Aromatherapy is everywhere these days, in vast numbers of home and body products marketed mainly toward ladies. Sure, it may not be the manliest move to bring a new pomegranate and ylang-ylang fragranced candle to work, but there are some select scents from which guys can really benefit.
Peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oils open nasal passages and provide relief for stuffy-headed cold symptoms. According to one Japanese study, peppermint oil has also been proven to awaken the senses and improve office productivity. The benefit here is in reducing the consumption of caffeinated and sugary beverages, which can cause a “crash” an hour later. Try a whiff of “Olbas” oil, a Swiss blend. (Drugstore.com: $4.29).
After a morning shave, many guys reach for a skin bracer that (more often than not) contains alcohol as the first or main ingredient. Alcohol provides the stinging-then-cooling sensation common to aftershave, but beware: it can also cause dryness and redness for sensitive shavers. Instead, try Thayer’s alcohol-free witch hazel toners, which are available in a number of therapeutic aromas. Lavender is a great (and surprisingly manly) fragrance that relieves anxiety and stress. (Whole Foods Market: about $9).
When shopping for aromatherapy products, opt for brands that derive their essential oils from organic sources. Ask your local health food store representative for advice on concentration and strength, as many oils should not be applied directly to the skin.
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