The scent acts directly on the brain as a drug. Our nose is able to distinguish different odors – up to 100,000 different scents, many of which affect us without realizing it.
Once the scent reaches the nose, the molecules combine with the cilia on the surface of the mucosa inside the nose. The receptors in the cilia are connected to the end parts of the olfactory system. The end of the system is connected to the brain itself. The scents are converted by cilia into electrical impulses, which are transmitted to the brain through the olfactory system. All impulses reach the limbic system. The limbic system is the part of the brain that is connected to our moods, emotions, memory and learning. All scents that reach the limbic system have a direct chemical effect on our mood.
For example, fragrant lavender increases alpha waves in the brain, a type of wave that helps us relax. A gust of jasmine increases the beta waves in the brain, which are associated with increased activity and alertness.
The limbic system is also a storehouse of millions of memorized scents. That is why the mere smell of a haystack takes us back to childhood.
Effects of essential oils
The molecular sizes of essential oils are not large and can easily enter the bloodstream through the skin. Essential oils need a time ranging from a few seconds to two hours to get into the skin, and about up to 4 hours to get out of the body through urine, sweat and feces.
Aromatic oils work almost like a spell on stress-related problems, psychosomatic disorders, skin infections, hair loss, inflammation, muscle or bone pain. And the list does not end here. Essential oils have countless uses.
For each use, it is necessary to carefully dilute each essential oil in vegetable oil (grape, olive, sunflower, almond, jojoba, etc.), in fat or alcohol, or in wine vinegar, honey or skim milk.
During one experiment, lavender oil was used in 28 patients in Bristol who underwent heart surgery. In 24 of them, there was a reduction in respiratory rate, pressure and general anxiety.
In 1985, 28 women were treated for oral mycosis with essential oils. After 90 days, clinical examination showed that 21 of them were completely cured.
Essential oils are safe. However, it should be borne in mind that it must never be used directly, as some oils may irritate sensitive skin or cause sensitivity to light. They should be mixed in a suitable ratio with carrier oils. Prior to use, any reactions should be ruled out using an epicutaneous test (skin patch test).