Why Nature Inspired Our Summer Scent: Ullassa

Why Nature Inspired Our Summer Scent: Ullassa

(oo-lah-sah) — a Sanskrit word

Ullassa is the inspiration behind our beautiful summer scent, celebrating joy and inspired by the restorative calm of nature.

As British Summer Time approaches, we begin to enjoy longer, lighter days, and the world starts to open up to new outdoor experiences. Summer is one of my favourite times of year, with joy found in fresh air, open spaces, and unhurried moments.

"Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees."

John Muir

Our harmonious blend of clary sage, lavender, and rose geranium captures the essence of a British summer garden. These plants thrive at this time of year, smell beautiful, and possess calming properties when distilled into essential oils.

I have paired these with neroli, the essential oil extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. It flourishes in the warmer Mediterranean climates that many of us flock to during the summer months.

Together, this carefully curated blend of oils may help encourage a shift from the body's fight or flight response towards the calming and restorative rest and restore state. It is a perfect combination with which to celebrate summer.

What's the Evidence?

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul."

John Muir

The evidence supporting the benefits of spending time in nature and green spaces is far greater than many people realise.

Although the Japanese originally developed Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) as a way of encouraging people to visit forests, a growing body of research has demonstrated genuine health benefits. Studies have shown that time spent in natural environments can reduce physiological markers of stress, such as blood pressure and heart rate, while also improving sleep, mental wellbeing, cognitive function, and even aspects of immune health when compared with more urban lifestyles.

Cortisol, our stress hormone, has been shown to decrease following time spent in nature. This may help reduce activity within our fight or flight nervous system (the sympathetic nervous system) while promoting the restorative rest and digest (parasympathetic nervous system) response.

Several systematic reviews have concluded that forest therapy can reduce stress, while studies using mood questionnaires have demonstrated reductions in fatigue, anger, and anxiety.

The Attention Restoration Theory proposes that natural environments allow the brain to recover from the constant stimulation of modern life, helping to restore focus and improve cognitive performance.

Phytoncides

Another fascinating area of emerging research examines the aromatic compounds released by trees and plants, known as phytoncides, and how they may contribute to the benefits of spending time in nature.

This is where forest therapy naturally intersects with the aroma of essential oils and the inspiration behind our Ullassa scent.

If you are interested in learning more about the research surrounding nature and wellbeing, I highly recommend:

Nature by Kathy Willis

Deep Dive Ullassa's Essential Oils

Although research into aromatherapy remains limited, many essential oils have been used for thousands of years to promote wellbeing and relaxation.

Lavender

The flowering of our garden lavender signals the arrival of summer for me, along with its distinctive floral aroma.

We use French lavender in our Ullassa blend, rich in linalool and linalyl acetate. The aroma of lavender activates our olfactory pathways in the brain and may influence neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and emotional balance.

Several studies support lavender's potential role in promoting calmness and improving sleep quality.

Clary Sage

Clary sage belongs to the mint family and is scientifically known as Salvia sclarea. It has a slightly musky, sweet aroma and produces beautiful pale purple, pink, or white flowers.

Blooming from June through to August, it is a wonderful plant for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden and has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries.

Although more robust research is needed, one study demonstrated reduced cortisol levels and increased serotonin levels in menopausal women who inhaled clary sage essential oil, suggesting a potential role in supporting relaxation and emotional wellbeing.

Rose Geranium

We last met rose geranium in our Nagomi scent.

Rich in citronellol and geraniol, rose geranium is relatively expensive to produce, as the flowers must be harvested individually.

Although specific research on rose geranium remains limited, there is some evidence to suggest that the aroma of geranium essential oil may help reduce feelings of worry and promote a sense of calm.

Combined with its beautiful rose-like fragrance, it was an easy choice for our nature-inspired Ullassa blend.

Neroli

Neroli is an extravagant and luxurious essential oil extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree.

We last encountered this beautiful base note in our Anahata blend. It has been carefully selected to provide the foundation of Ullassa, contributing floral and citrus notes that evoke memories of blissful summer holidays, experiences that often leave us feeling both calm and revitalised.

Giving Back

As a GP, I regularly prescribe spending time in nature as part of my discussions around wellbeing.

I am well aware that low mood, stress, and worry can often respond positively to time spent outdoors. However, there will always be people who require more structured support to improve their mental health.

That is why we continue to donate 10% of sales from our limited-edition scents to Mind, helping to support those who need additional help and guidance.

Thank you for helping us make that possible.

I hope this blog has given you some insight into why Ullassa became our summer scent.

Wishing you a calm, restorative, and joy-filled summer season.

Anna
Founder, Aycee Apothec