It was on a trip to Boots in town that I discovered the Tisserand oil roller blends. There are only two items I visit boots for; being the chewable multivitamins I like and anti-snore spray. I was perusing the shelves and my eyes zeroed in on the Tisserand ranges of oils. They came in boxes of three (on a 3 for 2) so I bought the little box(es) of relaxation, energy and sleep it came to £23.90 in total I think). I really like the idea of these and the blends are all different.
Apologies they look a little tatty but they've been rolling round in my bag for months.
They all smell lovely, I like each one but they just do not last. I suspect it's me as I cannot get any sort of perfume to stick with me and although I don't mind re-applicating frequently it is a bit annoying that I can't detect it at all after a short time. The one which has seen so much use it has run out and since been binned was the 'sleep better' blend which I made part of my bedtime ritual between using the anti-snore throat spray and coating my hands in thick cream. I probably drew too much on but for the half minute of consciousness before drowning in deep sleep the scent was very calming. I've since switched to the 'breathe deep' haha, mega snore more like...

I was a bit sad to find that the 'stay positive' and 'real calm' blends aren't sold separately like most of the others as I have the other two in each of the multipacks (motivation and mindfulness).

When I started browsing Holland and Barrett for oils I found that they too sold a range of roller balls. There were 2 more in the range I didn't buy* and the week before last when I had a voucher to use I tried to find them and realised that none of them are sold anymore. I was so disappointed! These Dr Organic aroma rollers have been the best ones for a couple of reasons. Firstly the scent lasts better, especially on my favourite 'travel ease'. Yes, I though what a weird name but perfect for someone like me who would rather not be budged from well trodden routes literally and metaphorically. And does it help? Well it smells nice and I enjoy that so it transmits some positivity and that never goes amiss. Secondly, the metal ball it rolls on with is cooling and therefore is physically calming to the temples, wrists and behind the ears. Which leads me on to that's where I roll them. And a bit on my neck. It suggests nape of your neck but I'm unsure where to find my nape so any old space will have to do. Thirdly, when I bought them I though the price was really good.
*Since writing I popped into the Holland and Barrett store and found most of them on CLEARANCE at £2 each so I bought a fistful which includes the 'diet' one which claims to ease cravings (I won't be using it for the purposes of trying to stop snacking) but sadly still no sleep aid Lavender or additional de-stress. 

Do any of them 'do' what they're supposed to? I can't answer that but I like to get a wave of scent and it makes me happy. The de-stress although has a lavender scent is pleasant. In fact I have come round to Lavender of late. I still don't like it but I can respect it for it's individuality.

No idea where I can buy these from now, if at all.

Even though you may think I have a good selection to draw from I'm always on the look out for a new source to try. 

Have you ever tried roller ball essential oil blends? Do you have any recommendations for me?

Take care,
Sophie

I've digressed slightly but the point was that the scents of plants are unique and provoke different sensory reactions. At this stage I'm not about to profess that I can create healing potions and concoct powerful tinctures for curing all sorts*. But what I would say is that I like the scents. Individually and mixed. I wanted to indulge in them. So I did.

*and not all can be internally ingested.

Mostly, I use them I the bath. I'm a bath purist and cannot abide bubbles or fizzing nonsense. I just like hot water. These days I insist on a good few drops of oil when the water's hot which carries the scent all round the room in a very peaceful manner. The first one bought for me was the DoTerra 'balance' blend. This was mortifyingly expensive and I have no idea if it's even genuine. The scent is earthy, pine-like and yes I'd say grounding.

Instead of shipping oils in from across the globe I really wanted to explore a source closer to home, which is where after a quick Google I found Nature's Best. They have a range which is manufactured in Britain and is very reasonably priced. They have various offers which rotate so buying the oils at strategic intervals meant that after a few months I had all the ones I was interested in. Much as I really liked them, they have a limited range and nothing has changed for ages so I'm conceding that it's not updated very often. The only oil I wasn't impressed with was the Rose and Geranium blend which has a scent when you sniff the bottle but vanishes soon after. My favourite is the sensual blend and the harmonising and relaxing blends as well as the after sports mix.

The winter spice blend is not suitable for the bath – I presume it would stain it? But I have been putting droplets of this into the oil burner all through the cold spell and it fills the room with the most lovely zesty and spicy scent of Christmas.

Having exhausted Nature's Best I tried Boots even though I've never much like the store. It always seems ridiculously overpriced. In the split second that followed I twigged that Holland and Barrett may be the answer so never really looked into what Boots held. It turns out Holland and Barrett have a huge range. Excellent. The bottles are smaller than the blends I previously bought and the prices are all over the show, especially with their (also regular) sales and offers. All I can say is that I've been impressed with all the pure essential oils I have tried so far. The cinnamon bark is my favourite and I have to be mindful not to pick this every single time. The ylang ylang is lovely and patchouli is interesting. I have used the bergamot in the kitchen oil burner for it's fresh scent.The bergamot clearly dis not make it out for the pictures, oops.

Last Christmas C bought me the plug in oil diffuser which I have on in the craft room when I use it but it does have a low hum to it and I haven't mooted the idea of popping it into the living room. Not sure how that would be received but I hardly get to use it as I don't spent as much time as I imagined in the craft room – just a bit of time in December really. Neither do I sit in the chair I want to read in. Maybe making time just for some craft room time would be a good idea.

In summary, I just like the scents. They're fresh or floral or spicy or so recognisable that it brings back thoughts. Anyway, the point is I like them because I like how they smell, it's as simple as that.

There's a separate post to come on the aromatherapy rollers I have in my collection too.

Take care,
Sophie