{"id":40118,"date":"2022-02-28T08:30:40","date_gmt":"2022-02-28T15:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/?p=40118"},"modified":"2022-07-27T11:22:57","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T17:22:57","slug":"what-aromatherapy-science-how-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/","title":{"rendered":"The science behind aromatherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1206.4px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>Have you ever smelled something and felt transported back in time? Whether a whiff of warm chocolate chip cookies reminded you of baking with a loved one or the scent of fresh snow made you recall holiday memories, scent can be deeply connected to memory. Smell is a powerful sense, and there\u2019s a science behind why. Let\u2019s take a look at how scents affect the human brain and the science behind aromatherapy!<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #a35d0c\">What is aromatherapy?<\/span> <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Aromatherapy is a holistic modality that uses the complex aromatic compounds of natural plant extracts to support health and promote well-being. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils and is believed in some cultures to support the health of the body, mind, and spirit.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1206.4px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #a35d0c\">How does aromatherapy affect the brain?<\/span> <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s take a step into our lab to dive into the science behind aromatherapy. Get out your white coat and safety googles! Today we\u2019re learning about olfaction\u2014the scientific word for our sense of smell. Because of how our brains are arranged, this sense is most closely tied to our emotions and memories.<\/p>\n<p>When you inhale an aroma, scent molecules interact with the lining of the nose. This tells the neurons there to generate a message for the olfactory bulb, which processes the signal and sends information about the smell to the limbic system\u2014the center of emotion and memory. Interestingly, our other senses do not pass through these same systems. That\u2019s probably why smell can be so powerful! Depending on the information our brain gets from our noses, the scent can activate the immune system, change blood pressure, affect digestion, trigger memories, evoke emotions, and kick off a host of other physiological responses.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #a35d0c\"><strong>What are the psychological effects of aromatherapy?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div style=\"text-align:center;\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\" style=\"max-width:350px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1827\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Woman smelling an essential oil\" title=\"YL_Lifestyle_O_S5_2000_v2_RGB_300_FINAL\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/YL_Lifestyle_O_S5_2000_v2_RGB_300_FINAL-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/YL_Lifestyle_O_S5_2000_v2_RGB_300_FINAL-scaled.jpg\" class=\"lazyload img-responsive wp-image-39222\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271827%27%20height%3D%272560%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201827%202560%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271827%27%20height%3D%272560%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/YL_Lifestyle_O_S5_2000_v2_RGB_300_FINAL-200x280.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/YL_Lifestyle_O_S5_2000_v2_RGB_300_FINAL-400x560.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/YL_Lifestyle_O_S5_2000_v2_RGB_300_FINAL-600x841.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/YL_Lifestyle_O_S5_2000_v2_RGB_300_FINAL-800x1121.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/YL_Lifestyle_O_S5_2000_v2_RGB_300_FINAL-1200x1681.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/YL_Lifestyle_O_S5_2000_v2_RGB_300_FINAL-scaled.jpg 1827w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-2{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1206.4px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><p>Simply stated, when a smell arrives at the limbic system, the brain releases unique neurochemicals, triggering a variety of reactions. This is because the limbic system\u2019s structures can affect mood, memory, cognition, behavior, and emotion. Let\u2019s explore some of those structures:<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve probably heard the word <em>amygdala<\/em> before, but do you remember what it is? Found in the brain\u2019s complex limbic system, the amygdala is an almond-shaped mass that deals with emotional responses, especially negative ones like fear and disgust. Think of it as a lighthouse keeper that\u2019s sending out warnings when dangerous situations arise. It also helps secrete hormones and regulate memories.<\/p>\n<p>Another key part of the limbic system is called the hippocampus. This tiny nub is like the librarian of our brain. It indexes, files, and retrieves our memories (probably while wearing a tiny sweater vest!). It also helps to form long- and short-term memories.<\/p>\n<p>The hypothalamus is another helpful figure in our limbic system. This part of our brain is the engineer that keeps many of our systems running. Body temperature? The hypothalamus is on it! Sleep regulation? It\u2019s got your back. Metabolism, adrenaline, and hormones are also part of its job description. It\u2019s an important emotional center, controlling the molecules that make you feel exhilarated, angry, or unhappy. Some even consider this little guy the epicenter of the mind\/body connection!<\/p>\n<p>Imagine all those powerful parts of the brain working together to process a scent\u2014maybe it\u2019s freshly baked bread or newly cut grass. This is why smell can trigger long-forgotten experiences in an instant. In fact, several studies have shown that smells trigger more intense and vivid emotional memories than pictures. This is why the science behind aromatherapy is so powerful: Our brains are doing a million complex, powerful, amazing things with scent every day!