Aromatherapy is a fun way to improve your mood and he alth. The smell of juniper removes fatigue, rose - slows down the heart rate, calms down. Jasmine flowers have an antidepressant scent, the scent of jasmine has a relaxing effect.
People noticed long ago thatsmellinfluences their well-being, and they used it in various ways, e.g. Egyptian doctorsessential oilsplants healed depressions.
You too can use the aroma propertiesplants . Both medicinal and fragrant ones only for our pleasure. In the spa parks in Y alta in the Crimea, for example, several microbiocenotic zones for natural aromatherapy have been designed for patients with lung and respiratory diseases.
Be sure to read:Bet on the scent
Well, not everyone can go to the Crimea, but everyone can enjoy natural aromatherapy, spraying aromatic oils of the selected fragrance around them, growing fragrant flowers at home, planting appropriate plants in boxes on the window, balcony or home garden .
Aromatherapy - through the nose to the brain
The sense of smell is our most sensitive sense. The surface of the olfactory zone of the nose is small - only 5 cm2 , but it houses about 1 million olfactory nerve endings. In order for an impulse to arise, approx. 8 molecules of a fragrant substance should be present at the end of the olfactory nerve. The sensation of smell arises when not less than 40 nerve fibers are simultaneously excited. The resulting electrical impulse is sent to the emotional center of the brain. From there, the impulses are transferred via nerve fibers to specialized sensory nerves, which enable the reception of smells - so it is no coincidence that we say that the smell is "felt".
Aromatic substances, such as painkillers, work by reducing the activity of the nerve endings that transmit the pain signal. Relaxation oils have a similar effect on the nerves that trigger muscle activity. Pine oil works effectively on the nervous connections that govern the respiratory system, therefore it is a valuable antitussive agent.
Effects of essential oils
The scent of thyme, rosemary and geranium increases blood pressure. On the other hand, phytoncides (volatile substances of Fr.action, among others bactericidal) of juniper, lavender, sage, lemon balm reduce them. But plant aromas primarily affect our well-being. They have the following properties:
- antidepressants - chamomile, geranium, sage, basil, jasmine (not to be confused with jasmine), lavender, orange flowers;
- calming - lavender, orange, chamomile, sage, rose, hyssop flowers;
- relaxing - rosemary, basil, geranium, juniper, mint, sage, thyme and thyme;
- stimulating (remove mental fatigue and improve memory) - scent of juniper, pine, basil, hyssop, lavender;
- improving thinking - rosemary, lavender, basil and geraniums with fragrant leaves (including geraniums).
The land flora emits around 360 million tons of essential oils during the year. They are usually almost insoluble in water, and in many cases also toxic to the plant that produces them. That is why they are stored in the plant in specialized cells. Essential oils are secreted into the atmosphere by most herbaceous plants, as well as by some fungi and bacteria. Their quality depends on the chemical composition of volatile substances accumulated in various parts of the plant. Often, one oil contains from 100 to 300 ingredients.
Aromatherapy in the forest - refreshing conifers
The greatest we alth of beneficial plant fragrances can be found in the coniferous forest in spring and summer. That is why a walk in the forest regenerates the body and that is why it is worth planting conifers around the house and even on the terrace.
The aroma emitted by the common juniper removes mental fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, reduces blood pressure and acts as an antiseptic. Folklore says that incense smoke from common juniper drove out evil spirits.
Pines are equally important in our environment. Their smell soothes and heals respiratory tract infections, asthma, it also reduces mental heaviness. The smell of fir and spruce has a similar effect - it also removes fatigue.
Flower Aromatherapy
The scent of azalea strengthens the nerves, soothes and gives joy, while rose - slows down the heart rate, has a calming and antidepressant effect, removes stress and anxiety. Geraniums with fragrant leaves are highly recommended. Their smell has a relaxing and antidepressant effect, reduces tension and anxiety.
The white flowers of the fragrant jasmine plant give off an intense, intoxicating scent that has anti-depressant and slightly narcotic properties. Like the medicinal jasmine (blooms from early summer to fall). Its fragrance relaxes and stimulates, but it may be too intense for young children.
At home, the concentration of oils is higher than ingarden, so the best fragrant plants for children are lavender and chamomile. Orange is also good for growing at home. It has white flowers, and their scent helps in concentration, reduces stage fright and anxiety, and puts you in a good mood.
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