Various scents trigger emotions and sensations in people, usually based on previous events. Most of us can recall a memory of a pleasant or unpleasant time when we pick up the scent of something familiar. This amazing ability, the strong effect on our mind and body reactions, has granted us a window in which we can use for our own benefit, especially healing.
Dr. Julie Chen, M. D., explains the compounding effect simply, “When we are exposed to an aroma, the molecules are exposed to our olfactory epithelium, our nasal receptors. The transmission of this signal from the exposure of the fragrance molecule to our brain leads to interpretation of the scent in our brain centers, which involve memory, sensory perception, general processing center, and to a gland in our brain that mediates chemical secretion into our blood and other parts of our brain, just to name a few effects. With such intricacy of neuro-processing involved in our body’s interpretation of a fragrance, it’s no wonder that many patients eventually become staunch supporters of using aromatherapy to help them with a variety of daily health concerns.”
If you’re interested in aromatherapy the best place to turn for guidance is you and your own nose. While there are many oils and scents that are well known to have specific benefits, each persons perception of a scent is very personalized based on prior experiences and memories. So, the first instruction we give is to just smell or try out a scent and see if it harmonizes with you.
However, in an effort to help you get started, we will address a few common aromas for some of the most common health complaints. To clarify, in no way are we suggesting that these aromas are a cure all or miracle remedy, but they are known to have benefits in the suggested areas and in no way are harmful diffused or correctly applied topically. Also, the scents listed, for example, for anxiety do not necessarily indicate that they are the only ones that are effective for relief. You may find that another oil works better for you. The only way you’ll know is to see which one your body and mind resonate with in bringing you the most relief.
Anxiety: lavender, melissa, myrrh, bergamot, cardamom, chamomile, cypress, frankincense, rose, pine, vanilla, marjoram, neroli, nutmeg, patchouli, and orange/lime.
Depression: lemon, marjoram, neroli, peppermint, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, angelica, bergamot, cedarwood, jasmine, lavender, geranium, ylang ylang, and clary sage.
Fatigue: basil, angelica, cedarwood, clove, eucalyptus, jasmine, frankincense, lemon, neroli, marjoram, peppermint, patchouli, and vanilla.
Headaches: basil, chamomile, cinnamon, ginger, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, melissa, marjoram, peppermint, thyme, ylang ylang, and clary sage.
Lung/sinus congestion: angelica, basil, cedarwood, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, ginger, hyssop, juniper, rosemary, tea tree, and marjoram.
Indigestion: lavender, juniper, lemongrass, lemon verbena, orange, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, thyme, anise, fennel, ginger, and basil.
Menstrual cramps: angelica, basil, caraway, chamomile, ginger, clary sage, lavender, rose, rosemary, and sage.
Muscle soreness: bay, caraway, chamomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, geranium, juniper, lemongrass, lemon verbena, rosemary, sandalwood, patchouli and myrtle.
You’ll also find in stores, such as ours, blends of oils that are known to achieve certain benefits, many which will combine a few of the oils that you see suggested for one ailment. It is well known that blends have a tendency to work better than oil singles. This has to do with the synergistic energies of each oil. When blended, some oils accentuate the benefits of others making them much more effective than if used by themselves.
For ways to diffuse the oils you can use things as simple as a candle warmer with a glass of water on top and 4-5 drops of oil. You never want to burn the oils directly or you lose their aromatherapeautic benefits. Or you can buy a diffuser. These range in price from $40 all the way up to $800 or more (ridiculous, I know). We have a couple of options at Vitality that are less than $80, but are still good quality products. Diffusers spread the aroma more efficiently and quickly than burners or warmers, but aren’t necessarily more effective, just more appealing aesthetically and usually come with multiple settings for your convenience and use (like personalized timers and an automatic off setting when the water is low, something you would have to watch or remember with a warmer).
All you have to do now is to choose the specific scents that will help you achieve your specific goals for overall mind and body wellbeing… and let your nose and brain do the rest.