Aromatherapy is the practice of using plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. The oils stimulate the powerful sense of smell, and it is well known that the odors we smell have quite an impact on how we feel.
Were you aware that we have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells? It's believed that smells enter through cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.
If you are feeling stressed, low on energy, depressed etc, bring some wonderful fragrance to your surroundings, and see if you aren't feeling uplifted and better in no time!
Calm Down: Old fashioned lavender and vanilla based scents are proven soothers. Cucumber, green apple and evergreen scents, such as pine and spruce, also help decrease anxiety.
Perk Up: Rosemary, ginger, spearmint or peppermint. Each has increased attentiveness in studies. For relief in a floral form, try jasmine to boost alertness.
Get Smart: A bouquet of flowers with a hint of fruit can jump start the brain. Mixed floral scents, such as jasmine, accelerate learning.
Get Happy: Citrus fragrances reduced the amounts of medication needed by people suffering from depression.
Get Sexy: The scents of pumpkin pie and lavender have been shown to increase blood flow to men. Also for men, doughnuts and black licorice were stimulators. For women cucumbers, good and plenty candy, baby powder and chocolate were stimulators. (Interesting and I'd be skeptical if I didn't find all of these except the baby powder quite enticing!:)
Find Love: Jasmine and rose have earned their reputation as aphrodisiacs. Ylang-Ylang is also said to encourage romantic moods.
No comments:
Post a Comment