The Power of Smell: How Essential Oils Can Effect Our Mood

The sense of smell is our most complex of all the senses.

Our sense of smell has a powerful influence over our thoughts, emotions, moods, memories, and behaviors. A healthy human nose can distinguish over one trillion different aromas through hundreds of smell receptors.  Our sense of smell is far more complex than sight. We only have three types of photoreceptors used to recognize visual stimuli.

Our sense of smell is connected to our survival. It plays a major role in remembering what is and isn’t safe and what is pleasurable. Smell can trigger danger but it can also bring joy. People, environments, food: smelling them is part of everyday life. We also carry memories associated with smell, like your grandmothers perfume. When you walk by someone that is wearing the same perfume your grandmother wore, it stimulates the "smell memory" of your brain and creates an emotional response.

When we take in an aroma, they are received by olfactory receptors, which are part of the limbic system, the primitive part of the brain, which emotion lives. In the center of the brain is the the amygdala, which instantly receives the incoming scent information. By the time the information reaches our “thinking” and decision-making cortex and we actually figure out what we smelled, the scent has already triggered emotional and body chemistry responses.

"What if I don't have a sense of smell?"

The molecules from the aroma connect with our olfactory bulb, which connects them to neurotransmitters in our brain and then they create a chemical response within our body, whether a hormone, stress response or one of balance. So no matter if you have no sense of smell, your brain is still processing these responses without you realizing it.
Essential oils can facilitate a rapid emotional response in the brain and the body to help process such a release. Essential oils are powerful biochemical agents for emotional balance, wellness, and toxic release, which can be used or partnered with any holistic or medical program to create a successful approach to mental and emotional wellness.

Essential Oils have powerful emotional benefits.

Essential oils can be diffused into the air, which help to support healthy olfactory responses. This can be done through the use of a diffuser or the same effect can be achieved by placing a drop or two of oil in your hands, rubbing them together and then taking long deep breaths while cupping your hands around your nose and mouth.
Combining popular blends of essential oils can be a fun way to enjoy their aromatic benefits.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Bright Morning:  Lemon, Wild Orange, Peppermint, Bergamot.
• Afternoon Pick Me Up: Wild Orange, Peppermint, Invigorating Blend
• Stress Be-Gone: Grounding Blend, Lavender, Calming blend, Ylang Ylang
• Happy Home:  Joyful Blend and Frankincense.

Visit www.yourvibrantessence.com and fill out the form and I’ll mail you 3 FREE samples of Certified, 100% Pure essential oils from a trusted company with the highest and strictest standards for quality and testing.

Whether you are a new to oils, already love oils and want to purchase from the #1 company in the industry, or want to make Essential Oils your business, I’m here to meet you where you are at. I would love to hear in the comments where you are in your oil journey! We can experience this journey together and I’ll be there every step of the way!

Nurse Mom turned Oil Mom- April  april@yourvibrantessence.com