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There are many factors and resources available when trying to achieve total wellness. One often ignored resource is the power of aroma and scent therapy. Aroma and scent therapy, also known as aromatherapy, is a holistic healing practice that utilizes the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots, or other parts of a plant to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

What is Aroma?

Aroma is a distinctive, pervasive, and usually pleasant or savory smell with a positive connotation. Your ability to smell comes from specialized sensory cells, and these cells connect directly to the brain. The parts of the brain that process these signals also store memories or provoke emotions.

The Power of Aroma

Scents can be used to invoke memories and emotions. According to Harvard news, “Smell and memory seem closely linked because of the brain’s anatomy.” Of the five human senses, the scent is the most potent trigger of emotion and memory. Ambient scenting is used in retail stores, casinos, and some hotels to guide the feelings of the employees and customers. Scented venues are viewed as more luxurious and often boost your mood, making you want to be there.

The use of scented essential oils in aromatherapy can have a powerful effect on our senses and overall health. These oils are strong and carry the essence and fragrance of plants. When we breathe them in or put them on our skin, they can stimulate specific parts of the brain, affect our mood, and help us relax.

Different essential oils have different therapeutic properties. For example, lavender oil is known for its calming and soothing effects, making it ideal for reducing stress and promoting sleep. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, is often used for its invigorating and refreshing qualities, giving a natural energy boost and mental clarity.

Aromatherapy doesn’t just affect our emotions and mental state. It can also benefit our physical health. Some essential oils have natural properties that kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can boost our immune system and protect against certain germs. They can also help with headaches, muscle pain, and digestion, among other things.

3 Ways to Use Scent Therapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from plants to heal or treat a condition such as anxiety, poor sleep, or certain skin conditions. Essential oils are made from the “essence” of flowers, herbs, or trees. I use aromatherapy primarily through a diffuser, candles, or both. Part of my morning routine is to wake up before everyone, turn on my diffusers, and light a few candles to set the mood for the day. As a result, my husband and kids wake up with a more positive attitude. My favorite essential oils are:

• Lemon – has the power to enhance your performance and improve your attitude
• Lavender – has strong healing properties that have been shown to reduce stress levels
• Eucalyptus – promotes relaxation and reduces stress
• Basil – provides relief from nervous tension, mental fatigue, migraines, and depression

Another one of my favorite ways to use the power of aroma therapy is to have fresh flowers in the house. The floral scent, they admit, naturally releases essential oils into the air. My husband is great for frequently bringing home my favorite flower, Stargazer Lilies, which smells up the entire house floor.

For me, wearing a scent I love makes me happy. I love being a novice member of the fragrance community. Certain fragrances can invoke feelings of being on holiday in the South of France on a yacht. Or memories of cozying up to the fireplace at Christmas time. Fragrance is an easy way to use aromas and scents to boost your emotions.

In conclusion, incorporating aroma and scent therapy into your wellness routine can be a valuable resource for achieving overall well-being. The natural fragrances and therapeutic properties of essential oils can positively impact both the mind and body. So why not explore the world of aromatherapy and discover the wonders it offers in your journey toward complete wellness?

The Power of Aroma is one resource in the arsenal of total wellness. Comment below and tell us how you use scent therapy.