How Aromatherapy Works: Understanding the Science Behind Scent

Aromatherapy has been a huge part of our lives, so much so that we created a business to be able to share its benefits with more people. Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic purposes, such as stress reduction, pain relief, and improved sleep quality. While aromatherapy has been used for centuries, it wasn't until recent years that the scientific community began to explore the science behind scent and its effects on the body and mind.

The Science Behind Scent Perception

The olfactory system is an intricate system that allows us to detect and process odours. The olfactory receptors, which are located in the nose, are specialised cells that are responsible for detecting odour molecules in the air. When we inhale a scent, odour molecules bind to these receptors, triggering electrical signals that travel through the olfactory nerves to the olfactory bulb, which is located in the brain.

The olfactory bulb then processes these signals and sends them to the olfactory cortex, which is responsible for interpreting and identifying scents. The olfactory cortex is located in the temporal lobe of the brain, which is also involved in memory, emotion, and language.

The limbic system, which is a part of the brain involved in emotions and memory, plays a critical role in scent perception. When we inhale a scent, it can trigger the limbic system, which can influence our mood, behaviour, and emotions. The limbic system is connected to the olfactory cortex, and together they play a role in forming associations between scents and emotions.

For example, the scent of lavender has been shown to promote relaxation and calmness. This is because lavender activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's relaxation response. The parasympathetic nervous system helps to slow down the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and promote relaxation. The scent of peppermint, on the other hand, can increase alertness and energy. This is because peppermint stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for the body's sensation of coolness and can increase feelings of alertness and energy.

We incorporate the science behind scent perception in our core ranges by including lavender and peppermint essential oils. Our Made By Coopers Sleepy Head Range and Focus Blend utilise these essential oils to provide targeted benefits for relaxation and energy, respectively. By understanding the science behind scent perception, we can use essential oils to create specific moods and promote positive well being.

Essential Oils and Their Chemical Properties

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are extracted from flowers, leaves, roots, and other plant parts. These oils contain a variety of chemical components, such as terpenes and other aromatic compounds, that are responsible for their therapeutic properties.

Terpenes, which are found in many essential oils, have been shown to have a variety of effects on the body, such as reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and promoting relaxation. For example, the terpene linalool, which is found in lavender oil, has been shown to have sedative and anxiolytic effects, making it an excellent choice for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Other chemical components found in essential oils, such as aldehydes, ketones, and esters, have also been shown to have therapeutic properties. For example, the aldehyde citral, which is found in lemon oil, has been shown to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, while the ketone 1,8-cineole, which is found in eucalyptus oil, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been shown to have a variety of therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, relieving pain and inflammation, boosting the immune system, and improving cognitive function and memory.

One of the ways aromatherapy can reduce stress and anxiety is by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's relaxation response. When we inhale the scent of lavender, for example, it can help to slow down the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and promote relaxation.

In addition, aromatherapy can also improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that inhaling the scent of lavender which is in our Sleepy Head range, for example, can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.

Aromatherapy has also been shown to have pain-relieving properties, as certain essential oils such as rosemary can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. For example, peppermint oil has been shown to have analgesic properties and can be used topically to relieve sore muscles and headaches.

Furthermore, some essential oils, such as eucalyptus and tea tree oil, have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can boost the immune system and help to fight off infections.

Finally, certain essential oils have been shown to have cognitive-enhancing properties, such as improving memory and concentration. For example, the scent of rosemary has been shown to improve cognitive performance and memory retention.

Aromatherapy Techniques

There are several techniques for using essential oils in aromatherapy, including inhalation, topical application, and ingestion. Inhalation is the most common method and can be done using diffusers, steam inhalation, or direct inhalation. Topical application involves applying essential oils to the skin through massage, bath, or compress. Ingestion, while less common, involves ingesting essential oils orally.

Aromatherapy is a natural and effective way to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, relieve pain, boost the immune system, and improve cognitive function and memory. Understanding the science behind scent perception and the chemical properties of essential oils can help us to choose the right oils for specific therapeutic purposes and to use them safely and effectively. Whether you prefer inhalation, topical application, or ingestion, incorporating aromatherapy into your daily routine can provide numerous benefits for your physical and mental health.

We use only the highest quality essential oils in our products to ensure that our customers receive the full therapeutic benefits of each scent. We carefully select and blend our essential oils to create synergistic effects that enhance the benefits of each individual oil. With hundreds of 5* reviews, we take great pride in having the best combinations of scents to offer!