The use of essential oils for therapeutic, spiritual, and ritualistic purposes goes back to ancient civilizations including the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks. Many studies have shown aromatherapy to lower anxiety and depression symptoms. Aromatherapy involves more than using lavender to help you sleep. Our olfactory system (the sense of smell) is very powerful, and it has the ability to trigger or soothe anxiety, depression, and trauma.
As seen in the picture above the amygdala and the olfactory center are brain structures that are near each other in the brain.
The hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe and connected with the amygdala that controls emotional memory recalling and regulation. The olfactory center also interacts directly with the hippocampus.
The hippocampus is a complex brain structure which has a major role in learning and memory. The olfactory bulb is a neural structure of the involved in olfaction, the sense of smell. Closely connected to the hippocampus, the amygdala plays a key role in emotional memory & the awareness of emotion.
The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that essentially acts as a hub between the parts of the brain that process incoming sensory signals and the parts that interpret these signals. It can alert the rest of the brain that a threat is present and trigger a fear or anxiety response.
Olfactory information is processed in the amygdala and the hippocampus where it plays a role in emotion, memory, and learning.
So what does all of this mean? The sense of smell and emotion are closely tied to memory. With this information we can utilize the sense of smell to assist in memory and emotional regulation.
The hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe and connected with the amygdala that controls emotional memory recalling and regulation. The olfactory center also interacts directly with the hippocampus.
The hippocampus is a complex brain structure which has a major role in learning and memory. The olfactory bulb is a neural structure of the involved in olfaction, the sense of smell. Closely connected to the hippocampus, the amygdala plays a key role in emotional memory & the awareness of emotion.
The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that essentially acts as a hub between the parts of the brain that process incoming sensory signals and the parts that interpret these signals. It can alert the rest of the brain that a threat is present and trigger a fear or anxiety response.
Olfactory information is processed in the amygdala and the hippocampus where it plays a role in emotion, memory, and learning.
So what does all of this mean? The sense of smell and emotion are closely tied to memory. With this information we can utilize the sense of smell to assist in memory and emotional regulation.
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to heal physical and emotional conditions and enhance one’s personal wellness.
Essential oils are derived from different parts of plants, including the flowers, branches, leaves, or fruits. There are numerous types of essential oils, each with its own unique scent and remedial properties. These oils can also be blended together to create new scents and different healing purposes.
It is important to check with your medical doctor before using any essential oils just to be sure aromatherapy is right for you.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a term used to describe a wide range of unconventional practices and products used for wellness and healing purposes. Some common examples of CAM include progressive muscle relaxation, acupuncture, yoga, and therapeutic massage. The use of CAM practices has continued to grow in popularity and are now used to help treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety disorders.
Aromatherapy is another type of CAM that is often practiced to reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
There has been some clinical research evidence showing the effectiveness of essential oils in the treatment of stress/anxiety. There are certain essential oils that may help in reducing feelings of fear and anxiety, decreasing stress, and enhancing mood.
The following describes a few common aromatherapy scents that have been used to elicit relaxation and decrease negative emotions:
LAVENDER:
Historically, lavender was used to mummify bodies in Egypt, in baths in Greece and Rome, and for antiseptic and mental health purposes. It is known for its calming effects on the body and mind and ability to lessen anxiety. It is often used to help one relax and unwind. The smell of lavender is believed to help boost one’s mood and reduce feelings of nervousness. This scent can be used at any time of day to facilitate a calming effect.
BERGAMOT:
Bergamot essential oil, extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia), has a light citrus scent with floral notes that are said to have healing properties. It is known to help boost and enlighten moods, especially during times of sadness or grief. Bergamot can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
A recent study found that exposure to the aroma of bergamot essential oil for 15 minutes improved positive feelings. Another study showed improvement in negative emotions and fatigue and lower cortisol levels.
LEMONGRASS
Recent published research found that participants exposed to lemongrass essential oil had an immediate reduction in anxiety and tension and recovered quickly from an anxiety-inducing situation compared to those who inhaled a control aroma.
EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus oil may help to relieve aches and tension, which can in turn promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety. Eucalyptus oil has invigorating, soothing and purifying properties, which is why it can be used to boost energy and mental clarity.
Spearmint Spearmint essential oil encourages a sense of focus while simultaneously uplifting mood. It ca also make you feel less fatigued. Spearmint oil consists of chemical components such as carvone and limonene which have energizing and uplifting properties.
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant -- a cross between water mint and spearmint. Peppermint is one of the best oils to use for focus and concentration. The minty aroma stimulates the mind and gives a boost of energy.
quick facts:
Spearmint vs. Peppermint: What’s the difference?
Both Peppermint and Spearmint have classic minty scents and come from steam distilling the leaves and flowering tops of the plant.
Here's how they are unique.
Spearmint Latin name: Mentha spicata
Aroma: Familiar and sweet, like a stick of gum
Constituents: Carvone
Peppermint Latin name: Mentha piperita
Aroma: Bright and clean, like the herb from the garden
Constituents: Menthol, menthyl acetate
Essential oils are derived from different parts of plants, including the flowers, branches, leaves, or fruits. There are numerous types of essential oils, each with its own unique scent and remedial properties. These oils can also be blended together to create new scents and different healing purposes.
It is important to check with your medical doctor before using any essential oils just to be sure aromatherapy is right for you.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a term used to describe a wide range of unconventional practices and products used for wellness and healing purposes. Some common examples of CAM include progressive muscle relaxation, acupuncture, yoga, and therapeutic massage. The use of CAM practices has continued to grow in popularity and are now used to help treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety disorders.
Aromatherapy is another type of CAM that is often practiced to reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
There has been some clinical research evidence showing the effectiveness of essential oils in the treatment of stress/anxiety. There are certain essential oils that may help in reducing feelings of fear and anxiety, decreasing stress, and enhancing mood.
The following describes a few common aromatherapy scents that have been used to elicit relaxation and decrease negative emotions:
LAVENDER:
Historically, lavender was used to mummify bodies in Egypt, in baths in Greece and Rome, and for antiseptic and mental health purposes. It is known for its calming effects on the body and mind and ability to lessen anxiety. It is often used to help one relax and unwind. The smell of lavender is believed to help boost one’s mood and reduce feelings of nervousness. This scent can be used at any time of day to facilitate a calming effect.
BERGAMOT:
Bergamot essential oil, extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia), has a light citrus scent with floral notes that are said to have healing properties. It is known to help boost and enlighten moods, especially during times of sadness or grief. Bergamot can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
A recent study found that exposure to the aroma of bergamot essential oil for 15 minutes improved positive feelings. Another study showed improvement in negative emotions and fatigue and lower cortisol levels.
LEMONGRASS
Recent published research found that participants exposed to lemongrass essential oil had an immediate reduction in anxiety and tension and recovered quickly from an anxiety-inducing situation compared to those who inhaled a control aroma.
EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus oil may help to relieve aches and tension, which can in turn promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety. Eucalyptus oil has invigorating, soothing and purifying properties, which is why it can be used to boost energy and mental clarity.
Spearmint Spearmint essential oil encourages a sense of focus while simultaneously uplifting mood. It ca also make you feel less fatigued. Spearmint oil consists of chemical components such as carvone and limonene which have energizing and uplifting properties.
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant -- a cross between water mint and spearmint. Peppermint is one of the best oils to use for focus and concentration. The minty aroma stimulates the mind and gives a boost of energy.
quick facts:
Spearmint vs. Peppermint: What’s the difference?
Both Peppermint and Spearmint have classic minty scents and come from steam distilling the leaves and flowering tops of the plant.
Here's how they are unique.
Spearmint Latin name: Mentha spicata
Aroma: Familiar and sweet, like a stick of gum
Constituents: Carvone
Peppermint Latin name: Mentha piperita
Aroma: Bright and clean, like the herb from the garden
Constituents: Menthol, menthyl acetate