Deep dive - Anahata
[A-nah-ha-tah] Sanskrit
The heart Chakra emphasising the qualities of love, compassion, kindness and emotional balance.
“When we truly care for ourselves, it becomes possible to care far more profoundly about other people. The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others.”
Striking the perfect work life balance is a challenge for us all and at difficult times in my own life I have come across concepts from other cultures that have taught me to think about well-being in a different way.
I first learnt about the heart Chakra in yoga and I think the principle is something we can all learn from. As a working doctor it has taken me too long to realise the importance of prioritising my own needs so that I can show up as a better version of myself for others. The calming, citrus and invigorating scent of Anahata is designed to remind you to take a moment of self-compassion just for you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Sweet Orange and Mandarin
Sweet orange essential oil is one of the few oils which is created by cold press extraction of the rind of the orange fruit. This fresh and invigorating fragrance has been chosen to lift your mood, reduce worry and provide emotional balance in our Anahata blend. Researchers have found reduced anxiety levels in those exposed to sweet orange oil aroma. Although, more robust evidence is needed I challenge anyone not to feel calmer and more energised after a delightfully fragrant freshly squeezed orange juice.
Geranium
Geraniums are one of the few flowers I can grow in our hard clay soil. It always brings me such joy when these hardy perennials pop up to signify Spring and Summer. Geranium leaves and stems are harvested during the flowering stage by hand and the oil is made by steam distillation. This sweet and herbaceous scent has more evidence behind it than most with some studies showing lower levels of anxiety, pain, stress and fatigue when it is inhaled. While robust studies are needed the geranium in our Anahata blend provides the heart notes to aide a feeling of calm.
Neroli
This is a luxurious and expensive oil. It is extracted from the hand picked blossoms of the bitter orange tree via steam distillation. The yield of oil per flower is lower and therefore it comes at a price. It has an intensely floral and slightly citrus scent which packs a certain level of luxury into our Anahata base note.
Small research studies have shown reduced anxiety in hospital patients and those undergoing procedures when this aroma is inhaled. Neroli’s role in Anahata is to reduce stress and generate an atmosphere of calm.