What is aromatherapy? You may have heard of this ancient wellness practice, which uses fragrances and essential oils to alter your mood. And here at Axe, we know a thing or two about fragrance.
If you’re new to aromatherapy, you might be asking questions like how does aromatherapy work? What is essential oil exactly? And what’s the benefit of aromatherapy?
By the end of this read, you’ll have the knowledge you need to incorporate aromatherapy into your everyday life. Or at the very least, you’ll know how to smell great, and that’s probably a good place to start.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy focuses on using scents to alter our mood in a good way. When we encounter different smells, it activates our emotions and memories because our brain is wired like that. Certain smells can make us feel better and more relaxed.
Our sense of smell and our emotions are closely connected. Think about how the smell of fresh cut grass or sunscreen in the summer puts you straight into that relaxed mood. Or how catching the scent of a loved one’s perfume in the air can make you feel nostalgic.
When it comes to aromatherapy, using fragrant essential oils is like flipping a switch on your mood. But what is essential oil you ask? Simply put, they’re plant extracts, which are highly concentrated and full of potent fragrance, as well as alleged therapeutic and medicinal properties.
So, how does essential oil work? Different essential oil fragrances can really set the mood. Whether it's the relaxing qualities of lavender that help you unwind, energetic citrus scents that give you a boost, or the refreshing eucalyptus aroma that clears your sinuses, there's an essential oil for every mood and situation.
If you’re curious about how to do aromatherapy, below are three ways to get involved...
1. Use a diffuser
One option is to get that scent spreading with a diffuser. Just add a few drops of oil, let it do its thing, and soon enough, the whole room will be filled with a pleasant scent. Or if you're feeling a bit more hands-on, you can whip up your own DIY room sprays or linen mists. Just mix some essential oils with water in a spray bottle (you can look up some recipes online) and give it a good shake. A couple of spritzes and you've got your favorite fragrance all around you.
2. Do it in the shower
Another way to get your aromatherapy fix is by indulging in some bath and shower products – whether it’s chilling in a nice warm bath with some lavender-scented bath salts, or lathering up with a citrusy body wash to kickstart your day. These products not only cleanse your body but also give you that extra boost of scent that sets you up for the day or helps you unwind after a long one.
3. Find a therapeutic deodorant body spray
For all you busy types out there, aromatherapy can be as easy as using your everyday personal care items like deodorant body sprays. Just by picking products that are infused with specific scents, you can get a dose of aromatherapy on the go. So as you go about your day, you'll be leaving behind a trail of irresistible fragrance that not only keeps you smelling great but also adds that extra therapeutic touch to your daily routine.
We’re going to recommend our favorite deodorant body sprays in this article, but if you feel like you need a little extra help understanding the different types of fragrance, check our article first.
The Benefits of Aromatherapy
OK, we’ve talked about essential oils and looked at how to do aromatherapy so now seems like a good time to get into the benefit of aromatherapy. Make that benefits, plural.
There are a lot of positive things people say about aromatherapy, but they haven’t been scientifically proven. However, people have been practicing aromatherapy for over a thousand years, so its benefits are not to be overlooked.
Here are five benefits that are linked to aromatherapy:
1. Relaxation and stress relief
Aromatherapy is well known for its ability to deliver a sense of calm and relaxation. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood have soothing properties that can help melt away stress, leaving you in a relaxed mood.
2. Mood enhancement
Feeling a little low? Well, one benefit of aromatherapy is its ability to give you a little boost when you need it. Certain fragrances, such as citrus scents like lemon and orange, can lift your mood, boost energy levels, and increase positivity.
3. Improved focus and concentration
When it's time to buckle down, aromatherapy has got your back. Essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus are renowned for their stimulating properties that kick your brain into high gear. They're like a power-up for your mind, enhancing mental clarity, boosting focus, and sharpening your concentration.

4. Improved sleep quality
Another great benefit of aromatherapy is its knack for helping you catch some slumber. Fragrances like lavender, chamomile, and cedarwood have sedative properties, helping you unwind, promoting a deep slumber, and waking you up feeling all refreshed and ready to conquer the day.
5. Headache relief
Say goodbye to those pounding headaches with the help of aromatherapy. Certain essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, have analgesic properties, working their magic to ease those tension headaches and give you some soothing relief.
Now that you’re sold on the benefit of aromatherapy, let’s get into our top four fragrance combinations that have an aromatherapeutic effect. If you want to dive deeper into the different types of scents, check out our article on the different types of fragrance notes.
