Rituals Inspired by the Scents of Spring
Photography: Alexis Courtney / Art Direction + Styling: Bella Weinstein
Fresh booms, soft breezes, and the warmth of the sun on the skin — those subtle signs of spring that engage the senses and uplift the spirit. Specifically, the role that scent plays in our daily rituals is important to overall wellbeing, and the benefits we receive from rich plant oils this time of year are boundless — from regulating hormones to decreasing anxiety and inflammation.
As we transition seasons, our rituals may also evolve to support the changes that are felt internally — such as increased hydration to keep skin well moisturized and supple; and light, crisp foods to ease digestion, cleanse the liver, and balance the body after winter’s abundance. And many times, it is the sense of scent that can make or break our enjoyment and indulgence of these rituals.
Today on The Journal, we’re highlighting some of our favorite scents that remind of us of warmer, longer days spent in nature and the rituals inspired by them. This variety scents can be found in products throughout our apothecary to help awaken, enliven, energize, or simply support ease. Whether it’s a natural face mist to cool the skin after heat exposure or an essential oil blend to diffuse in the home while performing routine cleaning, we recommend exposing the body to the essences of this plant magic to promote a more sustainable internal and external environment — for yourself, and for this planet.
BERGAMOT
A comforting scent in the citrus family that’s lovely for unwinding after a long day.
Known to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure, alleviate pain, boost skin health, and aid digestion.
Find it in…
Maven Made Grapefruit, Rose and Bergamot Room + Linen Spray; Na Nin Moontime Candle; Pan Natural Goods Telepathic Child natural perfume roll-on; Vitruvi Boost + Pacific essential oil diffuser blends
Create a ritual by…
Misting fresh linens and spaces of your home with room + linen spray
Lighting Moontime candle while taking a hot mineral bath during your menstrual cycle
Massing temples and pulse points with natural perfume roll-on
Diffusing essential oil blends when cleaning the home, or with the windows open during breezy spring days to purify and “change the air”
EUCALYPTUS
Invigorating and revitalizing, this herbal essential oil is wonderful for creating a spa-like experience in the shower or bathroom.
Known to improve respiratory conditions and seasonal allergies, alleviate headaches and improve earaches, reduce pain and inflammation, and aid in wound care.
Find it in…
Na Nin Sage & Eucalyptus hand soap; Vitruvi Dusk essential oil diffuser blend
Create a ritual by…
Keeping the hand soap in your guest bathroom, washroom, or kitchen for daily use
Diffusing essential oil blend during showers, baths, or before drifting off to sleep
Hanging fresh eucalyptus leaves from the shower head to create an in-shower spa experience
GRAPEFRUIT
Fresh, citrus notes that brighten the body and energize the mind.
Works as a natural antibacterial agent, helps to relieve hangover symptoms and reduce sugar cravings, boosts circulation and reduces inflammation, aids digestion, and naturally boosts energy and mood.
Find it in…
Living Libations Grapefruit Stellar Renewal Serum; Maven Made Grapefruit, Rose and Bergamot Room + Linen Spray, Pai Deep Cleanse AHA Exfoliating Mask; Vitruvi Boost essential oil diffuser blend
Create a ritual by…
Moisturizing the face with renewal serum to brighten and awaken skin
Misting fresh linens and spaces of your home with room + linen spray
Gentle daily or weekly exfoliation to brighten and tone the skin, especially for those with more sensitive skin types
Diffusing essential oil blend when cleaning the home, or with the windows open during breezy spring days to purify and “change the air”
JASMINE
A romantic, floral essence that's very rejuvenating to the skin and senses.
Known to increase alertness and energy, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, support restful sleep, and reduce menopausal symptoms / PMS and cramps.
Find it in…
Bodha Purify smokeless incense; Pan Natural Goods Ease natural perfume roll-on; Pai Back to Life Hydrating Serum + Avocado and Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream; Pan Natural Goods Enchant Space Mist
Create a ritual by…
Burning incense to create a subtle background scent in yoga studios and home spaces to purify the air — also ideal to bring during travel and getaways for soft scents in new or unfamiliar spaces
Massaging the temples and bottoms of the feet with perfume roll-on before sleep or to simply promote ease any time of the day
Applying serum or day cream as needed when the skin could use some extra attention and hydration — ideal for these warmer months when staying hydrated (internally and externally) is very important
Spritz the home or fresh laundered linens with space mist
PEPPERMINT
Stimulating yet cooling, this essential oil is ideal for balancing excess heat during the warmer months and to help promote deep breathing.
Improves energy, sleep and concentration, relieves seasonal allergies, nausea and menstrual cramps, and eases bloat when taken internally.
Find it in…
Nucifera The Mist; Pan Natural Goods Yang natural perfume roll-on
Create a ritual by…
Misting face and body with The Mist for an instant refresh, especially after rigorous exercise or when the skin is exposed to the sun for lengths of time
Massaging temples and bottoms of the feet with perfume roll-on for an invigorating and cooling effect
YLANG YLANG
Exotic, feminine and romantic, this essential oil promotes calm and creates a lovely floral oasis.
Acts an anti-depressant and contains anti-inflammatory properties; a known aphrodisiac, antiseptic, sedative, and nervine.
Find it in…
Pai Rosehip Cleanser Vitruvi Quiet essential oil diffuse blend
Create a ritual by…
Diffusing essential oil blend during quiet moments of solitude, or to promote an easeful night’s sleep