Did you know that essential oils are used as a form of medical treatment in countries such as Germany, England and France? And that scent affects our mood more quickly than both sound and light – acting as a direct highway to our emotions? Aromatherapy is attracting increasing attention in the world of research, where its effects on both body and mind are being investigated. Delve into nature’s invisible superpowers and discover how scent can become a shortcut to calm, energy and balance.
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Scents can alter our energy and transport us directly back to another time or place. The scent of lilacs on a warm summer’s day, which brings back memories of the garden of your childhood, or the scent of someone you once loved or still love.
For millennia, essential oils – the cornerstone of aromatherapy – have played a central role in both medicinal and spiritual rituals.
In recent years, research has provided compelling evidence of just how effective aromatherapy is, both mentally and physically. And this makes sense, as the use of aromatherapeutic skincare is rising sharply, according to international market reports. Similarly, the scientific community is seeking alternatives to the excessive consumption of medication observed worldwide.
At Karmameju, we believe in the power of aromatherapy and work with nature’s scents because we believe they have a completely unique and holistic effect that both influences our mental wellbeing and improves the condition of our skin. We have a deep trust in nature and in the fact that it exists because we humans need it.
Neuroscience – the study of the nervous system – is closely linked to research into aromatherapy: our understanding of how we are affected by scent. Of all our senses, the sense of smell is the only one that has a direct connection to three of the brain’s most important areas:
– the orbitofrontal cortex, which is associated with consciousness
– the hippocampus, which plays a central role in memory
– and the amygdala, which processes emotions and mood.
This means that scent – more so than sound, light or touch – can influence how we feel, instantly. The sense of smell activates emotional and cognitive areas of the brain directly – without first being filtered through the thalamus, as the other senses are. It’s like a motorway leading straight to your brain (source).
Neuroscience – the study of the nervous system – is closely linked to research into aromatherapy: our understanding of how we are affected by scent. Of all our senses, the sense of smell is the only one that has a direct connection to three of the brain’s most important areas:
– the orbitofrontal cortex, which is associated with consciousness
– the hippocampus, which plays a central role in memory
– and the amygdala, which processes emotions and mood.
This means that scent – more so than sound, light or touch – can influence how we feel, instantly. The sense of smell activates emotional and cognitive areas of the brain directly – without first being filtered through the thalamus, as the other senses are. It’s like a motorway leading straight to your brain (source).
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There are many benefits to aromatherapy, and when we are surrounded by lovely scents in our daily lives, we are also better able to practise breathing through our nose. Nasal breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system – the one that calms us down – whereas breathing through the mouth activates the sympathetic nervous system, known as fight or flight mode (source). We practise good nasal breathing every single time we take the time to inhale lovely scents through our noses.
At Karmameju, we always recommend taking deep breaths from your palms whenever you use aromatherapeutic skincare, such as when washing your hands, applying body lotion or using CALM balm, for example, as a nail treatment. Any short breaks spent focusing on your breathing will promote mindfulness and inner calm.
For many years, the Western healthcare system has focused primarily on medical treatment, with prescription medication being the conventional solution to both pain and mental health issues. However, over time, the overuse of medicines has led to increased regulation and a necessary re-evaluation of this one-sided approach.
As a counterbalance, many countries, including England, Germany, Switzerland and France, have sought inspiration in Eastern health traditions, where clinical aromatherapy has taken its rightful place in modern medical practice.
Today, clinical aromatherapy is used as an alternative therapy or an adjunct to conventional medical treatment, which can be beneficial for both in-patient and out-patient care, to alleviate pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia. It has proved particularly beneficial in the context of cancer care, palliative care, pre-operative anxiety, oncology, hospice care and end-of-life care.
The majority of essential oils are known for their efficacy through many thousands of years of use, and more and more are now being documented for their effectiveness.
For many years, the Western healthcare system has focused primarily on medical treatment, with prescription medication being the conventional solution to both pain and mental health issues. However, over time, the overuse of medicines has led to increased regulation and a necessary re-evaluation of this one-sided approach.
