From apple pie to perfume, scents open a vault of associations that provoke joy, nostalgia, or desire. Smell has its seat in the limbic system, the part of the nervous system that determines emotional responses.
Researchers are discovering that common herbal and floral essential oils have therapeutic uses with few side effects.
Boost Stamina, Memory, and Mental Focus
Certain aromas provide a mental kick similar to stimulants like caffeine and sugar without the depleting aftereffects.
Studies testing memory and concentration during computer tasks found that rosemary and peppermint improved recall and focus.
For added energy, some athletes inhale peppermint-scented vapors during intense workouts. Dabbing peppermint oil under the nose is also effective.
Clary sage and lemon balm are useful for mental fatigue. And researchers identified basil, jasmine, black pepper clove, ylang-ylang, cinnamon, lemon, cardamom, fennel, and angelica as stimulating also.
Unwind with Calming Essential Oils
Lavender is in many ways the most potent relaxing scent.
It increases soothing alpha waves in the brain and time spent in restorative deep slow-wave sleep, aids with mild insomnia, tames headaches, and even lowers the dose of morphine necessary during surgery.
A drop or two of lavender oil on your pillow before bed is a great way to enjoy it.
In order of efficacy, bergamot, marjoram, sandalwood, lemon, and chamomile follow lavender for calming. Orange also lowers anxiety and boosts mood.
Lose Weight and Look Better
The close link between taste and smell offers a good way to short-circuit cravings. In one study, people who sniffed banana, apple or peppermint when they felt the munchies coming on lost more weight than those who didn’t.
Aromas can also work to warp others’ perceptions of your weight and age. In one study, men who smelled a floral and spice perfume underestimated a woman’s weight by an average of 4.1 pounds.
In another, volunteers who smelled pink grapefruit guessed that models were three years younger than they actually were.
How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used in several ways:
In a bath, add 6-8 drops of your favorite relaxing oil.
To scent a room, purchase an aroma lamp of electric diffuser, found online and in natural health stores.
Use the plant oil of your choice, such as sweet almond, as the carrier oil; this will make up the bulk of the liquid in your lamp or diffuser (only a few drops of essential oil are needed for scent).
Mixing together carrier and essential oils can yield a sensual massage oil or perfume, also.
Experiment with carrier oil and essential oil combos to achieve alchemical mixes that elevate mood, alertness, or libido, and enjoy the benefits to your physical and emotional health.
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