The nose is a very sensitive organ indeed. Some sources estimate that it can distinguish upwards of 350,000 or so different smells. And although it is often taken for granted, the sense of smell is actually very important and believed to affect 75% of our daily emotions. Some smells are noticeably comforting, enticing or exciting while others are unpleasant and even depressing. In fact, the impact of smell on our emotional and mental well-being is so significant that its loss has been linked to anxiety, depression and a number of other psychiatric problems.
This realization has prompted the development of the science of aromatherapy, which deals with the use of essential oils (liquid extracts taken from the purest part of the aromatic plant) as a mood enhancer and to improve overall health and well-being. The term “aromatherapy´ (attributed to French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse) is relatively modern; however, it has been practiced by people around the world for centuries.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Fine hairs called cilia line the nose and convert the different aromas you inhale into electrical impulses, which are then carried by olfactory receptors located at the roof of your nose to the limbic system in the brain. This is the area of the brain associated with learning, memory, moods and emotions.
Essential oils typically contain 100 or so different chemicals. The effect of a particular essential oil on the brain depends on the most predominant chemical present in it. Some oils are relaxing, some are energizing and others have a healing effect. Others, like lemon and lavender, are known as adaptogenic because they adapt to the body’s needs.
Methods of Use
There are three primary methods of using essential oils:
- inhalation, which involves the use of a diffuser or mister;
- topical application and/or aromatherapy massage;
- bathing with aromatic bath salts.
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they should never be used directly on the skin. Rather, they should be used along with a base-oil or with a diluter. It can take any where between a few seconds and two hours for an essential oil applied topically or in the bath to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
The benefits of using essential oils are varied. While their use has not been shown to cure major illnesses, they do tend to be effective in relieving the physical discomforts associated with them and improving one’s overall emotional, mental and physical well-being.
One great advantage they enjoy over pharmaceuticals is that they are generally non-toxic and, therefore, safe in most instances. However, because there are some contraindications for their use, they should be researched carefully or used under the supervision of a trained aromatherapist or wholistic practitioner.
Specifically, known benefits include:
- relaxing muscles and relieving stress and anxiety
- reducing headaches
- improving sleep
- improving blood circulation
- improving skin tone
- stimulating appetite
- relieving menstrual cramps
- relieving lung congestion
- regulating hormones
- regulating moods (mood therapy)
- boosting the immune system to strengthen resistance to disease and infections
- clearing the mind; consequently, improving test scores, writing, and productivity.
Common Essential Oils
There are about 400 essential oils, but only about 40 are commonly used in aromatherapy. Essential oils can be used individually or combined, which tends to heighten their effectiveness. Some of the most common oils are listed below:
- Chamomile: used to promote sleep, relaxation and meditation.
- Eucalyptus: a powerful decongestant with antiseptic qualities that has been used for centuries to help with cold symptoms.
- Ginger: an energizing scent that helps nausea.
- Lavender: an anti-depressant that relieves stress by clearing the mind, and promoting peace and well-being.
- Lemon: an energizer that stimulates appetite and relieves stress. Also acts as a disinfectant with natural bleaching qualities.
- Lime: improves alertness and develops assertiveness.
- Peppermint: a true energizer used to combat fatigue, and muscle aches and pains.
- Rose: known for its soothing and calming abilities, and help with various skin problems.
There are different qualities of essential oils available for purchase. The highest is called therapy-grade, and is what most aromatherapists recommend to clients.
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