"Every plant, animal or inanimate thing has an odour and one peculiar to itself, but in many cases it is not obvious to us. Thus things which appear to us to have no odour give forth one of which other animals are conscious... The two senses of taste and smell are akin to each other, wherefore it is through things which appeal to the taste as well as those which appeal to the sense of smell that men try to discover fragrant odours". Theophrastus
When we inhale a pleasant perfume, we feel impatient for the next breath as we find it has a relaxing and helpful influence. If we pick up an obnoxious odour, we frown, become tense and irritable until we are free of its influence.
Although the basic function of olfaction is in warning us of danger and so is a protective sense, another aspect increases our sense of enjoyment of life. We can increase our awareness of olfaction and even cultivate it in order to enrich our appreciation of life, particularly natural life, as when we inhale the perfume of a rose or enjoy the freshness of the forests.
Our sense of smell is directly related to our respiration. It is intimately connected with the memory centres of the brain which file away previous sense memories and experiences. Different scents can unconsciously or consciously affect or trigger our moods, our deep emotions and our thoughts, depending upon our associated experiences. By a subtle whiff of perfume or scent from our past, we can be instantly transported in time. We all have been 'taken back' at some time by the reminder of a special scent or perfume. This demonstrates one of its greatest inherent powers. But this is not the only power that aromatics possess.
It is interesting to know of the many uses of perfume in the past. The most common use of fragrant rushes of course was in attempts to overcome unsanitary conditions where bad odours usually had to be endured. in conditions where deep breathing would have been difficult. Cottage gardens, in addition to the pure aesthetical value, featured scented plants to help improve the immediate atmosphere.
Perfumes were also used in the art of healing. It may seem strange to us that Egyptian priests of long ago used inhalation of a perfumed oil as a treatment for epilepsy or to ward off the plague, but there are many modern scientific tests involving the efficacy of essential oils as antiseptics, antivirals and in the healing of certain symptoms of disease.
Beyond the obvious benefit and enjoyment of perfumes it is now becoming recognized that natural scents have a positive value in healing and helping the mind and emotions. It has developed into a subtle science with many practitioners employing the art in helping relieve psychological as well as physical stresses and strains.
As the finest natural perfumes can help to make us feel good and to elevate our consciousness, or calm our mood so there are odours which are heavy, damaging to our cells and depress our consciousness. These can cause irritation to our brain and nervous system to the extent that even brain damage or mental derangement can result. Glue "sniffing" is a common example amongst the young people hoping for a passport to a heavenly state but sadly experiencing the opposite. A negative experience can result after deep inhalation of a chemical or synthetic aromatic substance. That is why any claim of aromatherapy is based upon the use of an natural essential oil only.
Perfume directly affects the brain and has both a physiological and a psychological effect - an effect upon our respiration and breathing, as well as upon our moods and thoughts.
It can also help to create a strong influence upon our environment and immediate atmosphere of the office or home, but care should be used in selecting sprays for this purpose.
The science of aromatics is advancing, but is hampered to a large extent by the fact that it will always be subjective, depending upon the individual reaction. Valuable work is continuing with professionals who offer aromatherapy in combination with massage and relaxation. Although some would consider it is a rather superficial indulgence, others experience greater benefit if the appropriate oils and perfumes are applied. So it is vitally important that attention is given to the personality, character and needs of each individual, else such treatment can be reduced to just another technique for relaxation.
When selecting a body perfume for oneself it can be that the somewhat confusing array of commercial products makes choice difficult. Remember the powerful and wonderful selection of natural oils which can offer you a simpler but satisfying range of attractive scents which can also make you feel good.
Of the range of essential oils it is possible to select ones which are stimulating or calming, relaxing or vitalizing, masculine of feminine in influence - with some of the most popular being rose, lavender, pine, sandalwood, vanilla, bergamot, petitgrain, cedarwood, neroli, cypress, ylang-ylang, boronia, jasmine and lemon-each having a different application and each offering a unique benefit.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Aromatherapy