Have you ever encountered a scent that immediately transported you to a memory?

According to naturalist, David Wolfe, “The sense of smell is a very powerful one. Smell is the only sense that is directly linked to the limbic system. The limbic center is the part of the brain that controls emotional, physical, and psychological responses.”

This direct connection is part of the reason that essential oils are so powerful in impacting our mood.

Here are 5 essential oils to diffuse to immediately impact the way you feel:

1. Lavender.

If you want to feel more relaxed and peaceful, lavender is the go-to oil.

Research shows that lavender oil can cause significant decreases of blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature, and can also boost the power of theta (4-8 Hz) and alpha (8-13 Hz) brain activities which are indicative of deep relaxation.

2. Citrus Oils. (Orange, Tangerine, Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit or Bergamot)

Want to feel happier? Try an oil from the citrus family.

Citrus essential oils in the air are popular for lifting mood and alleviating the symptoms of depression. According to Reader’s Digest, studies have revealed that lemon scents are particularly effective at reducing stress and leaving a positive impression.

3. Rosemary.

Feeling run down? Rosemary relieves fatigue.

As shared by Entrepreneur Magazine, rosemary has stimulating properties that fight physical exhaustion, headaches and mental fatigue. “It’s excellent to use in the mornings when one needs a bit of help getting going,” says Beverley Hawkins, owner of the Vancouver-based West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy. Rosemary essential oil is often the dominant ingredient in natural migraine remedies.

4. Clary Sage.

Have the blues? Clary Sage can fight depression.

Studies show that Clary Sage may be effective as an anti-depressant due to its hormone balancing properties. Clary Sage is popular as an herbal remedy for the symptoms of PMS because of its balancing power and its ability to alleviate muscle cramps, headaches and stomachaches.

5. Peppermint.

Need an energy boost? Peppermint can enliven us.

Via Young Living, “peppermint essential oil’s scent invigorates the mind and senses, while inspiring a sense of peace.” Peppermint can be diffused on its own or mixed with complimentary scents such as Lavender, Rosemary, Citrus or Sage.

Diffusing essential oils is a simple and beautiful way to help influence our emotions, and the best part is that the results can happen quickly.  Simply inhale.

You may have seen people who are into essential oils making their own all natural bug spray.

There are actually many combos of essential oils that you can use: lemongrass, citronella, and peppermint all seem to help keep bugs away from you. YL’s Purification has many of these in it.

When I make my spray I use about 3/4 witch hazel base and one quarter filtered water. It takes quite a bit of oil. I use about 15-20 drops and a small bottle like the one pictured. Rosemary and lavender can be really great also. Keep in mind that Melaleuca (or Teatree oil) can be dangerous for cats.

The bottle pictured has rosemary, lemongrass, lavender, and a bit of peppermint. It worked great since I didn’t get any bites…nor did my girls.

I think the key is reapplying often and I even put it in the space around us. The nice part is it smells lovely and it is non-toxic.