Explore alternatives to Lavender essential oil

In the captivating world of essential oils, Lavender occupies a special place, recognized for its soothing and relaxing properties. However, we know that each person is unique, with their own preferences and sensitivities. This is why we are addressing here this subject which may concern many of you: why are some people not attracted to lavender oil and what are the possible alternatives?

At Essanzia, we are attentive to these differences and we want to support you in discovering essential oils that resonate harmoniously with your individual tastes and needs.

Why do some people have an aversion to Lavender?

Although lavender essential oil is widely recognized for its soothing and therapeutic properties, it is not unanimously accepted. The reasons for this aversion can be multiple and varied:

Memories and associations:

• Smells have a unique ability to evoke memories and stir emotions.
• The aroma of lavender may remind some people of unpleasant or uncomfortable past experiences, thereby triggering a negative reaction.
• This association may be unconscious, but it strongly influences the perception of the odor.

Association with the maternal figure:

• Interestingly, some aromatherapy experts, like Michel Turbide and Philippe Mailhebiau, have explored how smells can be linked to our personal experiences and relationships, particularly with significant figures like our mothers (1).
• Lavender essential oil can unconsciously evoke the maternal figure.
• For some, this association can evoke a feeling of comfort and security, reminiscent of maternal care and affection. For others, it can awaken complex or less positive memories related to their relationship with their mother.
• This emotional connection highlights the power of smells to evoke memories and influence our perception of aromas, demonstrating how a simple smell can have deep, personal resonances.

Olfactory sensitivity:

• Each individual has a distinct olfactory sensitivity, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
• What is perceived as pleasant for some may be intense or unpleasant for others.
• People with higher olfactory sensitivity may find the aroma of lavender too strong or overpowering.

Personal preferences:

• Just like tastes in food or music, preferences in smells are highly subjective.
• Some people may simply dislike the scent of lavender due to personal taste, regardless of any associations or sensitivities.

Sensitivity to Lavender:

• Some individuals may have a specific sensitivity or allergic reaction to lavender.
• Symptoms may include headaches, rashes, or other adverse physical reactions to exposure to lavender scent.
• In such cases, avoiding lavender oil is a precautionary measure to preserve their well-being.

By understanding these various factors, we can better appreciate why lavender essential oil, while beneficial for many users, is not suitable for everyone. This recognition of individual differences is fundamental to the field of aromatherapy, where customization and personal choice play a crucial role in the overall experience.

Alternatives to Lavender essential oil

If lavender essential oil isn't one of your favorites, rest assured, there are plenty of other options. Depending on the effect you want to achieve, here are some suggestions:

For relaxation:

• Roman Chamomile essential oil: Known for its soothing properties, Roman Chamomile essential oil is ideal for calming the restless mind and facilitating relaxation. It is often used to create a serene atmosphere, especially before bedtime.
• Melissa essential oil: Known for its soothing and calming properties, Melissa essential oil is an excellent alternative for relaxation. It helps ease nervous tension and promotes a state of calm and serenity, making it perfect for moments of relaxation and recovery.

For sleep:

• Ylang-Ylang essential oil: With its floral and captivating scent, Ylang-Ylang essential oil is a great ally for promoting restful sleep. It is known to reduce stress and anxiety, which can help prepare the body and mind for rest.
• Bergamot essential oil: Thanks to its notes that are both fresh and soothing, it is perfect for creating an environment conducive to sleep. It has a relaxing effect and can also help alleviate nighttime worries.

To reduce stress:

• Geranium Essential Oil: Known for balancing emotions, geranium essential oil is an excellent choice for reducing stress and anxiety. Its floral and sweet scent helps create an atmosphere of well-being and relaxation.
• Sandalwood Essential Oil: Sandalwood essential oil, with its rich, woody aroma, is ideal for establishing a feeling of inner peace. It is often used in meditation for its calming effect and to promote a feeling of spiritual connection.
• Petit Grain essential oil: Extracted from the leaves and small branches of the bitter orange tree, is recognized for its soothing and relaxing properties. It is often used to reduce stress and anxiety, thanks to its fresh, floral scent. Additionally, Petitgrain essential oil is known to promote restful sleep and help calm the mind, making it a great alternative to lavender oil for those seeking natural solutions to improve their well-being. be emotional.

Each of these essential oils offers unique benefits and can be a great alternative to lavender essential oil. We encourage you to experiment with these different options to find the one that best resonates with your personal needs.

3 blends for diffuser bracelet or necklace:

Soothing Blend:

• 3 drops of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
• 2 drops of Melissa Essential Oil
• 1 drop of Petitgrain Essential Oil

This blend is ideal for calming the mind and calming nervous tension. Roman Chamomile and Lemon Balm offer calming effects, while Petitgrain adds a lightly floral and refreshing note.

Sleep Blend:

• 3 drops of Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
• 2 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
• 1 drop of Petitgrain Essential Oil

This blend promotes restful sleep. Ylang-Ylang and Bergamot are known for their relaxing properties, and Petit Grain provides a soothing touch that helps prepare the body and mind for rest.

Anti-Stress Blend:

• 3 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
• 2 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
• 1 drop of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

This blend is designed to reduce stress and anxiety. Geranium and Bergamot offer a balancing effect on the emotions, while Roman Chamomile adds a note of serenity and calm.

These blends can be added to your Essanzia stainless steel diffuser necklace or bracelet to enjoy the benefits of essential oils throughout the day. Make sure you only put a few drops on the pad to avoid a strong fragrance.

We understand that each person has their own preferences and needs when it comes to aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil, although appreciated by many, may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, the world of essential oils is vast and full of alternative options to meet your specific relaxation, sleep, and stress reduction needs.

References :

1. Mailhebiau, (1994). The new aromatherapy: characterology of human essences and temperaments (2nd ed.). Jakin Editions. ISBN 2940115001, 9782940115006.
2. Silveira, V., Rubio, KTS, Martucci, MEP (2022). Anxiolytic effect of Anthemis nobilis L. (roman chamomile) and Citrus reticulata Blanco (tangerine) essential oils using the light-dark test in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Journal of Ethnopharmacology . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115580​``【oaicite:4】``&#8203 ;.
3. Haybar, H., Javid, AZ, Haghighizadeh, MH, Valizadeh, E., Mohaghegh, SM, Mohammadzadeh, A. (2018). The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015​``【oaicite:3】``&#8203 ;.
4. Hongratanaworakit, T., Buchbauer, G. (2006). Relaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption. Phytotherapy Research . https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1950​``【oaicite:2】``&#8203 ;.
5. Han, X., Gibson, J., Eggett, D.L., Parker, T.L. (2017). Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil Inhalation Improves Positive Feelings in the Waiting Room of a Mental Health Treatment Center: A Pilot Study. Phytotherapy Research . https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5806​``【oaicite:1】``&#8203 ;.
6. Shirzadegan, R., Gholami, M., Hasanvand, S., Birjandi, M., Beiranvand, A. (2017). Effects of geranium aroma on anxiety among patients with acute myocardial infarction: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.10.005​``【oaicite:0】``&#8203 ;.
7. Huang, L., Capdevila, L. (2017). Aromatherapy Improves Work Performance Through Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine . https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27763785/