Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils as a complementary and alternative medicine approach that has been shown to have positive effects on both physical and mental health. Essential oils are extracted from plants and utilized in a variety of different ways; diffused into the air, applied topically, or inhaled. The theory behind aromatherapy is that the aromas impact the brain via the olfactory nerves.
Your limbic system, which controls emotions and memories, is linked to your sense of smell. It is the olfactory receptors in the brain that receive the scent molecules from essential oils when we inhale them. The messages sent from these receptors to the limbic system impact our emotions and behaviors.
The aroma of lavender, for example, is commonly used to promote relaxation. This is because lavender causes the brain to produce more of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In the brain and nervous system, GABA functions as a neurotransmitter to moderate neural activity. Having more GABA in the brain has been shown to aid with anxiety and bring on a calm state of mind.
Peppermint's refreshing aroma has the same effect on the mind. This is because the peppermint stimulates the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for learning and memory. Accumulating more acetylcholine in the brain has been shown to have beneficial effects on cognition.
Essential oils have an impact on the stress response of the body in addition to the neurotransmitters. Cortisol is a hormone that is secreted by the body in response to stress. Because of its role in getting the body ready for either fight or flight, cortisol is crucial to human survival. However, prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels is associated with unpleasant outcomes including nervousness, despair, and exhaustion. Some essential oils, including bergamot and clary sage, have been linked to lowering cortisol levels, which in turn can have a calming effect.
Aromatherapy's immune-boosting properties are well accepted. The antibacterial qualities of essential oils like eucalyptus and thyme make them useful for combating illness. Inhaling these oils has been shown to boost white blood cell production, which helps the body fight off infections.
Each of our candle’s are specifically designed to enhance, elevate or improve your health and well being through our research in aromatherapy. Each candle describes the intentional experience that it was created for making it easy to choose the right candle for you.