Essential Oils & The Olfactory System

Essential oils provide a natural approach to wellness by harnessing the influence of scent. When a fragrance is encountered, whether by choice or by chance, it stimulates the olfactory senses in the nose. As the scent moves through the nasal passages, the olfactory system identifies different molecules and transmits signals via the nerves to the brain. This interaction sparks a swift chemical reaction among brain cells, leading to an immediate and noticeable effect.

These oils are especially effective in encouraging calmness and relaxation during periods of stress, heightened emotions, anxiety, or restlessness. This effectiveness is due to the olfactory system’s direct connection to the amygdala, the brain’s main center for processing emotions, memory, and learning.

Once these signals reach the brain, it can direct various organs to relax, become more alert, or prepare for sleep, enabling the body to achieve a state of balance. This process resembles a well-organized team, where each member has a distinct role and coordination leads to better outcomes.

The sense of comfort experienced with certain people, places, or objects is often related to how they engage the olfactory system. While scent is a key factor, the other senses also play important roles in shaping these responses.

Article Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8124235/ 

It is important to recognize that certain familiar scents can be linked to memories that may evoke negative emotional responses, including those related to trauma or PTSD. Often, it is not clear which scent might trigger these feelings until after the reaction has occurred. If this happens, it is best to leave the environment, remove or discard the item, and reach out for support to discuss your experience as soon as possible.

For a complete list of mental health support (Australian residents):  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines