If you're looking for a relaxing blend or oil but don't like the smell of lavender, seeing it recommended as the first option can be frustrating. However, plenty of alternatives to lavender can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. Don't force yourself to use a blend you don't enjoy – discover some new oils with diffrent scent profiles that can be surprising alternative to the most recomended essential oil.

Hydrosols are the water left over from the distillation of plant material. In some cases the plant material is distilled specifically to produce its hydrosol. The essential oil will float to the top of the container while the water will stay at the bottom and can be collect for use on its own.

That reaction to scent triggers neurophysiological processes that can affect mood, cognition, physiological arousal and behaviors. That is why a smell can have an immediate influence on your mood and your emotional state and even physical state. The olfactory receptors turn the chemical signal of a scent into a neural signal that reaches the brain.