Between liberation and cabin fever

Have you ever heard of cabin fever? It's a much-circulated term referring to a feeling often shared following these periods of confinement we've been experiencing.
It highlights the comfort we felt locked up at home, far from the concern of others' gaze while still being close to those we loved. While some were eager to get out at all costs, others felt more anxious about leaving this safe zone.

To better anchor yourself and welcome the changes of this new year more serenely, you can use natural essences.
For example, do you feel the need to be reassured?
Certain natural essences are wonderful companions to promote grounding and allow you to move forward.

Vanilla, the scent of comfort

Contrary to popular belief, vanillin is not naturally present in breast milk. However, it does contain maltol, a molecule with caramel and praline aromas, which could explain the attraction to regressive gourmand notes in perfumes.

Vanilla is one of those reassuring scents, with infinite comforting potential.

Much loved by children, it has the power to take us back years to the heart of carefree days. However, its delicious, warm aroma is perfectly suited to aromatic compositions with more sensual evocations.

Lay your nose on Vanilla oleoresin (Vanilla planifolia), and a true journey begins, from which you will return amazed and relaxed. Vanillin, a molecule present in Vanilla oleoresin, is also said to have beneficial effects on morale.

You will find it in the fragrance Mythique Iris Eau de parfum or Belle Rose Eau de Parum Elixir.

Benzoin, reassuring balm

Vanilla notes are also found in Benzoin resin (Styrax benzoe), with more caramelized facets.
A comforting elixir, its scent is deeply reassuring and soothing.
A true balm for the heart, it reconnects those who protect themselves following an emotional shock to their emotions.
We also find notes of vanilla and benzoin in the Lily Ambre perfume elixir, in an elegant and captivating interpretation around a magnificent fleur-de-lis.

Vetiver, anchoring its roots

For those who feel destabilized, it is the natural "root" essences that will allow them to anchor themselves in this new reality. They allow them to draw strength from the earth and the plant kingdom, to find balance and move forward.

Vetiver, with its earthy scent and a woody, slightly smoky elegance, reassures with its charismatic presence.
It promotes refocusing, as well as anchoring in the "here and now" in order to approach the present with confidence. It is found in Bois 21, an eau de parfum with woody notes to highlight the natural wisdom that you carry within you.

Patchouli, elixir of confidence

In the same vein, Patchouli also brings self-confidence with a touch of sensuality of its own. It allows daydreamers to anchor themselves in the body (with a carnal connotation), for those who lock themselves in intellectualization.
His message could be: "Stop turning the problem over and over again, live!" Isn't that exactly what we need right now?

A true treasure in the world of perfumery, it highlights the passionate and gourmet red fruit accord that makes up the Sensuel Rubis perfume elixir.

DIY: Self-confidence balm!

For lovers of oriental and warm scents, I offer the creation of a reassuring and safe balm.

Applied to the wrists, solar plexus, and soles of the feet, it will bring you comfort and reassurance by promoting grounding. You can smell its fragrance whenever you feel the need.

Ingredients :

• 10 g of cocoa butter,
• 4 drops of natural Patchouli essence (Pogostemon cablin),
• 1 drop of Vanilla oleoresin (Vanilla planifolia)
• 2 drops of natural Frankincense essence (Boswellia carterii), for its balsamic and woody fragrance which helps you detach from everyday worries

Melt the cocoa butter in a bain-marie over low heat.

When melted, add the natural essences off the heat and mix.

When the balm has solidified, test by applying a small amount to the inside of your elbow.

Wait 24 hours before using.

Precautions for use:

Professional advice is essential before using natural essences in the following people: pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old, people with epilepsy, asthma, neurologically weakened people and in cases of hormone-dependent cancer.

Iris HAESENDONK, Aromachology Practitioner.

References

Bitsas, A. (2009). Aromatherapy Body and Soul: How to balance aromatic complexity and human complexity. Brussels, Belgium: AMYRIS.

Canac, P. (2019). The guide to olfactory emotions – Balance and well-being through aromachology. Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland: AMBRE.

Chowta, M., Pallempati, G., Rai, A., Singh, A., & Shoeb, A. (2013). Evaluation of antidepressant activity of vanillin in mice. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 45(2), 141. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.108292

Olivier RP, D. (2018, October). The molecule. Vanillin. Nose. The olfactory review, (6), 16-17.

Sejournet, C. (2020, June 2). Cabin Fever: When Lockdown Is More Pleasant than Lockdown Release. Accessed June 9, 2020, at https://www.psychologies.com/Actualites/Societe/Syndrome-de-la-cabane-quand-le-confinement-est-plus-agreable-que-le-deconfinement

Xu, J., Xu, H., Liu, Y., He, H., & Li, G. (2015). Vanillin-induced amelioration of depression-like behaviors in rats by modulating monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain. Psychiatry Research, 225(3), 509-514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.11.056