Many of us love the smell of relaxing
lavender, energizing
peppermint and uplifting
lemon. But why does one scent relax us and another give us energy? How exactly does a pleasant smell turn into a pleasant emotional state?
Though it can seem a little magical, the answer is actually rooted in science, specifically in the olfactory receptors in our noses as well as other parts of our bodies.
How does aromatherapy work?
When we smell an essential oil – or anything for that matter– molecules of the substance bind to receptors in our olfactory epithelium, the tissues lining our nasal cavity. These receptors generate information that they relay to clusters of olfactory neurons, which communicate it to the olfactory bulb, the smell center of our brains.
Different smells elicit different patterns of activated neurons, which our brain then interprets as the spicy scent of curry, the sweet aroma of vanilla, or something stinky that has spoiled in the back of the refrigerator.
Science is still trying to understand exactly how our brains can detect subtle differences in scent, such as between a navel orange and a mandarin or between merlot wines made by different vintners.
In the case of
aromatherapy, the practice of using
essential oils therapeutically, the messages different scents send to our brains stimulate our limbic systems, the part of our brain responsible for controlling emotions and learning as well as the physiological responses that affect them, such as heart rate, blood pressure and the release of stress hormones.
Messages sent from our olfactory receptors to the olfactory bulb are relayed to the amygdala, the part of our brain involved with strong emotions, including fear, anger, and pleasure. Both the amygdala and the adjacent hippocampus are involved in
memory and learning, which is why a familiar odor can trigger a memory, for instance the happy feelings evoked by a smell that reminds you of something baking in your grandmother’s kitchen.
Studies have shown that certain scents, such as lavender, activate neurons that trigger a relaxation response in the limbic system, which can help to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality. Other scents, like rosemary,
have been shown to stimulate physiological responses that help us feel focused and
may improve learning and memory.
Sniffing peppermint is often recommended for
alleviating headaches and is one of several oils being studied for its ability to
reduce fatigue and
nausea,
improve athletic performance and
decrease anxiety in medical situations.
Not just in your nose
The name aromatherapy makes it sound like it’s all about smell, but people use the term to mean the topical use of essential oils also.
It turns out some of the receptors sensitive to the molecules in essential oils are
present throughout the body, which in part helps to explain aromatherapy’s use on the skin. When used topically, we both smell and absorb these oils, so in addition to acting our brains, they can
reduce inflammation and provide pain relief at the site of application.
Popular oils for alleviating inflammation and pain include frankincense, peppermint,
clove,
chamomile,
helichrysum,
marjoram,
ginger and lavender. You can combine them to make a
DIY pain relief cream or buy a
massage oil that contains oils targeting pain relief.
Putting aromatherapy to work for you
Knowing that certain smells can help you relax, focus, or alleviate pain can help you reap the benefit of aromatherapy’s effects on olfactory receptors.
If you want your home to promote a sense of calm and peace, getting a
diffuser to spread scent through the air is one route to consider. For something more portable, try a
terra cotta diffuser or a
diffuser necklace for aromatherapy benefits on the go.
Adding essential oils to homemade cleaners is another easy way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy throughout your home. Breathe in the benefits of uplifting
bergamot or lemon while you scrub and polish!
You can also use diluted essential oils directly on your skin. One easy way to have an aromatherapy fix at the ready is to get pre-diluted
massage oils or
roll-on oil blends. When you need a pick-me-up or you feel a headache coming on, one of these blends may help you feel better.
Here’s an A-Z list of essential oils and their uses, and
here’s more on using essential oils safely.
Need an energy boost? Reach for
peppermint,
citrus, or try
this energizing roll-on.
Seeking better mental focus? Sniff
rosemary or try this
blend with citrus, frankincense, mints, and other oils.
Stressed out? Try this
stress soothing blend or
soothing balm.
Want to sleep more soundly? Diffuse some lavender or try a
roll-on blend of oils targeting relaxation.
Achy muscles? Try massaging with diluted peppermint oil or a
blend of oils for pain relief.
Want to
get rid of a nagging headache? Try a few drops of
frankincense or peppermint or reach for
this headache relief balm.
You can also make your own
headache relief cream using peppermint, lavender and spearmint oils.
Unwind with a
soothing blend of oils and Epsom salts in a relaxing bath at the end of a long day.
Armed with these tools to soothe, energize and more, try putting the benefits of aromatherapy to work for you!
