Posts from — October 2009

New Developments in the Sciences of Scent and Smell

by maryclare

New Developments in the Science of Scent

Why is it than when most people smell apple pie cooking in the oven, their minds are flooded with a sense of wellbeing and memories of holidays, warmth and happiness. Peppermint elicits focus and attention, and has the added benefit of curbing appetite. The aroma of sour apple, like peppermint, also has a suppressing effect on appetite. Lavender is a stress reducing and relaxing smell. While Ginger settles the stomach. Different Aromas stimulate olfactory receptors that are wired to different regions of the brain.  These aromas trigger specific emotional responses as well as pleasant memories and behavioral responses. Knowing this information can change the choices people make towards improving their general health and wellbeing.

Peppermint

When I proctored exams as at teacher, I would carry a bag of peppermints with me as I perused the aisles, stopped at each desk and answered questions. I would often offer a word of encouragement while placing a peppermint on the desks to award students for progress.  Most students quickly gobbled up the mint.  At the time, I understood mints to be a small token of encouragement during a grueling exam process.  After a meeting with Dr. Mary Maida at Clerisy Corporation in Rochester, N.Y., I learned that the smell of peppermint increases focus and attention and has the behavioral response of improving an individual performance. In other words, the mere act of sucking on a peppermint while studying or taking an exam stimulates memory and promotes learning. The behavioral effects of being better able to focus may directly improve learning and can potentially lead to higher grades.

Ginger

I am a lover of ginger ale. When I was a child, I remember my mother giving me ginger ale when I had a sick stomach and a headache.  I always assumed it was the sugar and bubbly soda, that made me feel better. Although this may be true to an extent, according to Dr. Maida, the underlying science points to the fact that ginger is a natural treatment for a nausea or upset stomach.  Why?  Because the shape of ginger vapor molecules that are derived from concentrated extracts of giner root stimulate appropriate receptors on the olfactory (nasal) nerve ending located in the upper portion of your nasal cavity.  This interaction triggers brain signals and processes in the anti-nausea regions of brain.  The cascade of hormonal and neurochemical changes that takes place in brain promotes the relief from queaziness and nausea.

Lavender

Why is it that so many perfumes, soaps, and candles  are infused with the essence of lavender, I wondered?  Whenever  I smell lavender, my mind instantly associates the smell with an expensive spa, a great message or a sunny spring day. Again this is no accident, since the scent produced by lavender oil and vapors has the therapeutic effect of decreasing stress and promoting relaxation.  In my experience, the aroma of lavender in the air triggers emotional responses and fond memories of being stress free, relaxed, pampered, and loved. This explains why many spas couple the smell of lavender with relaxation messages, facials, and other treatments intended to decrease stress and tension and instill a relaxed state of mind and being.

Eucalyptus

Most people know eucalyptus as being standard fare for the Panda. The therapeutic value of eucalyptus is as a decongestant. Quite simply the when the light aroma of eucalyptus vapors meets the delicate nerve endings in the nasal passages, there is a direct neural connection to areas of the brain that promote relief  from congesting. This is why humidifiers and nasal decongestants are often infused with essential oils extracted from the eucalyptus plant.

New Developments in Therapeutic Scents

Although interesting, this information has important medical and therapeutic implications.  Concentrated oils and vapors from all-natural sources have the ability to affect health, wellness, and overall  quality of life.   Beyond influencing  areas such as learning, memory, relaxation, stress, and the feeling of nausea, smell can be used as a tool to increase sexual function and decrease the urge to overeat.   Newly produced over-the-counter medical products are emerging to provide new delivery methods and solutions to many current and emerging health challenges.  In December, Medical Health Supply, Inc. will have the honor to introduce a new patented product  and delivery system that capitalizes on the elegant design and function of your nasal system in combination with all-natural oils and vapors to help you achieve your health and wellness goals. For a sneak preview, visit www.clerisycorp.com. To learn more about natural products and cures, visit  http://www.healthnbeautyshop.com , or read interesting articles on the Medical Health Suppply Guide Blog at http://blog.medicalhealthsupply.com. Medical equipment and adaptive supplies can be ordered at http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com   The Nutraceutic products offered at http://www.healthnbeautyshop.com are among the highest quality in the world.  To learn more about natural cures and products visit HealthnBeautyShop online