The Science of Smell

Did you know that what we smell can actually influence our mood? 

Aromatherapy is a complementary field of therapy that incorporates the use of incense and essential oils from plants into other therapies. In other words, aromatherapy is best used in conjunction with other treatments. For instance, a masseuse may put pleasant aromas into their massage oil, or during a guided meditation, the leader may choose to have essential oils dissipating into the room. 

Interestingly, not only can aromatherapy be a part of healing practices, but it can also be used in day-to-day life to promote a sense of calm!

The History of Aromatherapy 

People have been using aromas for their spiritual and medical benefits for thousands of years. The first recorded uses include examples of incense, such as Bakhoor, being used in ancient Egypt, Arabia, Greece, and Asia. In fact, the ancient Egyptians were among the first people to extract oils from plants for both spiritual beliefs and medicinal reasons. So, every time we break out that diffuser or those incense sticks, we’re participating in a very old form of therapy that has been with humanity since the first known civilizations!

In the medieval era, many hundreds of years after the first recorded uses of aromatherapy, herbs were used in plague masks and monasteries for health benefits. However, essential oils and other  aromas were widely shunned, and even banned in Europe, as they were considered a form of witchcraft. Nevertheless, many of these practices survived to this day and are still used all over the world for their holistic health benefits! 

Fast forward to the 20^th century, when the term aromatherapy was first coined by renowned chemist and perfumer Rene Maurice Gattefosse, in 1930s France. Also known as the “father of aromatherapy,” Gattefosse was an intriguing character who, after studying chemical engineering at The University of Lyon, sought to bring healing aromas to the wider world. He expanded the science of the field and helped to develop many industrial processes that are still used to this day.

Today, essential oils are utilized as a potent way to introduce the benefits of certain plants to the body, but what effect do they actually have on the body and mind?

3 Ways That Aromatherapy Can Help the Body and Mind

#1. Improved Sleep Quality

There is a huge amount of scientific evidence supporting the notion that certain aromas can help to improve the quality of our sleep. One recent study, published by researchers in the Journal of Affective Disorders, showed that aromatherapy had a significant effect on people suffering from acute insomnia by helping to calm them before bed either through massage, or through simply enjoying the smell!

#2. Improved Mood

In an experiment that sought to explore the connection between aromatherapy and mood, it was found that certain aromas could “consistently enhance emotional health, including lowering anxiety and depression.” These smell-based therapies work by allowing the body to absorb chemicals, such as vitamin C, more readily into the brain, than for example active ingredients in foods that must be eaten. This results in an anxiolytic (a form of anxiety reducing medication) effect, which studies have demonstrated can consistently improve mood.

#3. Curbed Feelings of Stress

In another study, a group of hospital workers in Vienna were asked to apply the contents of a roll-on tube containing 12 aromatic oils on the pulse zones of their wrists. They did this at least three times a day over one month. Almost everyone who took part was found to experience a marked reduction in levels of stress. Who’d have thought that some simple aromas could have so many positive impacts on our health? But, how do we know which smells are right for us and our homes, and what are the best ways to use them?

How to Use Essential Oils

There are many different ways to use essential oils, and each method has its own benefits. Before trying any of the methods below, it’s important to remember that allergic reactions are possible. If you’re unsure, it’s always recommended to speak to a doctor about having a patch test.

• Diffusers: These are very easy to use and can fill an entire room with pleasant smells and benefits. They can be electric, or use reeds to carry the scent, and you can easily buy them in many places. All you need to do is open them up and place them somewhere in your home, and if you’re using an electric one, plug it in. Diffusers are often used to enhance spiritual activities, such as meditation or yoga.

• Ingestion: For more potent effects, ingestion is recommended, though be sure to use the correct types of oils, as not all of them are edible. Garlic, lemon, basil, and cinnamon are just a few! Try adding a drop or two to some of your favorite dishes!

• Baths: This is another easy, and very relaxing way to use essential oils. Put a couple of drops into a bath and have a soak!

• Steaming: Steaming is an ancient and trusted way to use essential oils. Today we can use little machines, called facial steamers, but the traditional hot water in a bowl works just as well! Put a few drops in your steamer, or the hot water, then put a dish towel over your head, place your head over the bowl, and take a few deep breaths. Always check the oil’s packaging to ensure you use both the correct oil and the correct amount, and be careful not to use water that’s too hot!  

• Massage: This can be done by yourself, with a partner, or at a professional massage parlor. All of these can provide you with the many benefits of essential oils! Check whether you need a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying any oils directly to the skin.

• Perfume: One of the easiest and most common ways to use essential oils is by using certain, essential oil-based perfumes. A quick spray in the morning and you (and those around you) could be feeling the calming, aromatic effects all through the day.

Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of the application, let’s dive into scents! There are hundreds of different essential oils and aromas, each with their own benefits, so knowing where to begin can be a little bit daunting. Here are my top five!

Lavender 

Lavender promotes relaxation, improved mood, sleep, and pain reduction. Researchers who published a review in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine even showed that lavender’s mood stabilizing, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant properties can help with more serious disorders like epilepsy. Remember that using essential oils to treat serious disorders should be discussed with a doctor or another appropriate health professional beforehand.

Rosemary 

Rosemary is mostly known for its ability to improve memory, as well as short-term information retention. So, whether you’re studying for an exam, or just trying to have a bit more order in your life, a little bit of rosemary can’t hurt!

Jasmine 

Jasmine is a real winner. It’s been used across Asia for thousands of years to improve mood, sleep, and stress levels. It also makes delicious tea.

Lemon 

The scent of lemon oil has been shown to reduce feelings of nausea and anxiety. Maybe you’re feeling unwell, or you have an interview, or a big date on the horizon. Try rubbing a little lemon oil onto your wrists, or put a couple of drops into your food to reduce anxious feelings!

Sage 

Thanks to its medical and spiritual benefits, sage’s popularity dates back many years. When burned as incense, it’s thought to be great for cleaning the energy of a room. When ingested in small amounts as an herb, it can help with depression, asthma, bronchitis, angina, digestive problems, and circulation disorders. It has also been shown to fight certain bacterial infections. It’s not recommended to be ingested as an essential oil, as it can be poisonous in potent doses. But that’s okay, as the aroma alone has been shown to boost mood and improve memory!

So, the next time you’re trying to relax after a long day at work, or you’re looking to bring a little calmness to your home, why not try a little scent-based remedy? Stick that diffuser on and participate in the ancient tradition that is aromatherapy.

Looking for ways to introduce more calm to your life? Book a personalized consultation with one of the Holisticly Life Coaches today!