Photo: Miranda Kerr/Instagram
At some point in our lives, we all experience heartbreak or disappointment. It’s tough, and we do what it takes to get ourselves back together, whether that’s poring over self-help books, getting a makeover, or drowning our sorrows in ice cream. Supermodel Miranda Kerr might turn to an aromatherapist for help (yes, that’s right, not a therapist, an aromatherapist).
After her highly publicized divorce from ex-husband Orlando Bloom in 2013, she was said to have fallen into a deep depression. That’s when the supermodel turned to an Australian aromatherapist to create a blend of essential oils, including rose otto, sandalwood, ylang ylang, and cedarwood, to help her feel refreshed and energized. And thus, her brand, Heart Chakra Aromatherapy Oil, was born. Miranda loved the oil so much that she added it to a new product in her Cora Organic line, now available at Sephora. (We review the line’s best-selling products here.)
Speaking to American media, Miranda explained about the oil, “It contains rose quartz and rose otta, which help to open the heart and mind and induce feelings of love and happiness. It also contains sandalwood, a grounding oil, which helps to maintain focus and balance. It also contains ylang ylang, which is said to generate feelings of joy and hope, and cedarwood, which enhances mental focus and energy.”
“I use the oil all day and as my own perfume because it smells so nice,” the baby-faced beauty added, “It makes me feel like I’m getting a hug. It’s the closest thing to that.” Like all the products in her Cora Beauty line, the Heart Chakra Aromatherapy Oil is filtered through rose quartz crystal and used to activate the heart chakra, “so you feel more comfortable giving and receiving love.”
It may sound a bit far-fetched and made-up, but many people believe that essential oils have energizing, calming, and even antidepressant properties. In fact, there are numerous clinical trials proving that essential oils can help elevate your mood.
The science of smell
Because the olfactory system is directly connected to memories and emotions, scents like essential oils and perfumes have a huge impact on our daily lives, which is why aromatherapy can help combat feelings of unhappiness and anxiety.
Smells travel directly to the brain and trigger emotional cues. The limbic system evaluates sensory stimuli and elicits emotional responses such as happiness or attraction.
State of Mind
I’ve been using this Heart Chakra Aromatherapy Oil for about a month now, applying it to my pulse points, behind my ears, and at my heart chakra (center of the chest) before taking a deep breath and absorbing the scent. I love the smell of this essential oil; it’s feminine, warm, and very soothing. And unlike traditional essential oils that come in little glass bottles, Kora Heart Chakra Aromatherapy Oil comes in an elegant rollerball dispenser, so you can throw it in your handbag and use it instead of perfume. This oil is also free of harmful substances like toxic sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, colorants, silicones, PEGs, glycols, ethoxylates, and formaldehyde, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.
So, did this product “awaken, nurture and empower the energy of my heart chakra” as the packaging says? I can’t say for sure. But with self-care products like these, I think it’s enough if you believe in the emotional power of the product. It’s like the belief that wearing red lipstick makes you feel more confident. I believed in the healing and therapeutic properties of my heart chakra, and I saw the benefits. It especially helped me relax and reduce stress. When I’m too busy at work or in an awkward social situation, I put some on my wrist and it makes me feel good.
The only downsides are that it’s quite pricey ($65) and the scent doesn’t last very long, so you’ll need to reapply it multiple times throughout the day.
If you’re going through a breakup or a tough time, try aromatherapy oils. Or start dating a tech billionaire. Whatever works for you.
