Not Just A Pretty Scent, Part 2
by Cynthia J. Loving, Clinical Aromatherapist, Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist (NC#1397)

Aromatic plant materials have been used as a part of spiritual practice since the time of the Neanderthals (80,000 BC) and are still included in many temples, mosques, churches and gatherings around the world. Cleopatra scented the sails of her barge with the oil of rose to announce her presence. At one time only the priests were allowed to possess aromatic substances so there would always be enough for sacred ritual. Christopher Columbus was seeking a new route to obtain the wonderful scents from the East. Today, perfuming is a multibillion-dollar industry.

What is it about these aromas that have drawn human beings to seek out, travel huge distances and/or go to war to acquire these plants? What is that draw?

Unlike your other senses, smell cannot be turned off. Whether or not you are aware of it, with every breath you take you are drawing in and responding to the odors around you. Everything you smell creates an electro-chemical response that affects the brain, especially a part of the brain known as the limbic system or "nose" brain. The limbic system is the oldest part of the brain and influences: hormonal balance; memory; mood; emotions; selection of a mate; the immune system; and the nervous system through which digestion, heart rate, respiration, sexual arousal and more are impacted. Many people believe the sense of smell may well be the mind-body interface and, historically, it has been recognized as a passageway to the spirit.

This is how Aromatherapy works. We know that by inhaling certain essential oils such as Peppermint or Rosemary most people feel mentally stimulated and frequently physically energized. By smelling Lavender or Palmarosa, most people feel calmer, more relaxed. Most citruses tend to elevate mood while Marjoram tends to mute emotions. Frankincense and Spikenard are commonly used to aid in meditation and many tree oils help one feel grounded.
How wonderful is this connection between our nose and our emotions!?! 

Now, add essential oils that assist in balancing hormones, supporting immune systems, stimulating digestion, encouraging deep inhalation or arousing the libido. We know smells can have a major impact on our very existence!

BEWARE! 
Not all smells are created equal. Wanting to jump in on the appeal and profits that nature's scents have drawn, chemical companies have worked diligently at producing "nature identical" scents. Some of these are so well blended that it is hard to tell the synthetic from the natural – as far as the odor. However, the receptor sites in your body do know the difference. Your brain and your lungs can respond to the synthetic ingredients (up to hundreds of different chemicals to make one scent) in an entirely different way than they would to what is naturally produced by plants.

In 2004, the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients stated, “Fragrances are volatile compounds that linger in the air adding to indoor air pollution and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Fragrance formulations often contain high concentrations of potent and long lasting synthetic chemicals for which very little data exists regarding their health and safety. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledges that poor air quality contributes to a host of physical and neurological problems including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and forgetfulness. Eighty to 90% of fragrance chemicals are synthesized from petroleum products and are designed to disperse quickly into the air where they can linger on fabrics and surfaces for months.” (“Fragrance alters mood and brain chemistry - Health Risks and Environmental Issues” in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, April 2004)

Many of the chemicals in these concoctions are suspected of playing a role in a wide array of mental and emotional challenges far beyond those listed above. Here are a few more for your consideration - depression, attention deficit disorder, hyper activity, irritation, lack of impulse control, memory challenges, sleep disruption, hormonal imbalance - for both men and women, decreased energy, autoimmune dysfunction, cardiopulmonary disease, cancer, infant mortality, birth defects, and many more. These also are listed as a major cause of "sick building syndrome."

Artificial fragrances permeate our society. You can find them in soap, shampoo, hair rinses, bath gels, hair care products, body lotions, deodorants, make-up, toothpaste, laundry detergent, fabric softener, cleaning products, dish soap, room deodorants, children's care products and toys, your food, many "natural" products, and more.

IT IS TIME TO STOP THE MADDNESS!
Love yourself, your family, your pets and your planet enough to read the labels on the products you are ready to purchase. If is says Perfume, Perfum or Fragrance, you may want to re-consider. Request the hotel/motel reservationist to give you an un-scented room. 

So what do you do to satisfy your love of wonderful smells? Take a step back in time and make use of Nature's beautiful scents, essential oils. When used correctly, these offer wonderful health benefits while bringing joy and balance back into your life.