Susannah Taylor: My top five on-the-go calmers

 I am a big fan of aromatherapy. I put essential oils in my bath, I have diffusers all around my house and I apply oils to my wrists. As the world’s interest in the environment grows, we are learning more and more about the magnificent medicinal properties of plants and how they can benefit our wellbeing. And, as a result, sales of aromatherapy products are booming. Last year, the global market was estimated at

£1.2 billion and it is expected to be worth £2.7 billion by 2028. The latest trend is for portable products that you can stash in your handbag and inhale at the traffic lights or when you’re out and about. Here are my top picks…

 

1  Annee De Mamiel Altitude Oil (£30, demamiel.com) is a brain-clearing tonic of eucalyptus, pine leaf and peppermint that is drifting up from my hands right now. I often dot it there if I’m flagging instead of reaching for another coffee. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Neom Wellbeing Pod Mini (£50, neomorganics.com) can be used in the car. It’s waterless, small enough to fit in the cup holder and runs by USB charging or on batteries, making it an ideal travel companion. Simply plug in a Neom Essential Oil Blend – my favourite is Scent to Make You Happy (£20) – and it diffuses a micro-fine vapour in short bursts. My car is the most blissfully fragrant on the school run!

 

 

3 Alexandra Kay Time to Inhale Mini Diffuser (£20, greenpeople.co.uk) fits in the palm of your hand. Small enough to stash in a coat pocket, it can be inhaled anywhere, from out-and-about to office. Just charge it, add two to three drops of an Alexandra Kay essential oil blend, half-fill with water, and it emits a fine essential oil mist at the touch of a button.

 

 

 

4 The Nasal Inhaler from science-backed brand Trelonk (£4, trelonkwellbeing.com) is a lipstick-sized vial that contains a cotton wick to add up to 20 drops of one of its blends (£28). Perfect for creating a private aromatherapy bubble. Trelonk also makes aroma patches that you can stick to your skin for prolonged delivery.

 

 

 

 

5 Bertioli is a new brand created by the stylish Cotswold retreat Thyme. It uses water mint, apple blossom and thyme for a scent that’s as uplifting as it is calming. I rub the Breathing Balm (from £20, thyme.co.uk) into the backs of my hands and breathe deeply whenever I feel frazzled. The refreshing scent keeps me inhaling more of it, which makes me take deeper breaths, and in turn restores calm.

@susannahtaylor_

 

 

 Winter boost in a bottle 

 There are a handful of vitamin brands I really rate. One, Bare Biology, makes high-quality omega 3 supplements using wild, sustainably caught fish. Its Rise & Shine capsules also contain vitamin D3 which will support your immune system as well as boost your mood all winter. £29.50 for 60 capsules, barebiology.com.

 

 

 

 

 Yoga classy 

 Home exercise kit can be quite ugly and clutter up your living space, which is why I love Kin yoga mats. Created by senior yoga teacher Laura Pearce, they not only look incredible but feel soft to the touch. Some of my favourites are the Halcyon Travel range with designs that look like the inside of a sparkling crystal (below). £55, kinyogamats.com.