Do you have a scent that really takes you back to a happy time in your life? If I smell Finesse hairspray, I am immediately back in the 7th grade, making my bangs as big as is humanly possible. Burning wood? I'm filled with feelings of freedom, joy and excitement because it reminds me of trick or treating when I was a kid. Scent triggers can work in a negative way as well. For example, many people may have negative reactions to certain flowery scents or incense like frankincense because it reminds them of a funeral and losing someone they love. Whether it's a good memory or a bad that's evoked, all of these smells are processed by our limbic system.
The limbic system is the part of your brain that is responsible for processing the information your senses give you. With your sense of smell, your olfactory bulbs feed directly into your amygdala. What does that mean? Well, basically you think you're smelling with your nose, but what you're really smelling with is your brain. Given that your brain is also responsible for keeping track of all of your experiences, smells take on a particularly important role in emotional memory.
Keeping this in mind, it makes sense that you can consciously build scent memories for yourself and your loved ones too. For new moms, try finding an oil that you like and wear it when settling your baby to sleep. I wore Ylang Ylang - an essential oil known for its relaxation. Once you find your scent, you can mix it with a carrier oil (an unscented one like jojoba) or apply it directly to your skin (patch test first to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin). Wear this scent at baby's bedtime consistently for a few months. Your baby will gradually build an association with this smell until it relays the message: It's time to sleep. I'm full, I'm happy, I feel safe. Continue to wear this scent in the evening as your child grows and it will always remind your family of this special time.
Because scent can help to create such powerful memories, when working with essential oils it is important to use therapeutic grade 100% pure essential oils. You can find them at Whole Foods, snowlotus.org, and many reputable health food stores. Want to know more about how essential oils can work for you? Stay tuned for more articles on oil combinations for muscle pain, stress and exhaustion.