Why is there such an association between what we smell and how we feel? Why do certain scents make us feel good while others have the opposite effect? I know this holds true for me. Any method of using the oils will result in some of the aroma being inhaled, hence the unmistakable feeling of well being after an aromatherapy treatment or massage.
We have been taught in our psychology classes that memories are stored by feelings. To go just a little bit further, when we experience certain odors, it will spark a feeling which then sparks a certain memory. So, in the present we are able to invoke certain emotions by using specific essential oils.
I had a roommate many years ago who wore a very specific perfume. She turned out to be the roommate from hell and even to this day when I smell this perfume, I CRINGE! I won’t tell you what it is but it is still available to this day.
I almost have a panic attack when smelling a certain disinfectant which was used in hospitals years ago but thankfully it must have been replaced. This was the smell I remember when my 15 month old daughter was in a near death situation. She did survive but that defined odor evokes all of the emotions felt during those first few days after the accident. Other times I can smell a scent which will instantly bring me back to earth and calms me.
When you inhale an essential oil, the aroma travels up through the nose and into the limbic portion of the brain. This is what’s known as the “old” brain – the brain that developed first in humankind and has been active for over seventy million years. The limbic system plays a huge role in our emotional states, our ability to learn and our memory. Studies have shown that odor can, therefore, have a direct impact on how we feel at an emotional level. Take some time and think of some of your own personal experiences.
Any method of using the oils will result in some of the aroma being inhaled, which explains feeing good being after a treatment using essential oils. But if, you want to specifically target the limbic system, then direct inhalation methods are preferable, such as steam inhalations, nasal inhalers, diffusers, sprays, or just simply inhaling from a cotton ball or tissue with a drop or two.
Below is a sampling of a few oils and their benefits for many emotional situations. Most of the more common oils have many of the same chemical components and will be in the same family. What works for one may not work for everyone so take your time in learning about each one and experimenting to learn what works best for you. I personally do not like the aroma of lavender but I use it since it does work to calm and ground me which makes for a better night’s sleep. Do not go out and make a huge investment in essential oils until you do some homework, learn what they are, how they work, and how to use properly. I have been studying and using them for many years with hundreds of hours invested in educating myself and others but I find that this is a continual process. My future articles will be more educational which will help you on your path to learning more about the art and science of essential oils and their uses in the field of Aromatherapy. The following are just a few which can help with certain emotions but not just limited to these specific ones. Each oil may have additional benefits or our emotional well-being and we have not even touched on the physical or spiritual uses.
Anger – Ylang-ylang, chamomile
Anxiety – Lavender, chamomile neroli
Clarity – Lemon, basil
Concentration – Rosemary, basil, peppermint
Confidence- Jasmine
Confusion – Lemon, frankincense
Courage – Black pepper, ginger, thyme
Depression – Bergamot, clary sage, Rose
Grief – Rose
Grounding – Frankincense, ginger
Irritation – Orange, sandalwood
Panic – Chamomile, ylang-ylang, rose
Lethargy – Rosemary, black pepper
Jealousy – Rose, chamomile
Joy – Neroli, mandarin or any of the citrus oils
I hope I have sparked your interest. I am a huge believer in the safe and appropriate use of essential oils so I will be more specific in future articles. Stay tuned!
