Scents that Promote Wellbeing

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Curiosity inspired this post, Scents that Promote Wellbeing. I recently read that inhaling jasmine’s sweet and intoxicating scent has health benefits equal to taking sedatives and relaxants.

Intrigued, I researched the science behind the power of scents, known as aromatherapy.

I present the results of my study, with the top scents that promote wellbeing and health.

Scents that Promote Wellbeing

The Science of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves inhaling scents that stimulate the olfactory system, which includes the nose and the brain. Scent creates nerve impulses that travel to the limbic system in the brain. This region is most connected to survival, instincts and emotions.

Scent triggers emotional and physical responses, causing mood changes by altering brain chemistry.

We are familiar with these triggers. The scent of raw potatoes, for example, triggers memories of my mom buttoning up my coat as I headed outside to play. Her hands carried the homey scent of the potatoes she had peeled for dinner. Roses remind me of the perfume my grandmother wore. Both scents create feelings of love and the sense that all is well in my world.

Scents that Promote Wellbeing

The following scents possess powerful properties that help us feel better.

Lavender

Among scents that promote wellbeing, this versatile herb ranks high for calming and soothing the mind and body. Lavender reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, relieves headaches and relaxes the body into sleep.

Cinnamon

Derived from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum family, this spice sharpens the mind and improves balance and motor skills. Cinnamon is especially helpful for drivers. The scent reduces fatigue and road rage while increasing alertness. Cinnamon stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing performance and motivation.

Scents that Promote Wellbeing

Peppermint

One of the most beneficial herbs, peppermint’s distinctive scent boosts concentration, instills confidence  and clarifies thoughts and emotions. Peppermint relieves stress while easing fatigue and eliminating chocolate cravings!

Citrus

The tangy scents of lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit energize the mind and body and boost mood. Citrus regulates hormones, supports the immune system and eases depression and anxiety. Often included in household cleaners, that citrusy scent ramps up the joy we feel as we clean house. Clever, huh?

Vanilla

This warm and seductive scent, derived from the vanilla bean, elevates mood while reducing anxiety. Vanilla eases fatigue, induces calmness and soothes an upset stomach.

Scents that Promote Wellbeing

Jasmine

The scent from this beautiful flower has powerful properties. Jasmine eases depression, lowers anxiety and improves cognitive function. Like lavender, jasmine quiets the mind and relaxes the body into sleep. Recent studies of the benefits of this plant provide evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy.

Apple

I’m familiar with the many health benefits of the simple apple. However, inhaling the scent of this fruit reduces the symptoms of headaches and shortens the duration of migraines. Amazingly, the crisp, tart scent of an apple triggers hormones that signal the body that hunger is satisfied.

Sage

Known as an aromatic herb, inhaling sage’s characteristic scent reduces blood pressure, slows respiration and relaxes the body. Sage eases stress while improving memory and attention.

Scents that Promote Wellbeing

Scents that Promote Wellbeing

I’m fascinated by my findings and yet not surprised to discover the power of aromatherapy. Scents are strongly connected to emotions and memories. They possess the ability to shift brain chemistry and create positive changes in the body as a result.

Essential oils are one way to receive the benefits from aromatherapy. Apply one or two drops of lavender or citrus essential oils to a cotton ball and inhale the scent. Or add drops to a bowl of hot water or to a diffuser. Allow the diffuser to run for 15 to 60 minutes. Connect with my friend Marijo to learn more about Young Living Essential Oils.

Other ways to enjoy increased wellbeing through aromatherapy include:

  • inhale the scent from fresh apples, lemons, sage, peppermint, lavender and jasmine for several minutes
  • keep a potted lavender, sage or jasmine plant in the house
  • add sticks of cinnamon and vanilla beans to a pot of water simmering on the stove
  • create sachets filled with dried sage, peppermint, lavender or jasmine
  • brew tea from fresh or dried sage, peppermint, lavender or jasmine and inhale the scent from the steaming cup

I keep a tiny lavender filled pillow on my bedside table. The words “this is bliss” are printed on it. Eyes closed, preparing to sleep, I love to hold it beneath my nose and breath in deeply. As I inhale, I breath in calm, peace and relaxation. I exhale any stress from the day, tension and busy thoughts.

