These days turning on the TV can be depressing or even outright frightening. And while most of us cannot control what is on TV we can control our response with the fragrances and essential oils we surround us with. Of course essential oils cannot change the politics of the world but they can provide for a vibe that will make things just a little less intimidating.
Essential oils exercise their effect on soul and psyche by interacting with the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).
For everyone wishing to explore the ANS connection of essential oils Dr Rolf Deininger's seminal contribution to this topic: The Magic World of Essential Oils and Scents is a ‘Must Read'. An examination of the influence of essential oils on the psyche is available in the Proceedings of the 1995 PIA Aromatherapy Conference. In his 75 page article Dr Deininger presents experimental data on the psychic action of scents. He sets the tone about the nature of smell by stating:“Smells influence personal and interpersonal behavior. They act as powerful cues in seeking out or avoiding a person. They clearly have a strong influence over sexual behavior and they also influence our mood and open our senses. They are subliminal cues to explore the nature of people or situations. Smell lets our senses perceive situations over a distance. This is evident in phrases such as smelling a rat, sniffing something out, having a nose for something, rubbing someone’s nose in something, or causing a stink. From our experience we know that the smell of burning wood can spread anxiety and the smell of cooking awakens appetite. What is so special about smell is that its perception is accompanied by emotional and hedonistic evaluating reactions to a much greater extent than with sight, hearing, or taste.”
For many in aromatherapy these more subtle and psychological effects are of prime interest and have led to the publication of a number of books discussing this and similar topics. So given today's difficult emotional climate, I thought it might be nice to try some oils for their uplifting character. While it is easy to accept that some of the better known florals, like Rose or Ylang Ylang, have a sedating or relaxing character I suggest to explore some oils which are not commonly associated with this context and which might offer some unexpected surprise moments:
PIA Conference Proceedings - 1995
Surround yourself with these beauties
This oil has a high proportion of trans-anethole, usually above 80-85%. It modifies the reflexes of the autonomic nervous system and acts as a powerful carminative and antispasmodic.
Tropical Basil from India is exceptionally high in methyl chavicol, aka estragole, which gives the oil powerful antispasmodic properties. Unlike the linalool and eugenol types of Basil, French style aromatherapy literature points to this oil as a valuable remedy for conditions as diverse as hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and cramps.
The healing properties of Melissa have been well known since the Middle Ages. The oil is a profound sedative, it brightens the mood, strengthens the heart and nervous system and helps with weakness or lack of energy. A drop or two in a glass of warm water – sweetened with a little bit of sugar or honey – will promote much deeper and more restorative sleep. Melissa oil is one of the strongest antiviral agents in aromatherapy and is a proven remedy for herpes. An enchanting oil for followers of alchemy and Paracelsus, who called it “the elixir of life.” A Bio Authentic Original.
Tarragon essential oil has a unique composition, containing methylchavicol and coumarins that can be immensely helpful in cases of shock. A ‘Rescue Remedy’ for an out of balance nervous system, Tarragon can help regulate heartbeat and breathing patterns until professional help is available. The oil also has tremendous antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties and is a swift and effective choice for menstrual cramps, inflamed colon or sciatica.
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