You may have heard that smell is a powerful conduit for memory. However, did you know that when you're feeling down, you can uplift your mood with essential oils? It's true. And it's not just hear-say; there are scientific studies that support the positive effects of using scent to alter emotional states.
For good or ill, scent can directly affect your mind and mood.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
For anyone familiar with essential oils, it may seem obvious, but regardless of your experience, understanding why scents are so powerful is well worth it. The science behind essential oils’ effect on the brain is both an intriguing lesson in neuroscience and might inspire you to use essential oils more frequently and in new ways.
Scents are full of potential when it comes to influencing your brain...and not just in cases of wanderlust.
Scent is a direct pathway to our feelings, which is backed by science. The olfactory system is directly linked to the limbic system in the brain, which is the hub of memory and emotion.
When you smell a scent, its molecules travel through the lining of your olfactory cavity into your olfactory bulbs. From there, molecules travel to both your olfactory cortex, which identifies the scent, and also to the limbic system and amygdala, where your brain processes feelings, mood, memory, and many hormones. The olfactory system is the only sensory pathway that incorporates the limbic system—hence smell is the most powerful memory booster.
A travel blog even recommended wearing one perfume on each vacation, then when you smell the scent, you’ll be transported back to that place. Pretty cool concept, isn't it?
Another (more recent) explanation for why essential oils influence our mood and mind has to do with the compounds linalool and sesquiterpenes. Both of these are naturally occurring in many essential oils. Linalool, in studies with dementia patients, has shown promise in improving memory, awareness, and mood.
Sesquiterpenes may increase oxygen levels in the brain. More oxygen, as you might guess, is a wonderful thing for mood and learning. If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty science of this, I recommend reading How To Use Essential Oils For Brain Health and this article from Health Holistic Living.
Inhale Lavender. Close your eyes. How do you feel?
Whether it’s thanks to the amygdala, linalool, or sesquiterpene receptors, the pure scents from essential oils undoubtedly affect both our physical bodies and minds.
These oils have naturally high sesquiterpenes, which may increase oxygen to your brain, helping you focus and process feelings: Vetiver, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Melissa, Myrrh, Cedarwood, and Clove.
Linalool, which has promising results in memory and behavioral tests, occurs naturally in these oils: Lavender, Clary Sage, Basil, Cilantro, Coriander, Tangerine, Spearmint, Rose, Cypress, Lemon, Cinnamon and Ylang Ylang.
These oils have increased alertness, contentment, and calmness in patients, according to a Yale Scientific report: geranium, lavender, lemon mandarin, ylang ylang, patchouli, peppermint, and rosemary.
To enhance your practice, essential oils for meditation, this Organic Aromas blog is a good starting point.
At my Heartmanity Center, we used lavender in a diffuser during the pandemic, which helped to calm clients as well as lavender has been found to support the immune system and counteract bacteria.
Scent can directly affect your mind, whether you’re aware of it or not.
So, the next time you need a mood-booster, why not inhale a little Lavender, Clove, Basil, or Rose. See where it takes you. Calm your anxiousness and jumpstart your mood with these natural remedies.
For more calming properties of natural remedies and other uses for essential oils, see Use Essential Oils to Fight Stress and Anxiety. And to discover the many uses for lavender, don't miss: Be sure and try whatever oils feel right to you and test their effects yourself.
If you'd like to learn more about aromatherapy or to purchase DoTerra click here.
* None of the statements in this blog have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the above recommendations are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Essential oils are naturally produced substances that can assist the body in its own healing process, but we make no claims whatsoever. Use with moderation and discretion.