Feeling stressed? Then try savoring the scent of lemon, mango, lavender, or other fragrant plants. Scientists in Japan are reporting the first scientific evidence that inhaling certain fragrances alter gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that can reduce stress levels.
— Read the rest Stop And Smell The Flowers -- The Scent Really Can Soothe Stress at Science Daily. Many thanks to Ruth for the link!
I use lavender, citrus, geranium, and other kinds of “unisex” fragrant oils on my clients, and I’ve gotten positive feedback from the widest possible demographic (not just rich hippies). People are often surprised and curious about their own reactions to these scents, and are very interested in what they are smelling. “Aromatherapy” is very real.
I’d love to know if it works with any fragrance you love…I swear Philosykos calms me down!
I’m wearing Carthusia Meditteraneo today and I feel calm–although I did not know the reason until reading this!
Now you know 🙂
I think any scent you like will put you in a good mood. I know I have some specific “comfort” smells that other people may not view the same way. The last time I had surgery ( an annual endeavor for me, unfortunately) I sprayed Chanel No. 5 on a stuffed animal I took in with me–it just made me feel better. (Since the bastards won’t let you wear perfume in for surgery, I had to improvise…and they even took my Ugly Doll away from me before I went under the knife.)
Likewise, I think that if you hate, say, lavender, no matter how much proof there is out there that it relieves headaches, reduces stress, yada yada yada, it won’t do it for you.
Ha! I like both your spunk and your logic!
A friend of mine wanted to go into business creating “perfumes that affect your moods when you smell them.” I gave him a strange look and asked if he meant, a) Aromatherapy, or B) 99% of perfumes in existence.
I’ve got quite a few aromatherapy books by doctors and scientists who would be quite surprised to find this is the “first” scientific proof that aromatherapy works. LOL!
Maybe it’s the first time scientists in JAPAN have found proof… 😉
I don’t think they meant it’s the first proof it works, but rather the first proof of some of HOW it works, on a biochemical level?
That is how I understood the article.
Personally, I find the lavender in bath products and most perfumes so astringent it’s like an alarm clock. My sister loved Bath and Body Works’s Lavender Vanilla and it would wake me up in the morning just as surely as a cold shower. I don’t actually like many lavenders, though. =P
I’m not a lavender fan either.
I have’nt blogged for ages but just had to comment on this- i am a big believer that fragrance is a mood enhancer. When i spray on a fav (and i have many and varied) i get an instant calming and at the same time an instant uplifting effect. Is that possible? Well you all know what i mean- i hope!
I know exactly what you mean!
most sparkling citrus, lemon-vanilla, sweet lemon or rose-vanilla combinations do that for me, just as a daily pick me up, so most of my scents are based on those – Ghost (tall blue bottle), Tocade, Fresh Sugar, R&G Vanille, Escale a Portofino, Eau d’Orange Verte Concentre, Eau de Rochas, Cologne du 68 . For hard core stress relief or relaxation at night, Tiger Balm on the temples and sometimes a dab on the end of my nose (this helps me sleep. Husband is a fan of dabbing on Badger sleep balm at night). I’ve actually always found lavender pretty harsh, although for home use YC’s lavender vanilla candle isn’t bad. For calming I prefer their Eucalyptus or Jack Frost (peppermint vanilla) candles though.
I used to love Tiger Balm. I never even see it for sale anymore, I should look around. If you haven’t tried it, check out Heeley’s Spirit of the Tiger!