The aromatherapy It is probably not the first tool you think of to boost your productivity, but there are several scientific studies that prove the effect that smells have on the brain.
He sense of smell It is considered the most sensitive of our senses and has a stronger connection with memory and emotions than any other sense. It is believed to be the strongest sense in humans, with prominent connectivity to the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and emotion.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is believed to work by stimulating olfactory receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions and memory.
Aromatherapy for everyday life
For its part, the Cleveland Clinic points out that when inhaled, aromatherapy essential oils stimulate the brain, spinal cord and nerves, initiating a chain of signals in the brain and chemical responses throughout the body. Essential oils release small molecules into the air, which trigger these reactions.
Here is a list of seven essential oils and their effects on the brain, based on research and expert recommendations:
Lavender
It is known to help relieve stress, pain and improve sleep. Lavender has historically been used as a cleaning agent in hospitals before the discovery of antiseptics.
Tea tree
It is mainly used as an antiseptic, antimicrobial or antifungal. Additionally, it has been found to help resolve acne more quickly.
Frankincense Oil
Known as the “king of oils,” it helps with inflammation, mood, and sleep. It has also been shown to improve asthma and may prevent gum disease.
Mint
It is known to be anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial. It also helps relieve headaches, combat fatigue, improve mood, reduce intestinal spasms, and support digestion and memory.
Eucalyptus
It is useful during cold season to relieve nasal congestion and open airways. It also relieves pain and fights the herpes simplex virus thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemon
Known to reduce anxiety and depression, relieve pain, reduce nausea, and kill bacteria. A study suggests that aromatherapy with essential oils such as lemon could improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Rosemary
This plant is known for being the “paracetamol of herbalism”. It is ideal for “getting up” on Monday mornings as it improves memory retention. Rosemary has stimulating properties that combat physical fatigue, headaches and mental fatigue.
Aromatherapy for therapeutic benefits has been practiced for centuries. Essential oils especially impact the limbic system, the emotional center of the brain, when inhaled. Clinical trials have examined whether essential oils can relieve conditions such as anxiety, depression, nausea and insomnia.
Remember that aromatherapy is complementary and should not replace traditional time management and productivity practices. Also, if you work in a shared space, consider other people’s sensitivity to odors.
Editorial Team The editorial team of EMPRENDEDOR.com, which for more than 27 years has worked to promote entrepreneurship.