Essential oils seem to have once been an unheard-of concept and now they have been appearing all over, around stores.
Each type of oil is unique and will have certain moods that are associated with.
Lauren Shelton, licensed massage therapist (L.M.T) in the AU medical clinic, explains why essential oils can cause this phenomenon.
The only part of the brain that is exposed to the outside world, which is also found in the nose, is called the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is then connected to the limbic systems which transmits emotions, regulates stress, balances mood and blood pressure.
Because of this, certain smells will almost trigger certain emotions. The effects a smell will create differs based on the person, but there are some smells that have common reactions to most people.
For instance, Evan Godwin, Absolute Therapy business owner, notes Lavender, Marjoram, Patchouli, Mandarin, Chamomile and Geranium can all be helpful for stress relief.
While Peppermint, Jasmine or any citrus ones like Tangerine are good to help one feel energized Godwin said.
As far as usage of essential oils, one common way is with a diffuser. Yet, there is also the option of applying it directly to the skin such as on the wrist, temples, or back of the head Godwin said.
However, Shelton adds when applying on body parts it's important to use a carrier oil to help dilute the essential oils, so it doesn't irritate the skin. She recommends six to twelve drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil as a good proportion.
Another option is the raindrop technique which is a special training anyone with a license to touch, such as a nurse or doctor, can perform. It's not just performed by a massage therapist although they too can do this technique. It uses around 12 different oils and involves a lighting rubbing motion to apply them to the skin Shelton said.
When it comes to the safety of essential oil use, it mostly is about being aware and taking precautions.
Godwin comments to be careful around infants when using a lot of essential oils since they tend to be more sensitive to things in the air. Also, for some people, allergies may be an issue.
When applying oils to the skin, it may be important to be mindful of certain medications or medical conditions that may not react well to certain oils. One example would be any liver complications since everything on the skin will be processed by the liver Shelton said.
When it comes to diffusing, the main thing to keep in mind is pet's sensitivity Shelton said.
As long as essential oils are used in a cautious and thoughtful manner, it can be a good option to aid people.
“If someone is stressed out or something, we can give them a scent to smell and then immediately they are brought to like this calm, relaxed state where they feel safe and I think that’s a really powerful tool to be able to help positively influence someone’s emotions with things that the earth gives us," Shelton said.
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Abigail Murphy, senior in journalism with minors in history and women and gender studies, is the operations managing editor at The Auburn Plainsman.