<\/p>\n<\/div><div style=\"text-align:center;\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none\" style=\"max-width:700px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" alt=\"Ember diffuser by the bedside with young living essential oils \" title=\"emberdiffuser citrusfresh\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Ember-Diffuser-2.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Ember-Diffuser-2.jpg\" class=\"lazyload img-responsive wp-image-40136\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271920%27%20height%3D%271281%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201920%201281%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271920%27%20height%3D%271281%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Ember-Diffuser-2-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Ember-Diffuser-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Ember-Diffuser-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Ember-Diffuser-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Ember-Diffuser-2-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Ember-Diffuser-2.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\" style=\"margin-top:2%;\"><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #a35d0c\">How to use essential oils for aromatherapy<\/span> <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>That\u2019s it for science class for today. Don\u2019t worry if you lost the flash cards because the key takeaway is simple: Scent is powerful! It affects the limbic system of the brain in all types of ways. Mood, memory, cognition, emotion, and behavior are all affected. That\u2019s all the aromatherapy science we really need to get started.<\/p>\n<p>So which scent do you want to start with? Earthy oils, woodsy oils, fruity oils, minty oils, floral oils\u2014we\u2019ve got it all! There are also spicy oils, citrusy oils, resinous oils, camphoraceous oils, and herbaceous oils. Because we all have different emotions and memories, each of these oils will have a slightly different effect for each person. However, each of these scent types generally offers the following benefits and influences:<\/p>\n<p>Earthy oils are often considered grounding, stabilizing, calming, and sustaining. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/vetiver-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vetiver<\/a> is an earthy oil, and it\u2019s commonly diffused at bedtime to fill a room with a restful scent.<\/p>\n<p>Woodsy oils have scents that are often thought to have qualities that are centering, steadying, strengthening, and empowering. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/northern-lights-black-spruce-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Northern Lights Black Spruce<\/a> is a great example of a woodsy oil that\u2019s popular to use during a meditation session.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-3{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1206.4px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p>The scents of fruity oils are often described as reviving, mellowing, harmonizing, and cheering. Essential oils and blends like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/citrus-fresh-essential-oil-blend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Citrus Fresh<\/a>\u2122, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/es\/product\/aceite-esencial-de-lima-lime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lime<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/orange-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Orange<\/a> are fun to diffuse after a long day of work to make your space more welcoming.<\/p>\n<p>Minty oils have aromas that are stimulating, energizing, enlivening, and vitalizing. Minty oils are popularly used to apply topically when you are putting pen to paper, brush to canvas, or undertaking any other bold, creative project. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/spearmint-vitality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spearmint<\/a> is one of our favorites!<\/p>\n<p>Floral oils like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/neroli-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Neroli<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/ylang-ylang-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ylang Ylang<\/a> have delicate fragrances that are relaxing, sensual, nurturing, and uplifting. They are so sweet-smelling that they are often used as the top note of high-end fragrances.<\/p>\n<p>Spicy essential oils like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/cinnamon-bark-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cinnamon Bark<\/a> have scents that are invigorating, warming, comforting, and motivating. Because their aromas are reminiscent of favorite holiday treats, these oils are popular during the cold months. These beloved oils are some of the most common to set off happy, cozy memories.<\/p>\n<p>Resinous oils have aromas with qualities that are settling, quieting, consoling, and meditative. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/myrrh-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Myrrh<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/queue.youngliving.com\/softblock\/?c=youngliving&amp;e=prodmain&amp;t=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youngliving.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fproduct%2Fcopaiba-essential-oil&amp;cid=en-US&amp;rticr=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Copaiba<\/a> are resinous oils. These types of oils are popular to use during an invigorating yoga practice.