One of the most well-studied areas of aroma research is the effect of smell on emotions and mood. For example, there is convincing evidence that demonstrates that simply inhaling the aroma of an essential oil is effective for calming nervous or anxious feelings in a variety of settings.
How Essential Oils Affect Our Minds
When we inhale the fragrance of an essential oil, the odor molecules travel up the nose where they’re registered by the nerves of the olfactory membranes in the nose lining. The odor molecules stimulate this lining of nerve cells and trigger electrical impulses to the olfactory bulb in the brain. The olfactory bulb then transmits the impulses to the amygdala — where emotional memories are stored — and to other parts of the limbic system of the brain.
Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, essential oils can have profound physiological and psychological effects. Olfactory responses to odors induce the brain to stimulate the release of hormones and neurochemicals that, in turn, alter the body’s physiology and behavior.
This recipe is called the Super-Women Blend essential oil recipe. It is originally from Smart Mom’s Guide to Essential Oils, with Dr. Mariza Snyder. I love her recipes and encourage you to get yourself a copy!
- Sandalwood diminishes the need to over-think and overcome obsessive worry, exhaustion, and fear. It promotes emotional balance.
- Clary Sage calms states of tension, anxiety, and fatigue. Natural estrogen increases spiritual instincts for our life and true purpose. It also supports hormonal balance and promotes restful sleep.
- Ylang Ylang calms stress and supports hormonal balance and exhaustion. It is an aphrodisiac and aids with blood pressure issues, as well as supporting restful sleep and aiding emotional and spiritual wellness.
- Bergamot helps to relieve depression, as well as encourage the release of suppressed feelings, which can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and mood swings.
dōTERRA:https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/healthy-living- the-power- of-aroma
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Lehrner J, Eckersberger C, Walla P, et al. Ambient odor of orange in a dental office reduces anxiety and improves mood in female patients. Physiol Behav. 2000;71(1-2_:83- 86.
