Common Scents For
Emotional Well Being
by: Sam Stevens
Aromatics which include essential oils,
perfume, scented candles and incense, have been used for centuries to
affect the mind (and also, ultimately, the body) in a positive way. This
practice finds its origins in religion and primitive beliefs.
Aboriginal Australians burned the leaves of eucalyptus to fumigate an
area from viruses. Aboriginal Americans use sage and cedar and the
Slavs, such plants as sunflower, pine and garlic peels for the same
purposes. This was done because occult powers were thought to be
sensitive to fragrances and could protect against fever, sorcery,
epidemics and demonic charms.
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Today scents are often used to calm,
uplift or sedate a troubled mind. This is called the psyche-soma
effect. The theory is that the bloodstream might absorb scents
entering the nose and cause a chemical effect in the brain. Here is a
list of common scents you can find in the form of incense, perfumes
and oils that might help you to cope with certain unpleasant emotional
states.
Orange: In tenth century Europe, Arabia
and China orange scents were used to aid with nervousness, epileptic
fits, melancholia and depression. It helps one to relax, regenerate
and calm down. It is comforting, refreshing uplifting and warming and
is used by some to calm down hyperactive children.
Patchouli: This "hippie scent', which
originally came from India has been used since the 1800s has been used
to treat headaches and nausea. It has an earthy, grounding quality
that is excellent for those who feel spacey, dreamy and detached from
their physical bodies.
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Mint: The Greeks and the Romans used
mint to stimulate the circulation, the heart and boost intellect and
memory. It is helpful for headaches and migraine. If you are dozy and
have a big report or deadline, this is this scent you want to have
wafting through the room. It has a soothing and stimulating effect on
the brain. It is also has a long-standing reputation as an
aphrodisiac. This includes both Peppermint and Spearmint.
Vanilla: Made from the seedpods of
orchids, vanilla is a warming, cheering scent that is good for
depression, sorrow, and grief. Its effects are warming and uplifting.
It also has a longstanding reputation as an aphrodisiac.
Cedar: Cedar has a stimulating,
elevating and opening effect on the mind and psyche. It helps relieve
anxiety and quell anxiety, irritation and fear. Cedar is frequent
mentioned in Biblical and Arabic texts as a fragrant wood that
enhances "spiritual power."
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Lavender: Cultivated since ancient
times, this classic floral is used to treat headaches, nervous
tension, depression, sorrow and grief. It is also used to induce
peaceful sleep and increase feelings of well being in general.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon was brought to
central Europe at the time of the crusade where it was used as an
aphrodisiac and for heart problems. Cinnamon is thought to be good for
faintness, weakness, depression, nervous exhaustion and other stress
related conditions.
Eucalyptus: This Australian herb is
thought to relieve blocked states of mind as well as balance out the
emotions and relieve mood swings. It is good for sluggishness and the
fresh aroma is thought to have a revitalising, stimulating effect on
the nervous system as a whole.
Frankincense: This scent, which is also
known as olibanum finds its origins in Eygptian, Persian, Babylonian,
Green, Roman and Christian culture. In aromatherapy it is currently
used to relieve depression, poor memory and to strengthen the nerves.
It is also used as a psychoactive substance to expand consciousness.
Ginger: A stimulant and an aphrodisiac,
ginger are considered to be a powerful nerve tonic that is good for
exhaustion and metal fatigue. It has a comforting, warming and uplift
effect on the mind and soul.
Jasmine: This scent, which is known as
the Queen of the Night in India because the scent of the flower is
stronger at night, is thought to be a natural anti-depressant. This
sensual scent is thought to release inhibitions and liberate the
imagination. It is used for depression, nervous exhaustion, apathy,
indifference, listlessness, lack of confidence and impotence.
Rose: Psychologically, the scent of
rose has a powerful effect. It is used to increase concentration,
regulate the appetite and overcoming obesity. It creates a feeling of
calm, well-being and in some, even happiness. It is used to treat
grief, sorrow, frigidity, jealousy, shock and depression.
About The Author
Sam Steven's metaphysical articles
have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has
published several books. You can meet Sam Stevens at
http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional
psychic. You can also read more of her articles at
http://www.newagenotebook.com where she is the staff writer.
Currently she is studying technology's impact on the metaphysics.
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