How Essential Oils Effect the emotions and the brain

The Magic of Scent: How Smell Shapes Our Memories, Emotions & Well-being

Our sense of smell is pure magic. It has the power to transport us through time, unlock buried emotions, and even influence our well-being in ways we’re only beginning to understand. You know that moment when a scent hits you, and suddenly, you're right back in your childhood home, breathing in the scent of grandma’s fresh-baked cookies or the wildflowers outside your childhood window? That’s not just nostalgia—it’s the incredible connection between scent, memory, and emotion at work.

The Brain & Scent: A Direct Connection

Unlike our other senses, smell takes a direct route to the brain. When we inhale an aroma, it bypasses the usual sensory processing centers and goes straight to the amygdala (our emotional center) and hippocampus (where memories are stored). That’s why scents have such an immediate and powerful impact on our emotions, often stronger than sight or sound.

Think about it—one whiff of a certain perfume, and you might feel a surge of love, sadness, or comfort. The limbic system, where emotions and memories live, links scents to experiences, creating deep and lasting connections. No wonder certain essential oils can instantly shift our mood or bring a sense of calm!

The Science of Scent & Health

Researchers are discovering that our sense of smell plays a bigger role in overall health than we once thought. It turns out that olfactory receptors aren’t just in our noses; they’re also found in the heart, kidneys, skin, and even our immune cells. This means that scent has the potential to do so much more than just trigger memories—it can actively influence our body’s functions.

Some of the fascinating ways olfactory receptors contribute to health include:

• Regulating heart function

• Supporting digestion

• Aiding in wound healing

• Balancing blood pressure

• Encouraging insulin production (helpful for blood sugar regulation!)

• Even slowing the spread of certain cancer cells

Pretty amazing, right?

Essential Oils & Emotional Well-being

Now, let’s talk about essential oils. These potent plant essences are filled with aromatic molecules that directly interact with our brain, making them a powerful tool for emotional balance and memory support. Here are a few standout oils:

• Citrus Oils (Lemon, Orange, Tangerine) – Uplifting and energizing, citrus oils have been shown to normalize hormone levels and support the immune system in people with depression—sometimes even more effectively than antidepressants!

• Rosemary – Known as the “herb of remembrance,” rosemary has been found to significantly improve short-term memory, especially in teens. Perfect for those moments when you need a little mental boost.

• Lavender – If relaxation had a scent, it would be lavender. Studies show that simply inhaling lavender essential oil helps people feel fresher, more relaxed, and at ease.

The loss of the sense of smell and cognitive impairment

Did you know that the loss of smell can be an early sign of dementia, alzheimers and cognitive impairment?

This shows just how emotions, memory and smell are so intimately connected. It has been suggested that training your brain in odours and smells, and so excercising the sense of smell may prevent dementia.

There is alot of evidence to support this connection as seen here and here

Essential Oils & Emotional Release in Intuartiv Expression™

In my Intuartiv Expression™ practice, essential oils play a key role in emotional release. When combined with creative expression, they help unlock emotions that may be buried deep within. Certain scents, like frankincense for grounding, connecting to to masculine, inner truths, bergamot for emotional balance, self worth and esteem, and ylang-ylang for heart-opening, and inner child healing, create a safe space for self-discovery and transformation. As we paint, sketch, or intuitively create, the inhalation of these oils helps break down emotional walls, allowing for a free flow of energy and expression.

By incorporating essential oils into the creative process, we can bypass the analytical mind and tap directly into our subconscious, bringing healing to emotions we may not even realize we’re holding onto. This deep connection between scent, emotion, and creativity is why Intuartiv Expression is such a powerful tool for self-healing and personal growth.

Bringing the Power of Scent into Your Life

With all this in mind, it’s clear—scent isn’t just a pleasant experience; it’s a powerful tool for well-being. So, take a moment each day to tune into your sense of smell. Breathe deeply, surround yourself with scents that bring you joy, and don’t underestimate the power of essential oils to shift your energy.

Your nose knows more than you think!

Remember however only to chosoe high quality essential oils that have been quality tested as many high street brands have been diluted and cut with other oils making them less effective and also potentially dangerous.

So pull out an oil and inhale its goodness, knowing it's so much more than simply a pleasant smell!