floral oils include:
- Chamomile
- Geranium
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Neroli
- Rose
- Rosewood
- Ylang-Ylang
Herbaceous Oils
When your scent vibe is natural and organic
Fresh, herbaceous oils remind us of being outdoors, in the spring time. They have mild but invigorating aromas which when diffused at home can bring nature into your home. They are gently encouraging and can help create a light and positive mood. Many herbaceous oils come from plants we use for other purposes, such as to flavor food, or in the case of tea tree oil for disinfectant and hygiene purposes. Common types of herbaceous oils include:
- Catnip
- Chamomile
- Clary Sage
- Fennel
- Marjoram
- Melissa
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tea Tree
- Thyme
Minty Oils
When your scent vibe is so fresh and so clean
Minty scents are commonly used in products like toothpaste and bubble gum. There have a crisp, clean smell that can help you feel fresh and perk you up if you are down. They can help keep you cool, calm and collected when the pressure is on. Minty oils are great to diffuse at home if you are concentrating on mental activity. Common types of minty oils include:
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Wintergreen
Musky Oils
When your scent vibe is mysterious and romantic
The rich and smoky musky oils have a real sweetness to them. They are often long-lasting and are frequently used in meditation and spiritual practices. These oils were so treasured that two types were brought to the infant Jesus by the three wise men. Because of their potency and rarity, they are highly valued and can be expensive to buy. Common types of musky oils include:
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Peru Balsam
Spicy Oils
When your scent vibe is happiest in the kitchen
We are probably all accustomed to the smells and tastes of spicy oils. These lively and invigorating scents come from plants we commonly used in cooking. This includes both savory and sweeter scents. Often when you get a whiff of one of these scents, you will immediately recall a favourite dish with the smell or be taken back to your granny’s kitchen where she would bake cake and biscuits. So be warned; diffusing these oils could make you hungry! Common types of spicy oils include:
- Allspice
- Aniseed
- Basil
- Black Pepper
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
Woody Oils
When your scent vibe is deep and earthy
Woody oils have a rich and warming aroma. There might be hints or notes that remind you of being outdoors, camping in the rain, or in a forest. They often also have a crispness to them and are frequently used in scents for men. They can help you feel grounded and centered. If you like these types of fragrances, try Palo Santo, which some cultures use as a scent for purification. Common types of woody and earthy oils include:
- Cedar
- Cypress
- Patchouli
- Pine
- Sandalwood
With so many divine scents to choose from, you might want to keep several in your collection to suit the season or the mood you are seeking to achieve at your home. As you get to learn the nuanced notes of each of your favourite scents, you can try combining them to create a blend that works best for you.
