I almost lost my scruples when I lost my sense of smell
I got covid-19 on December 2022 and when I lost my sense of smell and taste. I was absolutely miserable. Not only did I feel awful in general but the fact that I couldn't use these two senses affected my emotional health because I actively use all of my senses in my self-healing work.
One of the things I tried is inhaling two essential oils to restore my sense of smell and worked. I inhaled eucalyptus and rosemary for a few moments. You can see the exact way by checking this article: https://www.henryford.com/blog/2022/01/regaining-sense-of-smell-and-taste-after-covid.
This experience led me to think about the essential oil fragrances I already use in my wellness coaching work and want to share more about aromatherapy as a way to use fragrance functionally.
Functional fragrance is a type of fragrance that is designed to serve a specific purpose beyond simply smelling good. Rather than being used solely for aesthetic purposes, functional fragrances are formulated to provide specific benefits for the user, such as improving mood, reducing stress, increasing focus, or promoting relaxation.
Functional fragrances often contain a blend of essential oils and other natural or synthetic ingredients that are chosen for their therapeutic properties. For example, lavender essential oil is commonly used in functional fragrances designed to promote relaxation and improve sleep, while peppermint essential oil is often used in fragrances designed to boost energy and improve focus.
These fragrances are designed to interact with the body's olfactory system, which is closely linked to the brain and can have a powerful effect on mood, emotions, and well-being. When we inhale certain scents, they can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which can promote feelings of happiness and well-being.
Functional fragrances can be used in a variety of settings, including in personal care products, home fragrances, and even in public spaces such as offices and hotels, I certainly do. By providing a subtle but effective way to improve mood and promote well-being, functional fragrances are becoming an increasingly popular way to enhance our daily lives.
How does functional fragrance affect mood?
Functional fragrances can affect mood in several ways. Here are some of the key mechanisms:
Olfactory System: Functional fragrances are designed to interact with the olfactory system, which is closely linked to the brain's limbic system, the area responsible for emotions, memories, and motivation. When we inhale certain scents, they can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which can promote feelings of happiness and well-being.
Psychophysiological Responses: In addition to affecting the brain, functional fragrances can also trigger physiological responses in the body, such as changes in heart rate, breathing, and skin conductance. For example, the scent of lavender has been shown to reduce heart rate and promote relaxation, while the scent of peppermint has been shown to increase alertness and cognitive performance.
Associative Learning: Over time, we can associate certain scents with specific experiences or memories, which can trigger emotional responses when we encounter those scents again. For example, the smell of freshly baked cookies might remind us of our childhood and trigger feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
Personal Preference: Finally, personal preference can also play a role in how functional fragrances affect mood. Some scents may be more appealing or effective for certain individuals, depending on their personal history, culture, and individual preferences.
Functional fragrances can affect mood by interacting with the olfactory system, triggering psychophysiological responses, associating with memories and experiences, and appealing to personal preferences. Not only can you enjoy the sheer pleasure of fragrances, but you can also choose scents that affect your mood and health in many positive ways.
Wishing You Wholeness