Do you believe in Aromotherapy?

[Spa-Rella]

Do you believe in armoatherapy?  If so, what scents make you "wake-up"; fall asleep... etc.?

[BlackCreek]

I'm pretty 'analytical' when it comes to these things. I have a degree in BioChemistry so I tend to believe things when there is some good science behind them. However, there are many areas of human experience that science just does not know much about. This is one area that we are just begining to understand.

There is a developing body of knowledge around how smell affects mood and health. A number of organizations (including Senseofsmell.org) are funding some desent research in this area. You can read more about this at http://www.blackcreekcandleworks.com/site/1480321/page/609553

While it certainly doesn't have the body of knowledge around it that more 'conventional' areas have, there is enough to indicate that aromatherapy can be helpful for some things... probably not curing cancer, but maybe helping with dealing with some of the nausea from the chemo, for example.

Nina

[darkophelia]

Coming from someone who is strictly speaking from experience and gut instinct, I do think that scents have a huge impact on us, at least emotionally if not physically.  There are scents I will never forget from my childhood that stand out as warm and good, or cold and sickening.  The smell of cake frosting and sugar cookies baking make me feel warm and safe.  I often wear 'foody' scents because they remind me of home or Christmas or my grandmother.  I also have particular scents I wear when I am feeling very down, and I don't know that any one component is having an impact, but the overall scent just makes me feel happy, or sexy.  Some scents just make me grin like an idiot. 

I have noticed that very few commercial colognes or perfumes have that kind of impact on me---I notice it more when I am wearing something that smells more natural. 

[Spa-Rella]

BlackCreek - your site is wonderful and very informative!  Thank you for the info.

darkophelia - i feel the same way about certain scents - they definately trigger memories and moods.  Thanks.

[blsoaps]

I know I definitely believe in aromatherapy, both for the emotional side, and also the physical. My MIL is an aromatherapist, and she's been kind enough to pass on a number of fabulous resources (books, study guides, etc) to me, and I've accumulated a decent collection myself in the last few years.

But a few significant experiences I've had....

After I had my last child (nearly 3 years ago), I volunteered for a Depression Drug Study. I knew I always got post-partum depression, and we didn't have medical insurance at the time to cover any medication, so I enrolled. (it was a good deal, I got paid and got free medication for a year!) After being on the medication for about 6 months, my blood pressure started running high at all of my check ups. My introduction tests showed I was normal when I started, so I knew (regardless of how much the doctor tried to convince me otherwise) that the meds were causing my pressure to be high. Again, since I couldn't get blood pressure meds (no insurance), I decided to try an Essential Oil Blend. I'd regularly been testing at 150/105, not good. When I tested after ONE USE of this blend, I tested at 118/68. The nurse automatically thought I'd started taking meds since they'd been telling me to. They were floored when I told them what I'd been doing. I kept my blood pressure under control easily for the remainder of my trial, and now that I'm off the drugs, I don't even need them.

Experience #2 - I had an overnight drive from Utah to Arizona that I had to make, an 8 hour drive on my own. I knew I'd need help. I don't drink coffee, so I turned again to Essential Oils. I used a blend that was intended to invigorate and clear the mind. And it DID. I placed it in a little roller bottle and applied it to my wrist whenever I started feeling a little groggy. Within 60 seconds I always experienced this totally calm but totally wide awake feeling come over me. We arrived in Phoenix about 7am, and I was planning on catching a few hours of sleep while my MIL watched the kids, but the effects of the EOs were still so strong in my system that it was late afternoon before I was able to relax enough to sleep!

Since those two experiences, I've spent a lot of time exploring the various properties of essential oils, and use them frequently in the products that I make. I'll always have a love affair with fragrance oils (there are so many scents that just aren't available as an essential oil), but I'm always impressed with what Essential Oils can do.

Lindsay
Body Language Soaps
www.blsoaps.com

[ladyofthelake]

Yes....I use it all the time. Here are a few very powerful scents for me:
hyacinth and oranges
peppermint
lavender
coconut
licorice
cinnamon
 My favorite of all time...Wysteria.

[markjoy]

Most definitely.  My personal experience is that peppermint gives an awakening effect, and lavender works great for relaxation.  I haven't found a lavender fragrance oil that has the same effect that the essential oil has.

[SoapyHollow]

I've studied aromatherapy for a few years, initially as a hobbyist, and then as treatment modality.  There is a fair amount of peer-reviewed science behind aromatherapy.  To see some of the clinical trials and other scientific research, I have links to them on my Aromatherapy FAQ http://www.soapyhollow.com/aromatherapy.htm

Hope that's some help.

[Spa-Rella]

Excellent!   I'm going to check them out now!

Thanks

[MistyMoss]

I do. I don't come at my beliefs through a science background but personal experience. I burn candles because of what they do to my mood. Scents relax me, excite me. Celestial Seasonings had it right and before the tea there was witchcraft and American Indians still use sage to purify, almost the way coffee clears the nasal palette. The Alchemists were on to something and I can certainly attest to the negativity and repulsion I feel when I smell something foul. But in terms of the curing ailments. no I am not a believer.

[swintz]

Abosolutely.  Some of the oils I use:

Lavender and Chamomile - I have real trouble sleeping, so every night before going to bed I rub a blend on the back of my neck and put a drop on the pillow.  Very calming and my favorite scent.  If only I could find a lotion or butter blend!  I like the smell of BBW's, but the lotion itself doesn't do a thing for my skin.

Peppermint - I swear by it for headaches.  A few dabs on my neck and temples works every time.

Eucapyptus blends - I have rheumatoid arthritis, so I use it for joint pain. 

Grapefruit - Excellent for avoiding sweets;  it really does cut the cravings!

Citrus blends are energizing, especially mixed with rosemary.

Sue

[markjoy]

Grapefruit - Excellent for avoiding sweets;  it really does cut the cravings!

Reeeaaalllyyy?  I'm going to have to try this one out! 

I do find the typical aromatics therapeutical, but I also think that synthetic fragrances can offer therapeutical qualities, also.  For example, blend lavender and chamomile with oatmeal and or cream notes, and I'm in pillow heaven.

Eucalyptus and Mint (spearmint or peppermint) and various citrus are essential (pardon the pun) for mornings when I am slow moving.

[music lover]

I'm not quite sure but I do know the scent Eucalyptus and Ginger will get rid of a stuffy nose very quickly. It's an eyeopener. lol 

[soylady]

wow really?  I will have to try that out... my nose is always stuffy.