It doesn’t take more than 10 or 15 minutes in heavy traffic to recognize the value of de-stressing while behind the wheel. The idea behind aromatherapy isn’t anything necessarily new, but many drivers are tapping into the science-backed benefits of this alternative method to support their mental health while on the road. With the right combination of essential oils and a stylish car freshener, you can have the best of both worlds with an aromatherapy car diffuser. 

The article below explores the popular use of aromatherapy in modern vehicles and how it contributes to stress relief behind the wheel. When choosing the scented products you put in your car, sustainably sourced and natural ingredients are key to supporting your overall well-being. Drift signature car fresheners are made from natural materials and feature carefully curated scent blends designed to elevate your car’s interior. 

How Scent Affects the Brain: The Science Behind Aromatherapy

The science of aromatherapy involves using essential oils to stimulate your olfactory nerve, which alerts your brain to particular smells based on your past experiences. The stimulus of a scent sets off activity in your brain. Specifically, individual smells stimulate the limbic system, which controls your emotions. 

You’ve likely experienced the link between scent and emotion at various times throughout your life. If you smell the smoke from a wood fire, you might think of camping with your grandparents when you were younger. The smell of a school cafeteria can also evoke several emotions, depending on your experience. 

Aromatherapy affects your body in different ways. The scents you smell can trigger the release of specific hormones, like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Fragrances can also reduce your anxiety and perception of pain in certain circumstances. 

Common Aromatherapy Benefits

The benefits of aromatherapy vary from one person to the next. Depending on the essential oils you use and how you use them, you can create a calmer atmosphere, boost your mood, and even improve your sleep quality. However, you should be careful using certain essential oils if you suffer from significant allergies, asthma, migraines, or seizures. 

Many massage therapists use essential oils during sessions to help reduce tension and promote relaxation. These oils are diluted with carrier oils—like jojoba, coconut, and almond oils—to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation. In addition, essential oils can also be diffused through a facial steamer or diffuser. 

Choosing the Right Aromatherapy Car Diffuser

When selecting an aromatherapy car diffuser, it’s critical to pair it with pure essential oils, sustainably sourced materials, and complex, sophisticated scents for the greatest benefits. The best diffusers for your car should also offer additional advantages. For example, Drift car diffusers are cruelty-free, vegan, and safe for use around pets and children. 

Essential Oils That Support Calm, Focus, and Energy

Pure essential oils lie at the core of aromatherapy. As you search for the perfect aromatherapy car diffuser, look for essential and fragrance oil blends like those found in Drift car fresheners. Our products are also free from phthalates, parabens, mineral oils, DEA, formaldehyde, petroleum, propylene, dichlorobenzene, and other harsh chemicals. 

Sustainably Sourced, Natural Ingredients

Essential oils and natural ingredients go hand-in-hand. Select an aromatherapy car diffuser that incorporates sustainably sourced ingredients, like the alder wood, organic stone, and alloy metal that comprise Drift’s Wood, Stone, and Metal car fresheners. Avoid synthetic fragrances and disposable plastic products. 

A Variety of Sophisticated Scents

Single-note aromatherapy car diffusers can quickly become boring. With a variety of scents to choose from, drivers can tailor fragrances to their preferences. Here are some of Drift’s mainstay scents: 

• Amber: Eucalyptus, golden amber, vanilla, French lavender

• Cabana: Bergamot, coconut, cedarwood, sea salt

• Grove: Juicy citrus, vanilla sugar, mountain greens, blond wood

• Open Air: Fresh air, crisp linen, morning dew, white wood 

• Pine: Mountain pine, moss, cedarwood, musk

• Teak: Cedar atlas, amber, teakwood, oakmoss

Can’t figure out which scent to order for your new Drift car freshener? Take our Scent Quiz. You’ll receive expert recommendations to guide your decision. 

Additional Stress-Relieving Essential Oils to Explore

From calming floral notes to invigorating citrus scents, essential oils offer a natural way to transform your vehicle’s interior into a relaxing and refreshing scentscape. Here are some of the most commonly used essential oils that provide stress relief: 

• Lavender

• Chamomile

• Clary sage

• Geranium

• Bergamot

• Frankincense 

• Lemon

• Mandarin

• Patchouli

• Pine

• Rosemary

• Eucalyptus 

• Peppermint 

• Sweet orange

• Ylang-ylang

Experiment with these essential oils to figure out which ones evoke feelings of calmness in you. You might be surprised by what you find!

Making Aromatherapy Part of Your Daily Drive

Incorporating aromatherapy into your driving routine offers the greatest benefits over time. Here’s how you can make the most of the aromatherapy car diffuser you choose: 

• Start with a scent you like: Connect with your chosen scent to boost your mood, relax your tension, or increase your alertness before you put your car into drive. 

• Pair scents with your driving habits: Build a routine of enjoying the smell of your aromatherapy car diffuser for a few minutes before you start your commute, especially if you’ve had a stressful day. 

• Know when to swap out scents: After a month or so, the benefits of essential oils can diminish, so it’s a good idea to switch out your aromatherapy car diffuser for a new scent. Avoid scent fatigue by trying something new. 

The easiest way to introduce essential oils and the benefits of aromatherapy into your car is through a natural car diffuser, like Drift’s signature lineup of luxury car fresheners. Whether you install them on the driver’s or passenger’s side visor or any air vent in your car, they effortlessly enhance the interior’s style. However, there’s more to benefitting from an aromatherapy car diffuser than placing it in your vehicle.

A Better Drive Starts with Better Scents

Relieve stress from your daily commute with a signature Drift car freshener. Choose from our list of relaxing mainstay scents, or join our Scent of the Month Club to access exclusive scents only available to subscribers. Experience the difference only a Drift luxury car freshener can offer today.