Emotional Benefits of Essential Oils

No matter our age, lifestyle, or geographic location, one thing that all humans have in common is that we all experience emotions every day. Emotions are an inescapable part of being a human, and they have a serious impact on our happiness and wellbeing. Although emotions are somewhat mysterious, they can be characterised as complex internal reactions that will differ from person to person.

Using Essential Oils for Emotional Benefits

Used anciently for their ability to influence emotions, essential oils are still useful today for managing mood and promoting uplifting feelings. Those who don’t know about the rich history of essential oils and aromatherapy might assume that using essential oils for emotions (and other purposes) is merely a new trend or fad that will soon pass. However, the popularity of aromatherapy has continued to grow since ancient times as essential oils have constantly proven an effective method for managing emotions. In addition to historic examples of aromatherapy, more recent research and scientific findings have also helped to prove the success of essential oils for managing mood.

Essential oils generate quick responses. High quality essential oils are extremely
powerful and potent. Typically, you will start experiencing some sort of response from the moment you open the bottle, because you will be able to smell the oil from a distance. This power and potency means that you will only have to use a small amount of oil to help manage your mood. While some methods for managing emotions can be ineffective, essential oils will generate natural, effective responses. By using aromatherapy for emotional benefits, you can harness the power of essential oils to help you quickly and effectively deal with the variety of
emotions you experience on a daily basis. As mentioned, each person experiences emotions differently, and thus, the methods for managing emotions will vary from person to person. While there are many options available for uplifting mood and coping with negative emotions, there are several benefits to using
aromatherapy and essential oils to manage emotions.

Science behind aromatherapy 

centuries, the connection between the brain and aroma is more than an ancient practice—it can now be explained scientifically due to extensive research and discovery. The science behind aromatherapy helps to explain how it is possible for different aromas to elicit certain feelings. As we learn about the scientific background of aromatherapy, we can better understand how essential oils are used to manage the emotions and influence mood.

How does the brain process aromas?

Anytime we inhale a distinct aroma (including the scent of an essential oil), that aroma will be processed through different parts of the brain in a special sequence. After inhaling an aroma, the scent will be processed in the brain’s olfactory system, which is responsible for controlling our sense of smell. When an aroma is inhaled, it travels to the olfactory system by way of the olfactory nerve, so that it can be processed. The olfactory system is connected to the limbic system, a part of the brain where our emotions and memories are stored. This connection to the limbic system causes a response to the aroma based on any memories that are associated with that smell. The response produced by the limbic system of the brain often causes an immediate rush of feelings— also known as an emotional response.

Source: doTERRA International