3 Stinky Oils
You may want to hold your breath for this one
My essential oils collection stands proudly on 2 freestanding shelves upon my dresser.
An array of color-coordinated bottles.
One recent evening, a bottle I hadn’t used in a while fell off its shelf. I took it as fate that perhaps the Universe was sending me a sign that I needed that particular essential oil. My neck was still stiff and sore after all.
I picked it up and lo and behold, it’s Valerian.
Well I certainly don’t know how that could alleviate my stiff neck, but I gave it a try anyway. All I knew about Valerian essential oil was it had a cool name, it was good for sleeping and it stunk!
Despite the aroma, I was committed to this divine sign.
Shortly, my 3 year walked in my room and ask, “Ew! What’s that smell?! It’s stinky in here!” Then she proceeded to pinch her nose with her little fingers.
This was so amusing to me.
I explained to my daughter, “Mommy put an oil on to help her neck. Mommy’s neck is sore.”
Later I asked her if she wanted me to lie down in her bed with her.
Her golden response, “No, mommy! You are stinky! And if you come in my bed, you will make my bed stinky!”
Perfect and humorous logic.
I ended up rubbing an essential oil blend over it called “Pan Away.” It’s what I like to call the hippie version of Icy Hot.
It has an overpowering menthol smell, which would cover the Valerian stench. Pan Away also would address my neck pain. Both problems solved!
And my daughter approved of this solution.
Despite its unpleasant odor, Valerian does serve a purpose. Whenever I can’t sleep — like REALLY can’t sleep — I’ll reach for my RutaVaLa roller bottle and roll it behind my neck. RutaVaLa is a combination of Ruta Graveolens, Valerian and Lavender. Admittedly, it’s not the best smelling essential oil blend, but it sure puts me to sleep. Waking up bright-eyed and bushy tailed in the morning makes the sweet floral, toe jam stink all worth it in my book.
Another arguably unpleasant smelling essential oil is Patchouli. My olfactory senses perceive it as something similar to body odor. Like unwashed smelly armpits type of body odor.
Ironically, some people use patchouli as a deodorant when patchouli specifically makes them smell like they haven’t applied deodorant.
Patchouli is said to have some disinfecting properties.
But to be honest, the only time I’ve used patchouli is when I’m feeling anti-social… like to deter people away from me. Many jobs ago, when I worked in retail, there were a couple days where I had to be out on the floor to stock product, but I didn’t want to interact with anyone. So, I rubbed patchouli on me and people would start to approach me and turn right back around upon reaching a 4 foot distance.
Mission accomplished.
Work tasks completed without interruption.
One observation I’ve made since getting into essential oils about a decade ago is scents can be perceived differently from person to person. So one oil may smell nice to one person, but foul to another.
One great example of this phenomenon is the Ylang Ylang essential oil.
To my nose, ylang ylang smell like a pretty and sweet flower; similar to gardenia. It’s literally a flower commonly found in the Philippines.
However, to others, ylang ylang can smell like feet.
I personally like the smell. It helps with my stress and anxiety. I’ve given ylang ylang essential oil to friends to assist with their tension and high blood pressure. I’m not a doctor by the way. I always recommend seeing a medical professional.
I personally like using some of these natural remedies in the interim of waiting for my medical appointment to come.
To wrap things up, not all oils smell great, nor will their scent be perceived in the same way for all people.
These stories are my “fair warning” to those curious about these particular essential oils.