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none\" style=\"max-width:350px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Girl and woman sniffing essential oils \" title=\"YL_D3_Lifestyle_Family Pride_1041\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/YL_D3_Lifestyle_Family-Pride_1041-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/YL_D3_Lifestyle_Family-Pride_1041-scaled.jpg\" class=\"lazyload img-responsive wp-image-40142\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271707%27%20height%3D%272560%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201707%202560%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271707%27%20height%3D%272560%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/YL_D3_Lifestyle_Family-Pride_1041-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/YL_D3_Lifestyle_Family-Pride_1041-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/YL_D3_Lifestyle_Family-Pride_1041-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/YL_D3_Lifestyle_Family-Pride_1041-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/YL_D3_Lifestyle_Family-Pride_1041-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/YL_D3_Lifestyle_Family-Pride_1041-scaled.jpg 1707w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-4{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1206.4px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p>Camphoraceous oils have scents that are stimulating, revitalizing, and renewing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/sage-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sage<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/eucalyptus-globulus-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eucalyptus<\/a> are examples of this type of oil. These oils are used aromatically to brighten up a space and create the sensation of deeper breathing.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, herbaceous oils like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/basil-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Basil<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/youngliving.queue-it.net\/softblock\/?c=youngliving&amp;e=blackfridayweek2023&amp;t=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youngliving.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fproduct%2Flavender-essential-oil&amp;cid=en-US&amp;rticr=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lavender<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/us\/en\/product\/rosemary-essential-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rosemary<\/a> have crisp scents that are clarifying, pacifying, regulating, and balancing. These oils can captivate the senses and are excellent companions for diffuser blends.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #a35d0c\"><strong>How can I do aromatherapy at home?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now that you know the science behind aromatherapy, ask yourself what oil you need today. Maybe you\u2019re looking for a little bit of Lavender during bedtime. Perhaps you want to deepen your yoga practice with a drop of Frankincense on your wrists. Getting ready to take the stage? A bracing breath of Peppermint will invigorate you. Or maybe you want to try something new! Take a moment to look at your oils and find one you don\u2019t use very often. Let yourself be open to whichever oil seems to be calling you at the moment.<\/p>\n<p>For a simple moment of aromatherapy in your day, simply inhale the scent you\u2019ve chosen and focus on your breathing. Let the scent surround you so you can enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n<\/div><div style=\"text-align:center;\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-4 hover-type-none\" style=\"max-width:700px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" alt=\"Sweet Aroma Diffuser in the living room with family\" title=\"sweetaromadiffuser\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SweetAromaDiffuser_LivingRoom_Lifestyle.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SweetAromaDiffuser_LivingRoom_Lifestyle.jpg\" class=\"lazyload img-responsive wp-image-40132\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271920%27%20height%3D%271281%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201920%201281%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271920%27%20height%3D%271281%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SweetAromaDiffuser_LivingRoom_Lifestyle-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SweetAromaDiffuser_LivingRoom_Lifestyle-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SweetAromaDiffuser_LivingRoom_Lifestyle-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SweetAromaDiffuser_LivingRoom_Lifestyle-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SweetAromaDiffuser_LivingRoom_Lifestyle-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SweetAromaDiffuser_LivingRoom_Lifestyle.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\" style=\"margin-top:2%;\"><p>For an experience that lasts all day, add your essential oil of choice to a diffuser, following usage directions, and let the aroma fill your space.<\/p>\n<p>Looking for something more mindful? You can combine 3\u201312 drops of your favorite oils in a bowl of steaming warm water. Lean over the bowl, drape a towel over your head, and deeply inhale the steam. Remember to take a break if you are overheating!<\/p>\n<p>Looking for more aromatherapy insights? Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/\">essential oil aromatherapy<\/a> guide or read about other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/?s=adventures+in+aromatherapy&amp;lang=en\">adventures in aromatherapy.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #a35d0c\"><strong>Which essential oil do you use to treat your senses?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt\">*This post was co-written with\u00a0Ed Dailey RN, RN Patient Advocate, E-500 RYT has been a nurse, yoga teacher, public speaker, author, and educator for more than 26 years. His broad nursing background includes post-surgical care, home care, psychiatry, oncology, integrative medicine, and the operating room. Ed has always been passionate about the delivery of healthcare that comes from his own daily self-care. He is a graduate and former faculty member of the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program that was inspired by Donna Karan, Rodney Yee, and Colleen Yee. Ed has been on the frontline in changing the delivery of health care by implementing two integrative therapy programs at UConn Health Center and Sacred Heart Hospital in Destin, Florida. Ed has been a public educator for Young Living Essential Oils since 2011 and is now working for Young Living full-time as the Director of Holistic Development. He has been active in helping to develop new programs and education that inspire Young Living members all over the globe. He currently lives in Sarasota Florida and TN with his wife Jena and their three sons.