7 Scents that Foster your Wellbeing
As one of the five ways in which we connect with the world around us, smell is a powerful trigger of memories, moreso than any of our other senses. We've all smelt something that has transported us back in time, experiencing vivid emotions as they were back then. When you get a whiff of pine trees, you're reminded of summer camp. When you smell freshly baked muffins, you may think of baking in your mom's kitchen. It is no coincidence smell is intimately linked with memory; there is science backing why we treasure these aromas. The part of our brain that processes smell, the olfactory bulb, is directly linked to the emotional centre of our brain, creating a sense of nostalgia with a simple sniff. Scents, unlike taste or touch, are directly correlated with past experiences. Memory-inducing powers aside, aromas have a significant impact on our mind and body. We've highlighted 7 scents that boost wellbeing through aromatherapy. 1. Lavender can help you sleep Well-known for its calming and soothing effects upon inhaling, lavender has been used as a remedy for an array of ailments, including anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It has been added to baths historically to help purify the body and spirit. Perhaps its most powerful feature is that it's able to help treat insomnia. In folklore, restless sleepers stuffed their pillows with lavender flowers. This would slow down nervous system activity, enhance sleep quality, promote relaxation, and improve mood in those suffering from sleep disorders - and this is backed by science. Try adding a couple of drops to your pillow before you go sleep. Further reading: 9 Natural Remedies for Anxiety 
2. Cinnamon boosts brain function As one of the world's most popular spices, cinnamon has some fantastic health benefits when consumed and inhaled. When consumed, it's been found to help lower blood sugar and ward off Alzheimer's disease. Aside from consuming cinnamon, the aroma of cinnamon fosters brain function. One study found that chewing cinnamon flavoured gum improved cognitive processing in participants. Compared to peppermint and jasmine, cinnamon significantly produced positive effects on brain function specifically related to attention processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory and visual-motor speed. Try keeping a bottle of cinnamon oil on your desk to help boost concentration at work or home. 
3. Pine can reduce stress Known for its strong, woody, fresh, coniferous scent, pine refreshes the mind and soothes emotions. Pine as a stress management tool helps reduce anxiety. See our blog post 9 Natural Remedies for Anxiety to learn what participants in a Japanese study experienced as they walked through a pine forest. 
4. Citrus boosts energy levels and alertness Instead of a cup of coffee, opt for citrus as a pick-you-up. The invigorating smell of lemon and orange scents help boost energy and alertness. According to a study conducted at a University in Holland, citrus aroma was found to increase physical activity, reduce response times in young participants and diminish negative emotions. 
5. Vanilla can lift your mood Medical studies have revealed that the scent of vanilla decreases stress and anxiety. Cancer patients that underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a diagnostic procedure known to be stressful, described a huge 63 per cent less anxiety when heliotropin (a vanilla fragrance) was administered during the procedure. Another study published in Chemical Senses Journal revealed that taking a whiff of vanilla bean amplified participants' feelings of joy and relaxation. The results were presented on a mood map, which measures emotions ranging from happy and relaxed to depressed and apathetic.
Ted Major6. Peppermint may enhance concentration Peppermint is commonly known for its cooling and relaxing effects, and because it's an effective relaxant it is often used to treat sufferers of stress, anxiety, and restlessness. A study at the University of Cincinnati showed that test subjects who were exposed to the aroma of peppermint demonstrated increased performance on tasks requiring ongoing focus. Further research may be required to confirm this as "hard science". Skeptics argue that peppermint is more likely to enhance performance in common tasks. 
7. Jasmine helps with restful sleep Considered to be one of the most exotic scents, jasmine has been described as smelling heavenly, sensuously rich, intense, sweet and warm with fruity undertones. Like lavender, drops of jasmine oil can also be applied to your pillow before going to bed if you have trouble sleeping. In fact, one study revealed that compared to the scent of lavender, inhaling jasmine resulted in greater sleep efficiency and reduced sleep movement. Another 2010 study found that not only does the scent of jasmine enhance alertness, it can also be a way to help aid the relief depression by uplifting mood. 
For quick reference here's a list of essential oils and their suggests uses: Calming: Lavender, vanilla, sandalwood Waking up: Peppermint, rosemary, lemon or orange peels Soothing: Ginger, pine needles We encourage you to introduce these aromas into your life and to monitor how you feel to determine positive change.