Feeling overwhelmed? A quick liaison with lavender, in bloom now through September, may keep things under control. Seems a scant 5 minutes of exposure to a mild lavender scent helps reduce your body’s release of cortisol -- a key stress hormone that can prematurely age you by triggering inflammation.

In one small study, sniffing lavender not only reduced cortisol levels but also enhanced antioxidant activity in the bodies of the people studied -- a double blow to the aging process.

This isn’t the first time lavender has been associated with good health. It has long been considered an aphrodisiac (use lavender-scented lotion for your next foot massage and you’ll see what we mean). It’s also considered a calming agent. In fact, more than one study has shown it to be effective against insomnia, which is one of the reasons the fragrance ends up in so many pillows. Other reputed powers: Its oil has been used as an antiseptic and disinfectant and as a headache treatment when rubbed onto the temples. (Though it’s not for young boys; some reports suggest repeated lavender use can mess with their hormones.)

Can’t get your hands on this little purple flower -- or something that smells like it? Every little bit of stress-busting helps make your body younger. One of our favorites: Get a day planner. And a friend. Better to clutter a piece of paper with a to-do list and to talk about the clutter with a friend than to clutter your brain with how-will-I-do-it-all worries. Lavender-scented paper? Go for it.

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