Scents have been used as a therapeutic tool for thousands of years in places including Greece, Rome, Egypt and China. From incense to essential oils, bathcare products to fresh flowers, diffusers to candles, scents have the ability to lift our mood, leave us feeling more energetic, encourage calmness, and relieve stress and anxiety.

The effect scents can have on our brain and our nervous system are becoming increasingly acknowledged and clinical studies have backed it up. Aromas contain unique chemical structures. Inhaling essential oils can send signals to the olfactory nervous system, which in turn stimulates our brain to produce chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin to help regulate our mood.

Safety and aromatherapy

A few safety points to note; aromatherapy should never be used to replace professional medical advice, although it may be useful in conjunction with it.

There is a difference between pure essential oils recommended for aromatherapy purposes, and synthetic ingredient fragrance oils.

Essential oils should never be ingested orally unless discussed with a professional aromatherapist (there is often a difference between a qualified specialist in aromatherapy and someone selling oils as part of an MLM programme). They should also often not be used undiluted on skin.

As with any forms of healthcare, there may be contraindications for some scents - for example, there are some not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you have any specific health conditions or special circumstances, it's best to consult a qualified aromatherapist.

Bearing all that in mind, here are eight aromatherapy scents and what you can use them for.

Lavender

Is often used to soothe, uplift and calm the mind which can be great when you're wanting to relax. Use it when you're feeling stressed out or to wind down before bed time.

Orange

Helps promote cheerfulness. Use when you're feeling low and could use a shift in mindset.

Peppermint

Is used for enhancing mental alertness and can be a great pick-me-up. Use during the 3pm slump or when you're feeling low on energy.

Lemon

Can lift your mood, leave you feeling energised, and may reduce stress and depression. Break this one out when you're tired and towards the end of the week when you need to add a little extra zing into your mood.

Cinnamon

This spicy, sweet, warm aroma may help improve blood circulation and boost brain activity. Use when you could do with a little extra warmth or you're feeling sluggish.

Sandalwood

A soothing woody scent used for relaxation and it also may help as an antidepressant. Use when you're feeling low or when practicing meditation, yoga or mindfulness.

Eucalyptus

Is used for clearing the sinuses and freshening up the mind. Use if you're feeling congested or first thing in the morning to help kick off your day.

Rosemary

May help improve mental performance and fatigue. Use when your energy levels drop or you need to focus on a work task or school assignment.

REFERENCES

Aromatherapy and the central nerve system (CNS): therapeutic mechanism and its associated genes (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23531112)

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