Honor Your Scents

by Anya Wolfenden

"For there is no greater influence in a physical body than the effect of odors upon the olfactory nerves of the body." Edgar Cayce reading [#274-7]

The first of our senses to develop, the sense of smell is hardwired directly into the brain. A scent communicates chemically, without us being aware of thinking about it. This is the physiology behind a "chemical attraction." Our limbic system is additionally responsible for attaching memories to smells, which can cause psychological responses. But scent doesn't only affect our moods, hormones and memories; it promotes spiritual attunement. Aromatherapy has been part of religious ceremony and meditation for thousands of years. Carly Wall writes in The Scented Veil: Using Scent to Awaken the Soul, this "old brain" or "primitive brain" is also where "the doorway to altered states lies."

Volatile essential oils function like plant hormones, protecting the plant from bacteria, molds, and enemies, while attracting pollinators. Tree sap and chlorophyll are molecularly similar to human blood, so it is understandable that a plant's "life blood" has a strong impact on the human body, mind and spirit. Essential oils transmit helpful qualities through the skin or nose to affect the body's physiology. People who regularly use essential oils are sick less often and for less time, because these potent oils naturally repel bacteria, fungus and viruses, and contribute to well-being.

Have you noticed that people like different smells? One friend dislikes the scent of gardenias, which I love. I cannot tolerate lilies for too long, but my neighbor adores them. Lavender gives her headaches while I use it every day in body lotion. Some folks like the smell of gasoline or even the odor of skunks (very organic!). Individual preferences are based on factors such as memory, body chemistry, environment, upbringing, and even birth date.

It's fun to find out what we like! One surprising way of keying into the scents that empower you is to go by your birth sign. Don't take my word for it. Try a mixture of the oils for your astrological sign and element, and see. I found the blends for Aquarius and the overall air element suggested by Scott Cunningham in his book The Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews were "very me."

Begin the journey of personal preference by trial and error, intuition and self knowledge. If you know that grapefruit and lemon are refreshing and uplifting to you, that lavender relaxes, and that you like woodsy scents like cedar, and juniper, then you've got a start. Citruses are top notes, lavender and juniper are middle notes, and cedar is a base note. The idea is to combine all three notes in a balanced-for-you blend. Here's a general list mostly derived from Julia Lawless' excellent book, The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils:

Top Notes: stimulating and uplifting; aroma lasts up to 24 hours
basil, bergamot, caraway, clary sage, coriander, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, petit grain, sage, tea tree

Middle Notes: physically affect body systems and metabolism; aroma lasts 2 - 3 days
aniseed, black pepper, camphor, chamomile, cypress, fennel, geranium, hyssop, juniper, lavender, marjoram, melissa, peppermint, pine needle, rosemary, rosewood, savory, thyme

Base Notes: sedative; aroma can linger for a week or even longer
benzoin, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, marigold, myrrh, nutmeg, neroli (orange blossom), patchouli, rose, sandalwood, tarragon, ylang ylang

A good health food store will have at least one line of essential oil testers. Take cotton balls and chose a scent or two to carry around with you for an hour. As the smell wafts around you, notice your mood. Are you agitated or listless? Does it smell pleasant to you or abrasive? A scent that does not work with your chemistry will feel like pollution. Just think of when a coworker or person next to you on public transportation has overdone their cologne. Necklace diffusers are great ways to wear the scent you have blended.

NOTE: Other than lavender and tea tree oil, always dilute an essential oil before applying to the skin. Never take them internally, and if you are pregnant check with your health practitioner before using. Keep out of reach of children. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and volatile, and can burn the skin. Also keep them away from mucous membranes and eyes.

A standard dilution is 2 - 3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil or 15 - 25 drops in 2 ounces. Good carrier oils are sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba, sesame, peanut, avocado, hazelnut, olive, or a nourishing blend like Aura Glow (Edgar Cayce's formula of pure olive, peanut, lanolin and vitamin E oils). Babies and pregnant women require dilutions of about 1 drop safe essential oil (non-toxic and non-irritant to the skin) per teaspoon of carrier oil.

The therapeutic questions I receive most often are about joint pain, mental clarity, stress/nervous exhaustion, and sleep. Honor your preferences as you choose the mix. For example, if you don't like chamomile it probably will not help you sleep or relax. For specific amounts, try Shirley Price's Practical Aromatherapy: How to Use Essential Oils to Restore Vitality or the amazingly sensual and exotic duo of books by Judy Chapman: Aromatherapy Recipes for Your Oil Burner and More Aromatherapy Recipes From around the World. I found her grounding Zen formula (lime and juniper in orange flower water) to be excellent for clearing my anxious brain during a move, and reestablishing equilibrium on the drive home from work.

Enhancing sleep and relaxation: valerian, lavender, hops, chamomile, lemon balm, bergamot, sandalwood, juniper, ylang ylang

Easing joint pain: marjoram, myrrh, rosemary, sassafras, sweet birch, fir, wintergreen, arnica, in a capsicum or camphor cream base, also Edgar Cayce's Egyptian Oil or Muscle Treat formula

Mental clarity: basil, cardamom, clary sage, cedarwood, dill, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, juniper, Key lime, lemon, peppermint, neroli, rosemary

Sinus congestion: eucalyptus, tolu balsam, benzoin, thyme, camphor and especially Alka-Thyme packs, Cayce's Inspirol Inhalant formula, and Campho-Derm for a chest rub

In this virulent time of disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes, my research and trial blending yielded an effective combination that I feel makes a safe, natural insect repellent: citronella, eucalyptus citriodora, and cedarwood, in a base of neem oil (at least 2 %) and aloe vera gel. This is DEET-free and actually healthy for your skin.

This is just a bud in the extravagant aromatic bouquet. I hope you will feel blessed by the abundance nature offers as you explore your personal scents and therapeutic recipes for a wonderful sense of well-being!

Copyright 2003 by Anya Wolfenden, M.A., director of communications at The Heritage: Health Foods, Café, Books & Gifts, Holistic Center and Heritage (Edgar Cayce) Products, 314 Laskin Rd. Virginia Beach, (757) 428-0100, email: heritage@caycecures.com or website: www.caycecures.com, where these aromatherapy products can be found.