The Nose Knows! ~~ Part 1 ~~

Stop. Take a deep breath. What did you smell? Were you paying attention to the scents surrounding you? No? Then try it again, only this time really concentrate on what your nose knows. And then, think about the way it makes you feel...

If you had to single out the most important sense you possess which one would it be? Or, if you had to eliminate one of your five senses which one would you choose? Well before you send the scent-sniffer to the chopping block let me tell you about the power of Aromatherapy. I often wonder which is faster, the sense of smell or sight? I mean we can smell the rain before it falls. We can smell whatever item we are baking is done before opening the oven door. And how many times have you known it was time to change that diaper without having to look? I think you get the point. So, how can you put this power to good use? AROMATHERAPY.

The sense of smell is what links us physically and emotionally to our memories. Some good and some bad, aromas have a way of flipping the pictures in our mind. We tend to associate the scent that was present during the moments we capture. What are your favorite smells? Mine are easy, (in no particular order)here are the top 3:
Cherry Pipe Tobacco - reminds me of my Grandfather, Poppy. He always carried an open bag of tobacco in his car to keep it smelling fresh. (Great tip. Really works. You ought to try it as tobacco is a natural deodorizer)When he passed, I placed a small bag in his coffin for the long trip home {{sniff}} I miss you Poppy!
Dove Soap - reminds me of my Grandmother, Mommy. The only soap she has ever used since I was born.
Grilling meat - who doesn't love THAT smell. The quintessential smell of summer. Bringing the memories of backyard BBQ's, fresh cut grass, iced cold lemonade and getting to stay up late playing 'Ghost in the Graveyard'...yep, good times.
All of those feelings brought on by simple inhalation.

So in the first part of this series, I would like to bring to your attention some common scents and how they can affect you personally. Lets start with some common bouquets.

The oils to try if you want to improve concentration (these are especially good for homework or if you work from home) are:

Eucalyptus
Juniper
Clove
Peppermint

If your aim is to try and relax the mind rather than stimulate it, the old tried and tested favorite essential oil has to be lavender. The smell of lavender oil is synonymous with calm and really does work – it’s good for children’s bedtime in a vaporiser – or after a long day at work. You can also add lavender oil to a warm bath, it’s one of the few essential oils that can be used in this way. Other oils that promote relaxation are:

Chamomile
Patchouli
Clary Sage

And if you are wanting a mood of sensuality and seduction, some oils to try are:

Sandalwood
Ylang Ylang
Jasmine

I hope this article is of interest because these essential oils are not just for perfuming the air. There are medicinal uses, domestic uses, garden pest remedies, and holistic veterinary care all associated with essential oils. We will explore some of these recipes and remedies in future Blogs to come. So, Stay Tuned and Happy Sniffing!

The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them.
Ecclesiasticus 38:4