The sense of smell is the only sensory system in humans that has direct access to the part of the brain that controls our emotions, Rachel Herz says in her book, "The Scent of Desire: Discovering Our Engimatic Sense of Smell." Aromatherapists blend essential oils from various plants and use them to treat conditions such as anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia and concentration.
Eucalyptus
The oils contained in the eucalyptus leaves and branch tops make it a popular aromatherapy scent. It has a sharp, pungent aroma with fresh, earthy undertones that are stimulating and invigorating. Some aromatherapists recommend using eucalyptus like smelling salts for people who have fainted. Eucalyptus is also popular in medicinal products used to treat coughs and colds, and is often an an ingredient in lozenges, cough syrups, rubs and vapor baths.
Lavender
Bath products made with lavender oils, and sachets and pillows containing its dried petals have been popular for many years. Lavender emits a fresh, sweet floral scent that is calming and soothing. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that aromatherapists use lavender oils to treat headaches, nervous disorders and exhaustion, although studies suggest the scent may be beneficial for the nervous system, improving sleep quality, promoting relaxation and helping those suffering from sleep disorders. The National Institutes of Health warns against the use of products containing lavender oils in young boys, as there is evidence to suggest that it may play a part in prepubertal gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is indigenous to India, the Malay Archipelago and Indonesia. It is highly prized for the oils extracted from the plant's heartwood and seeds, and for its dense wood used for carvings and to make incense. Its fragrance is rich, sweet and delicate, producing a warming, relaxing and euphoric feeling. Aromatherapists use the scent of sandalwood to relieve anxiety, stress and depression. Drugs.com warns against the use of sandalwood oils during pregnancy or while breast-feeding because of the lack of pharmacological and toxicity data available.
Peppermint
Peppermint has a strong minty aroma that is refreshing and stimulating. Aromatherapists often use peppermint to help with mental clarity, concentration and focus. It is one of the few essential oils with scientifically proven benefits. Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, a resident psychologist at Wheeling Jesuit University, conducted research that concluded that the scent of peppermint "improved participant's scores on tasks related to attentional processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response speed."
Cinnamon
The Bible mentions cinnamon, believed to be one of the oldest spices known. It was used by Ancient Egyptians for its flavor, its scent and as a part of the embalming process as they payed tribute to their dead. Aromatherapists use cinnamon to improve mood, vigor and concentration. Cinnabon retailers pump the scent of cinnamon into the air in their stores as a marketing ploy to lure consumers to purchase cinnamon buns.
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