Bergamot & Sage
Get ready to wake up with two fresh scents – bergamot and sage. When these two fragrances come together, they create a powerhouse combination that not only tickles your senses but also gives your mood a serious upgrade and revs up your energy levels.
Let's kick things off with bergamot, which is famous for its fresh and invigorating scent that can instantly put a smile on your face. Its lively and tangy notes have this magical ability to boost your mood and make you feel incredible.
Now, let's introduce sage into the mix. With its earthy, herbaceous scent, sage essential oil and aromatherapy go hand in hand, as it brings a grounding and invigorating mood to the blend. It's like a breath of fresh air that wakes up your senses and sharpens your focus. Sage is known to boost mental clarity and concentration, making it perfect for those times when you need a little energy boost or a mental pick-me-up.
If you’re looking for a fragrance that’s going to lift you up and put you back on track, look no further than our Aqua Bergamot Premium Deodorant Spray.
Knowing the power of different scents will help you choose the right fragrance for any mood.
Mango & Vetiver
Like we said, one big benefit of aromatherapy is its ability to pick you up and switch up your mood. With this in mind, juicy mango and deep, smoky vetiver are the perfect pairing.
Let’s first look at the irresistible and exotic scent of mango. With its uplifting and energizing properties, it's the perfect fragrance to ignite your joy and enthusiasm, and bring out your inner free spirit.
The earthy, woody character of vetiver beautifully complements the vibrant mango. Vetiver brings a calming and grounding mood, giving you that sense of tranquility and stability. It's like hitting the reset button and creating a serene atmosphere that helps you relax and reduce stress.
If you’re ready to get some tropical moods going on, try our Golden Mango Premium Deodorant Body Spray. Because after all, what is aromatherapy for, if not to take a little breather from your routine?
And if you happen to find yourself on an actual tropical beach, make sure unwanted body odor doesn’t ruin the mood. Stay dry and fresh with our five best antiperspirant recommendations.

Coconut & Eucalyptus
Do you ever find it hard to focus on that one project and find your mind constantly wandering? Well, another benefit of aromatherapy is that it can help get you dialed in and focused on whatever you’re trying to get done while keeping things calm and relaxed.
If you need a little focus in your life right now, check out the fragrance combination of coconut and eucalyptus. Coconut fragrance is like a one-way ticket to sandy beaches and palm trees, bringing relaxation, chill moods, and vacation-like bliss that eases tension and takes you on a mental escape. Its comforting and nurturing notes wrap you in warmth, creating a laid-back atmosphere that helps you unwind and let go of stress.
We can take this mood a step further by combining eucalyptus, an essential oil fragrance renowned for its ability to relieve mental fatigue, improve concentration, and provide a refreshing boost of energy. It helps clear the mental fog, allowing you to stay sharp and focused.
If you’re ready to finally get round to that big project you’ve been putting off, gear up with our Pure Coconut Premium Deodorant Body Spray to get your focus on point.
Lavender & Amber
You wanna know how to do aromatherapy in style? Get a little bit of lavender into your routine. Oh, you want to go a step further? Say less, let’s get some amber going on in there too. We’re teaming up two star players in the aromatherapy game here to help you feel relaxed, refreshed and sophisticated all at once.
Let's begin with the serene and timeless scent of lavender. It’s known for its calming powers, helping you unwind and let go of stress. Its gentle floral aroma wraps you in a peaceful mood, creating a relaxed atmosphere that soothes your mind and eases your body.
Now, let's turn to the smooth and cozy scent of amber. Amber serves up a sense of warmth and sophistication, that adds depth to the mix. Its rich and inviting aroma creates an atmosphere of comfort and luxury, making you feel at ease and embracing the moment.
Looking for a deodorant that matches your relaxed and sophisticated mood? Check out our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray packed with lavender essential oils and amber.
Ready to try aromatherapy?
You might not always have the chance to lie back with some cucumber slices on your eyes with a diffuser full of essential oils working overtime in the corner. But there are easier ways to enjoy the mood-lifting benefits of fragrance. Simply find a deodorant or body spray with the right mix of ingredients, and you'll be rocking the perfect scent.
Whatever mood you’re trying to achieve, aromatherapy can help. It can boost your spirits, ease stress, amp up your focus, or help you relax after a long day. We’ve given you our favorite fragrance combinations and a deodorant body spray to match each one, but don't be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect blend.
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