Living in a bustling capital city can be both exhilarating and exhausting. The constant hustle and pressure to succeed often lead to work burnout, leaving me feeling drained and frustrated. In a world where hustle culture reigns supreme, it is easy to be trapped in never-ending work and neglect self-care. As I strive to find a way to unwind and restore balance to my life, I came across essential oils that unknowingly mark the beginning of a transformative journey. 

Essential oils have stress-relieving properties that offer relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the chaos of city living. Unfortunately, various myths and questionable opinions surrounding essential oils create doubt among people, including me. Some associated essential oils solely with fragrances for the elderly, while others mistakenly considered them medicinal remedies, even to the extent of oral consumption. There are also brands that misleadingly market fragrances as essential oils, which can deceive people, especially those who are new to trying essential oils.

From Frustration to Bliss

Chacha Prasidyani and Gerald Stefanno, the founders of SARē Botanics, are determined to set the record straight on this misconception. "When we established SARē Botanics in 2019, essential oils were commonly marketed as a fragrance for elders or a tool for healing illnesses. However, this notion is questionable, as essential oils are not meant to cure ailments but rather serve as therapies for relaxation and mood enhancement, which can help individuals achieve a sense of calmness. We are also against consuming essential oils—it’s dangerous! However, if you want to apply some on your skin, make sure to apply it using a carrier oil for gentler application," said Chacha. 

Gerald Stefanno and Chacha Prasidyani in SARē Botanics booth during Semasa Piknik

For me, what sets SARē Botanics apart is their commitment to using natural and ethically sourced ingredients. Here’s a tip to differentiate pure essential oils from fake ones: "Essential oils should evaporate and not leave any stains when dropped on paper. When inhaled, they should be relaxing, unlike fragrances that can eventually cause headaches,” explained Chacha.

SARē Botanics has wide variations of products that I could choose depending on my mood and occasion, each crafted with the utmost care to ensure that I experience the purest and safest essence of nature's therapeutic properties. Their dedication to using natural and pure essential oils resonates with me, especially when so many products on the market are laden with chemicals and artificial additives. Learning this not only enhances my relaxation experience but also brings peace of mind, knowing that I am embracing products that are both effective and harmless.

A Guide to Unwinding Aromatically

SARē Botanics’ name is inspired by the Javanese word 'saré' meaning ‘sleep/rest’, which hopefully could drop the weight of the day lingers off my shoulders. Here’s my kind of unwinding routine after a long day!

1. Light up SARē’s Cinnamomum d'Alba Aromatic Incense Stick to create a serene room atmosphere

2. Have a relaxing shower with SARē Tutti Frutti Natural Bar Soap

3. Enjoy your dinner accompanied by a feel-good movie

4. As bedtime approaches, spray some Slumber Natural Pillow Mist for a good night's sleep

SARē Botanics has become my sanctuary, where worries and thoughts fade away, replaced by tranquillity. It's more than just a brand—it's an indulgent treat for my senses. Engaging in retail therapy and self-care allows me to embrace self-care wholeheartedly, nurturing my well-being while exploring their exquisite products. It guides me on a personal journey of unwinding after a demanding day, reminding me to pause from the hectic world and embrace nature's gifts.