Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc’s Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #300) – hint #1 – today’s theme

NYT Strands today (game #300) – hint #2 – clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• PLEAT
• THEM
• ROAR
• HOLE
• WOOD
• WAVE

NYT Strands today (game #300) – hint #3 – spangram

NYT Strands today (game #300) – hint #4 – spangram position

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #300) – the answers

The answers to today’s Strands, game #300, are…

• LAVENDER
• PATCHOULI
• CEDARWOOD
• EUCALYPTUS
• SPANGRAM: AROMATHERAPY

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

There are around 90 essential oils, all with numerous benefits. Among the four we were looking for today, CEDARWOOD helps with focus, LAVENDER relieves stress, and EUCALYPTUS aids congestion. In other words if you’re stuck on Strands, try unblocking with some essential oils.

Meanwhile, PATCHOULI was popular in the hippie era for covering up the smell of smoke and alcohol – and, no doubt, going unwashed for a couple of days. It also repels mosquitos and is beneficial to dry skin.

Interestingly King Tutankhamun was buried in his golden royal tomb accompanied by 10 gallons of patchouli. He either had some nasty habits or very dry skin.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Friday, 27 December, game #299)

• NEON
• PERM
• MULLET
• SPANDEX
• JUMPSUIT
• WINDBREAKER
• SPANGRAM: EIGHTIES