As a counterbalance, many countries, including England, Germany, Switzerland and France, have sought inspiration in Eastern health traditions, where clinical aromatherapy has taken its rightful place in modern medical practice.
Today, clinical aromatherapy is used as an alternative therapy or an adjunct to conventional medical treatment, which can be beneficial for both in-patient and out-patient care, to alleviate pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia. It has proved particularly beneficial in the context of cancer care, palliative care, pre-operative anxiety, oncology, hospice care and end-of-life care.
The majority of essential oils are known for their efficacy through many thousands of years of use, and more and more are now being documented for their effectiveness.
In our product development, we always base our formulations on the effects on both the mind and the skin. It seems obvious that what soothes the mind also soothes the skin – naturally – but as the studies below show, aromatherapy can do far more than what one immediately associates with a scent, such as the refreshing citrus, which also demonstrates properties that can improve the skin’s elasticity.
Lavender
If you delve into the research, you’ll come across, for example, the marvellous lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which is one of the most well-documented essential oils. Several studies have shown that lavender can create a sense of calm, reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality – including this study focusing on anxiety.
Chamomile
In another study, a trial involving 103 cancer patients documented the effects of chamomile. Here, the effect of massage with unscented plant oil was compared with massage using plant oil mixed with Roman chamomile essential oil. After a two-week trial, a reduction in anxiety and improved symptoms were observed in the group that received massage with the oil containing essential oil. The group that received massage without the essential oils did not experience the same benefit.
German chamomile
In a more recent study, the essential oil from German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, also known as Alleviate) was investigated for its skin-soothing properties. Chamomile was found to reduce inflammation in skin cells by preventing certain signalling pathways within the cells from becoming overactive
In mice with psoriasis-like skin conditions, the oil helped to reduce skin damage – partly by reducing the levels of substances that cause inflammation. The study’s conclusion suggests that German chamomile may be a potential remedy for psoriasis.
Lavender and chamomile are an essential part of Karmameju’s CALMING range, where we use essential oils that soothe, calm and comfort – both the mind and the skin. Below you’ll find just a small selection of these products.
Bergamot
In study here, citrus fruit essential oils are examined in relation to bacteria. In particular, bergamot essential oil and its natural linalool content demonstrated strong antibacterial effects and proved to be the most effective at combating bacteria – especially those that frequently cause food poisoning and which can help combat common foodborne pathogens. In general, we know that citrus fruits are antibacterial and can be beneficial for people prone to, for example, spots.
Lemon
In a other study, the anti-ageing properties of lemon essential oil were documented through clinical trials. The results indicate potent anti-ageing properties. The researchers found a significant increase in skin elasticity from week 2 to week 4 – in contrast to the placebo group, where no such improvement in the skin was observed.
The ENERGIZING range’s aromatherapy is based on citrus fruits, spices such as black pepper, and camphor-rich plants such as eucalyptus. Below you can see just a small selection of these products:
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In a fast-paced world full of stimuli, it is essential to find simple and natural ways to achieve balance. Aromatherapy is not just about wellbeing – it is a direct way to support your skin, body and mind.
Every time we take the time to smell – really smell – we give our nervous system a break and our body a chance to rebalance itself. Whether the scent comes from a forest, the palm of your hand or your body lotion, it is an invitation to be present.
At Karmameju, we strive to make that invitation an easily accessible part of your everyday life.
You can use aromatherapy in your daily life as a complement to your day – here’s how:
Inhalation – e.g. via a diffuser, steam bath, sauna infusion or fragrance sticks
Topical application – usually diluted in a carrier oil and massaged into the skin
Aromatic baths – added to the bath water
Spending time in nature – absorbed via phytoncides from plants and trees
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Healthy skin plays an essential role in your overall health and longevity. Recent scientific studies have shown that looking after your skin not only improves its condition but also supports cognitive function and general wellbeing.
