Scents
and
sensibility
The scents from some
essential oils can help
calm the mind and
relax the body
by SUJA NATARAJAN
cent a;ects emotions, moods and
memories. The olfactory sensory
neurons, which register smell, are
connected to the limbic system
and amygdala-brain structures that regulate
emotions, memories and moods. Aroma-
therapy draws on the therapeutic properties
of scents derived from plants to harmonize
the body and mind.
Essential oils have long been used as
a holistic treatment to improve mental,
physical and emotional health. New York–
based Costco member Rupinder Mangat,
an aromatherapy specialist, explains,
“[While] the smell of certain essential oils
can quicken the breath [and the] heart rate
and raise blood pressure, it can also turn on
the parasympathetic nervous system and
relax the body.”
The following essential oils are among
those said to relieve anxiety and stress, and
relax the body.
Eucalyptus. Strong-scented eucalyptus
essential oil can help improve mental clarity.
A study that followed a group of patients
during continuous passive motion after total
knee surgery, published in Evidence-Based
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
(June ;;;;), showed that eucalyptus oil
activates the parasympathetic nervous system
of the body to boost relaxation. “Eucalyptus oil
works great if I am overly stressed or [my]
immune system is weak,” says Claudia Matles,
a Southampton, New York–based, yoga, Pilates
and wellness instructor.
Geranium. A gentle ;oral scent, along with
antimicrobial and analgesic properties, helps
geranium essential oil lighten the mood at
home or o;ce. “Geranium is a great nerve
tonic and may calm blood pressure if you
su;er from stress-induced hypertension and
heart-racing attacks,” says Ontario, Canada–
based Costco member Nadine Artemis, an
aromatherapy expert. Matles says she uses a
few droplets of geranium and rose oils in her
daily bath, along with a carrier oil (vegetable
oil used to dilute essential oils) and Epsom
salts, to feel rejuvenated and peaceful.
Lavender. Lavender is one of the most
versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy.
“Lavender is considered a nervous system
restorative and helps with inner peace, sleep,
restlessness, irritability, panic attacks and
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Geranium
COSTCO
CONNECTION
A variety of essential
oils, as well as aromatherapy oil di;users,
can be found on
Costco.com.