Essential Oils for the Body and Mind
The sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses we have, but it’s also the most overlooked. Few people realize that inhaling scents from essential oils and other fragrances have the potential to change your body and mind in the most positive of ways. Odors can change our moods with just one quick sniff - this goes for both the pleasant and the not-so-pleasant smells. It’s been scientifically proven that certain fragrances from essential oils can positively impact both our body’s physical performance and our mental performance. Want to know more? Here’s everything you need to know about essential oils and how your sense of smell can affect your body for the better!
What effects do essential oils have?
Depending on which essential oils you use, you can develop lots of great benefits. Some fragrances like lavender and chamomile can help to relieve insomnia and restlessness, so you can get a good night's sleep - this is beneficial for both your mental health and physical health, as a decent amount of sleep is required to stay healthy. Certain scents can help to eliminate stress, too, which if left untreated can lead to more serious issues like depression, fatigue, and even heart problems. Smells are also known to jog your memory. Have you ever smelt something that has brought back happy memories? If you have, then you’ll know the mood-boosting and joyous feeling those familiar scents can bring. This type of smell-memory is thanks to our brain. Our sense of smell is connected to our brains, specifically triggering the amygdala, which processes our emotions and memories. If the memory triggered is positive, then your brain will release serotonin, which is a mood-boosting hormone.
How do you use essential oils?
Essential oils can be used in many different ways, however, there are three methods that seem to be the most common. Some people burn essential oil within their homes using diffusers, incense, or candles that contain the oils. This method is good for those who want to avoid essential oils coming into contact with skin or clothing, but still want to reap the benefits of the fragrances. Using these at-home burning methods is also a great way to keep your home smelling fresh. If you want to feel the full benefits of essential oils, you can rub a few drops onto your skin as long as you don’t have sensitivities or allergies. Some oils can be packed full of vitamins and other healthy ingredients that can be easily absorbed through the skin. For those that want to avoid skin contact but keep the smell around them wherever they go, chakra bracelets can be used as wearable diffusers. These beautiful bracelets are made with absorbent colorful beads that work well to contain fragrance when essential oil has been rubbed onto them. The good thing about chakra bracelets is that you can look fashionable, smell lovely, and avoid direct skin contact with your essential oils!