Aromatherapy and the Mind-Body Connection
There is an undeniable connection between emotional and physical health. Extreme or prolonged emotional stress, sadness, grief, anxiety, and even tension caused by happy events, can have dramatic effects on the body. These physical effects manifest in many different ways, and may include digestive disruption, sleep problems, or depressed immune function. The American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that aromatherapy can help improve the quality of life for cancer patients suffering from some of the symptoms of cancer and side effects of its various treatments. Finding pure, high-quality, unadulterated, unaltered essential oils is of the utmost importance when they are to be used for wellness issues.

Aromas Affect Emotions

Essential oils can directly impact emotional states through the olfactory system, which makes it a uniquely holistic healing modality. Aromas are sensed and analyzed in the reticular system of the brain stem. In this body system, emotions, memories, and attention are connected. Certain aromas can stimulate the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the endocrine system and many body functions. The hypothalamus may activate the pituitary gland, which produces hormones that can affect both the physical body and the emotions.

Hormones are potent compounds that influence emotions and behavior, in addition to their many other functions. Herein lies the power of aromatherapy -- it can not only influence the physical imbalances of the body, but also affect emotions and memory.

Aromatherapy & Emotions: It's Personal
Individual people may have very different reactions to the same aroma. Aromatic impressions and memories are influenced by such broad factors as personal taste, cultural background, early aromatic memories and experiences, and physical ability to perceive smells. Even if certain aroma is usually considered calming, for example, someone who has a negative memory associated with that aroma may experience the opposite. Because of this, it is difficult to list broadly applicable recommendations for using aromatherapy to address emotions. Bearing this in mind, below are some essential oils that are traditionally considered helpful for certain emotional issues. Note that the examples below are based on traditional uses and anecdotal information, and not on scientific studies.

~ Bergamot (Citrus aurantium):anger, anxiety, frustration, sadness
~ Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): apathy, emotional exhaustion, emotional tension
~ Cedarwood, Atlas (Cedrus atlantica): anxiety, anger, fear, worry
~ Chamomile, German (Matricaria recutica): frustration, emotional over-stimulation, stress, moody tendencies, bitterness
~ Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile): anger, grief, irritability, emotional over-stimulation, sadness, stress, worry
~ Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea): fear, sadness, worry
~ Frankincense (Boswellia carteri): emotional exhaustion, grief, stress
~ Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): anger, anxiety, moody tendencies, sadness, stress
~ Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi): anxiety, emotional exhaustion, frustration, sadness
~ Helichrysum (Helichrysum agustifolium): emotional over-stimulation, grief, sadness, stress
~ Jasmine (Jasminum officinale): anxiety, guilt, listlessness, sadness, stress
~ Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia): anxiety, irritability, sadness, stress, worry
~ Lemon (Citrus lemon): anxiety, bitterness, stress
~ Neroli (Citrus aurantium bigaradia): anxiety, emotional over-stimulation, grief, impatience, sadness, stress
~ Peppermint (Mentha piperita): anxiety, sadness, stress
~ Rose (Rosa damascena): anger, bitterness, emotional exhaustion, grief, jealousy, sadness
~ Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): emotional over-stimulation, stress
~ Sandalwood (Santalum album): anxiety, irritability, sadness, stress
~ Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi): anxiety, emotional over-stimulation, stress
~ Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata): anxiety, emotional exhaustion, frustration, guilt, impatience, sadness, stress

Warning
When executed cautiously, aromatherapy is usually harmless and associated with few side effects. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center cites several possible concerns regarding the practice's side effects. Aromatic oils may trigger respiratory distress in susceptible individuals, such as young children and those with asthma. For those with allergies, aromatherapy may cause hives, rashes and breathing difficulties. Due to aromatherapy's possible dangers to babies and developing fetuses, it is best to talk to a physician or midwife before using aromatherapy during pregnancy or lactation.