Serenity
Lavender is renowned for soothing anxiety: clinical studies have shown that terpenoids in the oil help switch on the relaxation response. Sandalwood, cedarwood, clary sage, camomile, bergamot and cypress are also anxiety-busters.
DIY: If anxious and pressurised, try a blend of camomile, bergamot and orange. If tense and exhausted, lavender, clary sage and cypress.
Expert blend: Calming Temple Salve (£6.50; nealsyardremedies.com). Massage into temples and pressure points.
Inspiration
When you need a shot of creativity, a new way of thinking, or even an entirely new start, surround yourself with uplifting, inspiring jasmine. It was used in first-century Persia to scent celebrations. Its sidekicks include ylang ylang, neroli, orange and palmarosa.
DIY: Jasmine, ylang ylang and orange is a good mix for creativity. Cypress, hyssop and pine help release outworn…
