The power of scent can make you feel something. It can remind you of places, people, your favorite food experiences and beyond that, can change your mood completely. Smell begins in the olfactory region behind the bridge of the nose. It is connected to the limbic system in the brain which has a very potent sense of recall that can trigger memories from way back!
And talking of way back, essential oils have been used for centuries. There are all kinds of references about kings, queens, lords and ladies all the way down to peasant folk using oils and herbs on a daily basis to fragrance themselves, their homes and to keep themselves healthy. Even Sir Walter Raleigh used a strawberry and rose cologne every day!
It has recently been discovered that Alzheimer patients lose their sense of smell as their memories diminish and for the record, women have a stronger sense of smell than men. So how to harness this extraordinary power?
There are many ways to incorporate essential oils into your daily life. Most oils are anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. We use grapeseed oil as a base at SkinSense and sometimes evening primrose oil if the skin is very dry.
In the home:
With these cooler evenings, add aroma to your fireplace by applying ten to twelve drops of essential oil to a dry log. Let the oil permeate the wood for at least a couple of days before burning.
Refresh the air by adding twenty drops of your favorite oil to a small spray bottle filled with water. Shake before use and spray as desired. This natural air freshener won’t irritate your sinuses.
Relax your mind at the end of the day with Chamomile, Lavender, Bergamot or Cedar wood in your bath water or a diffuser. And talking of diffusers, they also help in the kitchen too, and pretty much every room in the house.
At work:
A diffuser on the desk containing a blend of spearmint, rosemary and lavender will keep you alert, able to concentrate on the most challenging of tasks.
And while commuting, lemongrass and sage can keep you alert and safe. Dab a few drops on a Kleenex or on your wrists or temples.
Self care:
Always include an essential oil with any massage you receive – the citrus oils are mood enhancing and of course, lavender is super relaxing. Ylang-ylang and jasmine add a romantic touch.
For meditation, combine frankincense, cedarwood and geranium.
To sooth a headache use peppermint, chamomile and lavender.
To hydrate dry skin, use a blend of rose and geranium and apply under your night crème.
Finally, with the holidays around the corner, take a blend of lavender and tea tree on board when you fly and dab a little under each nostril. It will keep those winter germs at bay!
Essential oils are curative of mind, body and spirit so inhale deeply and stay calm in these challenging times!