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-5{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever wonder what happens to your brain when you inhale Peppermint or catch a whiff of Lemongrass? Join us as we find out with Ed Dailey, our director of Holistic Development! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":40119,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5614,4392],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The science behind aromatherapy | Young Living Blog - US EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A walk-through of what aromatherapy is, plus the science that makes its remarkable benefits possible. Learn more here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The science behind aromatherapy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What\u2019s that smell? It\u2019s science! Explore how essential oil scents affect the brain.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Young Living Blog - US EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/YoungLiving\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-02-28T15:30:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-07-27T17:22:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/blog_The-Science-behind-Aromatherapy_Micrographic_US_CA.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"628\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Young Living\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"The science behind aromatherapy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Get your lab coats! It\u2019s time to look at the science behind aromatherapy.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/blog_The-Science-behind-Aromatherapy_Micrographic_US_CA.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@youngliving\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@youngliving\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Young Living\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The science behind aromatherapy | Young Living Blog - US EN","description":"A walk-through of what aromatherapy is, plus the science that makes its remarkable benefits possible. Learn more here.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The science behind aromatherapy","og_description":"What\u2019s that smell? It\u2019s science! Explore how essential oil scents affect the brain.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/","og_site_name":"Young Living Blog - US EN","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/YoungLiving\/","article_published_time":"2022-02-28T15:30:40+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-07-27T17:22:57+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":628,"url":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/blog_The-Science-behind-Aromatherapy_Micrographic_US_CA.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Young Living","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"The science behind aromatherapy","twitter_description":"Get your lab coats! It\u2019s time to look at the science behind aromatherapy.","twitter_image":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/blog_The-Science-behind-Aromatherapy_Micrographic_US_CA.jpg","twitter_creator":"@youngliving","twitter_site":"@youngliving","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Young Living","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/"},"author":{"name":"Young Living","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/19fa5705eb853487b0445185ffd20186"},"headline":"The science behind aromatherapy","datePublished":"2022-02-28T15:30:40+00:00","dateModified":"2022-07-27T17:22:57+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/"},"wordCount":5679,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/blog_The-Science-behind-Aromatherapy_Header_US_CA.jpg","articleSection":["Essential Oils","Science"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/","url":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/","name":"The science behind aromatherapy | Young Living Blog - US EN","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/blog_The-Science-behind-Aromatherapy_Header_US_CA.jpg","datePublished":"2022-02-28T15:30:40+00:00","dateModified":"2022-07-27T17:22:57+00:00","description":"A walk-through of what aromatherapy is, plus the science that makes its remarkable benefits possible. Learn more here.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/blog_The-Science-behind-Aromatherapy_Header_US_CA.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/blog_The-Science-behind-Aromatherapy_Header_US_CA.jpg","width":1160,"height":445,"caption":"The science behind aromatherapy - Young Living blog"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/what-aromatherapy-science-how-works\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The science behind aromatherapy"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/","name":"Young Living Blog - US EN","description":"The Official Blog of Young Living","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Young Living Essential Oils","url":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/YL_Logo_2022_FULL__1_.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/YL_Logo_2022_FULL__1_.svg","width":363,"height":109,"caption":"Young Living Essential Oils"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/YoungLiving\/","https:\/\/x.com\/youngliving","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCdT6Q7kZNAq7CoXQrvdDK-w"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/19fa5705eb853487b0445185ffd20186","name":"Young Living","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3e1667df062fdfe8a1d3d80bf01147c1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3e1667df062fdfe8a1d3d80bf01147c1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Young Living"},"description":"Official Blog of Young Living Essential Oils","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.youngliving.com"],"url":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/author\/productblog\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40118"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40118"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54986,"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40118\/revisions\/54986"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}