The use of aromatherapy for mood changes is well-established. Scent is a powerful sense, strongly tied to emotion, and different scents have the power to invoke different feelings. Indeed, the French word sentir means both "to smell" and "to feel."
Aromatherapy for mood works on this principle, and science is beginning to show how this process works - the essential oils used by aromatherapists contain natural phytochemicals that impact the limbic system.
Thus when you inhale the scent of an oil, the brain releases various neurochemicals. These neurochemicals to can change the way you feel.
Aromatherapists of course know this, and regularly use essential oils as a way to create a feeling or help a client feel better. For example, Ylang-ylang is used by aromatherapists for the feeling of deep calm that it invokes - it is perfect for reducing anxiety, tension and stress. Similarly, Rosemary is used as an antidote to nervous exhaustion and fatigue.
Because pure essential oils are extracted directly from plant parts, including the flowers, leaves, stems and roots, they contain a range of wonderful, natural scents. Their natural freshness smells good, make us feel happier and serves as an antidote to stress.
They can be used at home in several ways - applied directly on your skin (as a diluted oil), added to your bath, or through a special aromatherapy diffuser.
