How does Aromatherapy work

Humans have 5 senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. The sense of smell is one of the oldest and most primitive senses and is connected with the oldest parts of our brain.

Breathing in any aroma can trigger emotional and physical responses, bringing back memories from childhood, places you visited and more. Our brains have a unique ability to recreate vivid memories based on small things, such as smelling the fragrance of your first partner despite not having seen them in decades.

Part of the scent memory is hardwired into our brains from nature. Aromatherapy seeks to harness these associations our brains can make and thereby trigger emotional or physical response such as getting more focused, energetic, calm, creative and much more.

By breathing in molecules that contain the aroma, they reach so called Olfactory cells. These are tiny sensory hair and each can recognize a slightly different aroma. After sensing that aroma, the Olfactory cell will trigger an impulse to the limbic system in the brain, which is responsible mainly for emotions and instincts. Check out this study that explores the connection between the olfactory system and aromatherapy.

Scientists have conducted countless research and believe the nerve signal from the Olfactory cells can result in an alteration of the brian chemistry and hence impacting mood change.

Certain scents of essential oils have been associated with various health benefits. Inhaling scents with respiratory benefits may ease infection symptoms, thanks to their antibacterial and antiviral qualities. For instance, peppermint is often used to clear nasal passages, which not only helps you breathe easier but may also increase alertness and energy levels by delivering more oxygen to your brain.

Studies such as meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials indicate that aromatherapy may lower anxiety levels in patients undergoing medical procedures, while another study shows that using lavender oil can significantly improve sleep quality for people with insomnia.

Aromatherapy is becoming more and more popular in mainstream healthcare. It's currently being used alongside conventional treatments in hospitals to help manage pain, anxiety, and nausea in patients. Here's a study about the use of aromatherapy in healthcare settings.

In essence, the science behind aromatherapy is all about the unique properties of essential oils and their impact on our brain and body. The beauty of it is that it’s all based on scents directly found in nature. The growing research for utilization of aromatherapy in healthcare demonstrates the incredible natural effects essential oils can have on our overall well-being.