Words: Doryce Sher, Pharmacist and Aromatherapist. Article from the DO IT NOW Online Magazine.
Health | Fitness
Most of us think we make rational decisions, but the truth is that our subconscious minds are driven by our emotions. We are constantly taking in messages from our senses so that no matter how we think we will feel or react, or want to respond with rational thought, our emotions are really being controlled by our experiences subconsciously.
We are affected by our five senses as follows:
• Visual sense by what our environment looks like. This is why we are positively affected by beautiful scenery or negatively affected by fluorescent lights in a concrete room.
• Touch sense by what we physically feel. Is it warm or cold? Are you wearing something abrasive or soft?
• Sound sense by what we can hear. Is there a shrill drilling noise in the background or soothing music?
• Taste sense by the taste and texture of food. Is the meal delicious and satisfying or bland, stodgy and boring?
• Smell sense by the aromas in our vicinity. Are we smelling pleasant aromas or a vile smell that encompasses your entire being?
How does smell work?
As aromatic molecules are inhaled, they are picked up by the first cranial nerve, the olfactory nerve of smell, which has its nerve endings at the top of the inside of our noses. It is the only nerve exposed and is the most primitive nerve common to many animals, including humans. It is connected to the primitive part of the brain, the limbic system that influences our feelings, emotions and thoughts.
The smell gives us information and what we smell has an effect on our emotions. These then determine how we feel and then we have thoughts that arise.
The part of the brain that is stimulated is associated with memory, which is why some smells can remind us of a place and a time which can also influence how we feel, depending on the connotations of that memory.
Essential oils and inhalation
Inhaling essential oils has an effect within a few moments and lasts a few minutes or longer, resulting in an instant action, whether it is calming or stimulating. The different oils invoke or result in a different emotion being generated, and thereby inducing different feelings.
Sedating or calming oils make us feel relaxed and less stressed and help us to think more rationally. Sweet and aphrodisiac oils are ultra-relaxing and stimulate feelings of sensuality and self-confidence. We are all familiar with this when we are aroused or moved by smelling someone’s aftershave or perfume. Sharp, eucalyptus type or lemon oils induce clarity of thought and are stimulating, making us feel more confident in thought or action.
Aromas for different times of the day
If we consciously bring smell into our surrounds we can set a mood or an atmosphere. Inhaling different essential oils at different times of the day can affect your mood:
Morning
Inhale fresh lemongrass, lemon or orange aromas that are uplifting, carry a feeling of spring, freshness and lightness.
Mid-afternoon
Post lunch slumps can be overcome by inhaling stimulating aromas like peppermint or rosemary for that pick-me-up feeling.
Evenings
We can create a calm serene mood with gentle aromas like camomile or geranium which will make us relax after a busy day. Sedating oils like lavender and neroli before bedtime help with sleep and serenity.
Aromas that positively affect your mood
• If you are feeling anger, calm yourself with neroli, marjoram, camomile and lavender.
• If you suffer from depression, use balancing, uplifting and comforting oils such as geranium, grapefruit, orange and jasmine.
• If you are feeling anxious, inhale the aromas of lavender, camomile, neroli, marjoram, rose and sandalwood.
• If you are feeling irritable, rose, sandalwood and geranium work well to calm.
• If you feel apathy, try uplifting scents such as lemongrass, lemon and peppermint.
How to use essential oils
Essential oils can be inhaled directly, used as a perfume, in an aromatic burner or in a bath or shower. Inhalers or room sprays are also ways to use aromatic oils safely. They can be used in small quantities and still have a beneficial effect. The effect is almost immediate and is short acting. Another benefit of using essential oils is that one does not become addicted to them. They do not set up pathways of chemical dependence, so there is no let down or after effect.
Aromatic Apothecary has developed a range of ready-to-use aromatherapy products for the mind, body and soul that make you feel better: https://www.aromatic.co.za.
More information
About Doryce Sher
Doryce Sher, Founder of Aromatic Apothecary, is one of South Africa’s leading advocates on the regulation of complementary medicine, with a particular interest in aromatherapy. Serving on and representing various health boards in South Africa, it is her passionate aim to ensure people are aware that there are choices when it comes to health and well-being.
About Aromatic Apothecary Aromatic Apothecary has over 180 ready-to-use products that have been specially designed and hand made. All their products are therapeutic and provide relief to everyday ailments such as stress, sore muscles, nasal problems, sleeplessness, and counteract the effects of living at the frenetic pace of modern life.
Aromatic Apothecary only ever turns to the natural world to source active ingredients for their products, using essential oils distilled from flowers, leaves, roots and stems or seeds of many different plants that act on the mind, body and soul. Their effect on our body via inhalation and absorption through the skin and into our cells, tissue and bloodstream has a powerful effect on our moods and feelings and thus our bodies.
Throughout the range, essential oils have been used therapeutically and incorporated into safe products developed by a pharmacist. Aromatic Apothecary also focuses on empowering people with the correct information about aromatherapy and addresses the overuse and abuse of modern medicine. For more information and research contact the author, Doryce Sher, Co-Founder of Aromatic Apothecary – www.aromatic.co.za
About aromatherapy
Aromatherapy at its core is the art and science of using essential oils extracted from aromatic plants, to improve and maintain the health and well-being of the mind, body and spirit.
Disclaimer
Aromatherapy can alleviate and assist in the above disorders but in no ways replaces professional advice or treatment. It can be used as an adjunct with other therapies or on its own in mild cases.
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