Smells Like Science: The Startling Truth About Aromatherapy

‍
It's likely you know someone who swears by essential oils. Your neighbor, coworker, or former high school acquaintances on Facebook might even sell various essential oil blends, promoting their use for cold remedies, mood boosters, or even household cleaners. So, what's the deal with these alleged multi-use bottled fragrances and do you need to rekindle an ancient Facebook friendship to receive their benefits?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit, enhancing both physical and emotional health. The term “aromatherapy” has only been recognized since the 1900s, but the concept of this healing source has been around for thousands of years. In fact, Egyptians used perfumes to treat diseases and the Greek physician Dioscorides even wrote books on essential oils and their healing properties.

But does it work? You'd be surprised! The olfactory bulb that recognizes smells is part of the limbic system. This part of the brain is responsible for our emotions, memories and feelings. Through the interaction with the limbic system, essential oils can strongly influence mood, depending on the scent.

Backed By Science ‍

The Department of Psychiatry at Mie University School of Medicine, Japan found that patients with depression needed smaller doses of antidepressant medications after treatments of citrus fragrance being applied to the body.

Recent studies have also shown that aromatherapy can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood in patients waiting for dental treatment. The scent of lavender reduced anxiety, made patients feel calmer, and even boosted mood. Citrus essential oils — orange in particular — was noted for being comforting in waiting rooms as well. i+i used these these scientific studies and anecdotal evidence as the foundation of our formulations. Our Dry Oil Body Mist pairs CBD, moringa oil, and jojoba oil with grapefruit and lime essential oils. The combination of citrus boosts the mood and evokes memories of warm, happy days spent on the beach.

‍

‍

i+i designed our Bath Tea Blends with CBD and specially chosen botanicals and essential oils to enhance the natural healing of warm salt baths. The Fresh + Fierce Bath Tea, for example, contains citrus essential oils and rose buds. Both scents are know for their energizing and anxiety-reducing properties — perfect for a weekend soak after the dreaded holiday errands. Lavender is the key essential oil in our Calm + Collected blend while eucalyptus, known for giving your immune system an extra boost, has the ability to enhance concentration and has historically been used as a powerful treatment against respiratory issues and congestion. It's the perfect addition to our Happy + Health blend, which we recommend for curing the winter blues.

If you're not ready to jump right into the world of Aromatherapy by collecting essential oils, you can still take advantage of plant-based mind, body, and soul healing! Whether it's burning a fragrant candle or soaking in a relaxing i+i Bath Tea blend, take a deep breath — it's science!