We go through life creating memories and associating the feelings and moods that go with them with scents and how we smell the world. Some things make us happy, remind us of summer or just help us feel an extra jolt of energy. “Odor molecules flow to the limbic system in the brain, where feelings, moods, emotions and memory are processed,” explains Karen Gilbert, perfumery expert in her book The Art and Craft of Fragrance.

Which is why using essential oils can be like a quick one way ticket to a state of mind like relaxed or happy. We love the collection at MUJI because they have a wide range of different oils which are pure and natural, from flowers and fruits harvested in areas they are famous for, such as Lavender from Provence, and Lemon or Blood Orange from Sicily Islands in Italy.

Essential oils are the volatile molecules of a plant that most commonly provide it with fragrance, flavor and often therapeutic or aroma- therapeutic properties. They are extracted either through steam distillation of the leaves, wood and/or flowers, or cold expressed from the rind or peel.

The amount of oil extracted varies from plant to plant depending on the number of oil glands and method of extraction. For instance, it will take between 18 – 16 oranges to produce 10ml of essential oil; however, approximately 100 kg of rose flowers will make 10ml of essential oil.

There are three large scent families at MUJI; Herbs and Flower, Citrus, and Mint and Wood. Herbs and Flower aromas are great if you are a little stressed and want to relax. You can choose from Lavender, as its woody-based gentle floral scent eases tension and has a calming effect, or Geranium that gives out a sweet and deep aroma similar to a rose which helps to stabilize the mind and brightens your mood.

Alternatively you can give Lemongrass a go with its sharp refreshing scent that produces a cooling sensation or Rosemary, which delivers a clear and cool scent that’s both refreshing and energizing These oils can also be useful in outdoor areas to repel insects without using any chemicals.

The second family of oils is energizing Citrus. Try Sweet Orange smells upbeat and cheerful and will leave you feeling bright and ready to take on the world. With a slight bitter edge to it, Grapefruit smells familiar and light, just like a great breakfast. Lemon, Lime and Bergamot are all very lemony but are unique and distinct. We think that you should experiment with all of them until you find your favorite scent that leaves you feeling full of energy.

Mint and Wood scents instantly leaves you feeling refreshed. It is something we associate with toothpaste in the morning and the feeling of being ready to tackle the day. Eucalyptus is minty sharp and helps you stay focused. Tea Tree is a clear and clean scent, almost medicinal and will transform your mood. It is extra handy during pollen seasons in spring and autumn, too.

Peppermint’s refreshing menthol scent helps you stay focused. And Japanese Cypress has a woody scent that has been used in Japan for centuries, but is quickly becoming well-loved and appreciated all over the world, but everyone feels the instant mind calming effect.

Using any of these oils on its own has great benefits but if you want to unlock their true powers try making your own blend!

First, select an essential oil according to the benefit you would like to produce. Smell the oil, and if you like it then put it to one side. Next, hold the two selected oils in one hand and waft the scent towards your nose, if you are happy with it proceed, if not try a different combination. Finally, once you have selected your oils, smell each individually and compare strengths. If one is a lot stronger than the other, use less drops. If they are both equally strong, use equal amounts. This is subjective, you may prefer the fragrance of one oil over the other and decide that you would like to increase the strength of that oil by using more drops.

You can use your new oil blend in the MUJI Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser. The device transforms a mix of water and essential oil drops into a light mist that easily and quickly wafts through the room and makes it smell lovely. There are two sizes to fit your needs. There’s also a portable USB version that makes on-the-go essential oil use a breeze.

Find your new favorite essential oil blend at MUJI stores in 2nd Avenue – The Avenues, Grand Avenue – The Avenues and Al Kout Mall or shop muji.com.kw. For more information, follow MUJI on Instagram @mujimiddleeast.