This is bliss, indeed.

Scents that Promote Wellbeing

Click photo below to order lavender sachet kits.

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This post is linked on Senior Salon #20

74 thoughts on “Scents that Promote Wellbeing”

  1. Ive always been intrigued as well and ive got to say my favorite way to calm and ease my stresses is vanilla! Theres just something so homey and comforting about it 🙂

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  2. I love Aromatherapy. I myself use it a lot for these exact reasons. Such a pleasant comforting feeling some aromas give me. Such a good read!

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  3. I didn’t realize that cinnamon reduces fatigue. I might try adding it to my decaf coffee. I am also going to keep an apple in mind when I get a headache.

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  8. I didn’t know the benefits of apple aromas! Very interesting! Do you have any advice on how to create the apple aroma? I have essential oils that I like to diffuse, but from what I understand you can’t really get essential oils from apples. So what would be some easy ways to create that apple smell?

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    1. The best way I know of is to cut up an apple! Inhale the scent for several minutes and then eat it and gain the extra health benefits from it!

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  9. Oh wow this is such fascinating stuff! I think the only scent I knew about was lavender. I spray our bed with it every night before Alex and I go to bed. It really does help us sleep!

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  13. Love this! I love aromatherapy! I feel like scents can really transport you. Anything minty or citrus-y makes my heart happy =)

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  14. Cinnamon and vanilla are my favorites! Citrus I think is so refreshing and give me an energy boost for some reason. I need to try peppermint which my youngest son just loves.

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    1. Yes! Cinnamon and vanilla have been long time favorites. I’ve branches out a bit more now.

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  16. I think I naturally gravitate to some of these – cinnamon and citrus to wake up for sure, and I’ve also used peppermint for stress with good results. I had no idea that there were so many benefits to apple aroma, though. Great info – thank you!

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  20. I knew most of this because I’m a geek that way but I didn’t know peppermint acted against chocolate cravings…LOL so why can’t I stop eating peppermint bark???

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  21. Hawaiian Jasmine is what my dad considers to be my flower and is what he always brings me lei of for special occasions, so that flower’s scent has very special memories and meaning for me! I love to hear it was scientifically valuable to aromatherapy!

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    1. You are welcome! I love those scents too. Cinnamon and vanilla used to be my go to’s. I’ve broadened my likes to include many scents, for different purposes.

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    1. Me too! I used to think it was the music I played while I cleaned. I believe now it’s the citrus scents because I use lemon and orange cleaners.

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  30. Lavender is my favorite in general. Just discovered pimento for fibromyalgia pain! Also just got some cedar wood to keep ticks away. Fingers crossed that it’s effective!

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    1. Lavender is one of my favorites as well. That’s a new one to me, pimento. Although peppers are very good for pain so I should have figured that one out. I’ve read great things about cedar. I use it in my DIY potpourri that I burn.

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  31. I just received a personal aromatherapy inhaler at a conference…I wasn’t sure what to do with it but maybe I should give it a try! I do love my oils.

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    1. That’s a great idea! You can diffuse some of these…see which scents you like best.

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  32. Scent is such a powerful way to invoke memories it’s truly amazing. Mine has always been certain foods (of course growing up in kitchens) breads especially take me right back there. I love sage and have it in the house frequently and my friend recently planted lavender and rosemary pots on here lanai it’s so lovely. Thanks so much for sharing more great info! 🤗

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    1. Great idea! I have a cat who is terrified of thunderstorms. I’ll try diffusing lavender to see if it helps him.

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  37. I think I am one of the only people who don’t like the smell of lavender! Ha. I’ve found that it actually gives me a headache.

    I love peppermint oil though. I have a ‘breathe’ essential oil blend which is peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. When I am feeling congested or allergies or acting up, I put it in my diffuser while I’m sleeping. It definitely helps!

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    1. I know one other person who doesn’t like lavender. That’s ok! I’m glad you have your go to scents…peppermint is a favorite of mine as well.

      Reply

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