As we have already discussed, the sense of smell is not only used to distinguish between pleasant and unpleasant scents, but it can also affect our psychological state. Perhaps that is why the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes is such an ancient practice in folk medicine. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine defined as the “Therapeutic use of fragrances or volatile substances to heal, alleviate, or prevent diseases, infections, or discomfort solely through inhalation.”
Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain the aromatic compounds extracted from plants, and they are generally used in cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, incense, among others. A review published in 2011 showed that these oils have numerous actions on the nervous system, involving analgesic, anxiolytic effects, reduction of stress, learning, memory, attention and arousal, relaxation, sedation and sleep, mood and perception. The work also presented studies that suggested the application of scents as aids in the treatment of diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
A study conducted in the United States showed that lavender essential oil can influence the stress level of infants. In this study, mothers and their children were monitored while they received a bath with or without lavender essential oil. Mothers who bathed their children with the fragrance appeared more relaxed, smiled more, and touched their children more during the bath. The infants in this group, in turn, spent more time looking at their mothers, cried less, and spent more time sleeping after the bath. The cortisol level (a hormone involved in stress) of this group was also measured and showed a significant decrease, confirming the behavioral results of increased relaxation for both mothers and infants.
Another study, in Taiwan, investigated the effects of aromatherapy on elementary school teachers, considered a population with a high level of stress. The study showed that two sessions of 10 minutes with bergamot essential oil spray led to an increase in the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system, which was accompanied by corresponding changes in physiological parameters, such as decreased blood pressure and heart rate.
This leads me to think about perfumes. Have you noticed how, in general, we always have more than one type, and we know exactly which one to choose at a given moment? While some people always use the same fragrance; others, all of a sudden, simply feel the need to change. Why do we identify with certain scents? Perhaps because they are a way to express our state of mind, our feelings, or because they awaken memories or emotions (even if unconsciously), but could they also bring other benefits?
References
Chang KM, Shen CW. Aromatherapy Benefits Autonomic Nervous System Regulation for Elementary School Faculty in Taiwan. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; doi: 10.1155/2011/946537;
Dobetsberger C, Buchbauer G. Actions of essential oils on the central nervous system: An updated review. Flavour Fragr. J. 2011;26, 300–16;
Field T, Cullen C, Largie S, Diego M, Schanberg S, Kuhn C. Lavender bath oil reduces stress and crying and enhances sleep in very young infants. Early Hum. Dev. 2008; 84: 399.
