Know what’s the first sense activated when we’re born? Scent!
Scents can trigger powerful memories and emotions. A whiff of crayons or paste, and you’re transported back to your kindergarten classroom. Maybe freshly baked bread evokes images of your grandmother’s kitchen. Or a certain woodsy vanilla scent reminds you of your high school boyfriend. Freshly cut grass, popping popcorn, a campfire…all can take you back to a moment in time.
“Memories, imagination, old sentiments, and associations are more readily reached through the sense of smell than through any other channel.” –Oliver Wendell Holmes
So why do we have such dynamic reactions to scents? Scientists are exploring many theories, from the connection between the olfactory bulb and certain areas of the brain to the size and vibration of the molecules from certain materials And they are also researching the power of scents in healing and quality of life applications, specifically through the use of essential oils and aromatherapy.
For over 5,000 years, essential oils have been used in all manner of therapeutic purposes. From cosmetics and perfumes to hygiene and drugs to rituals and spiritual uses, essential oils were commonly used throughout ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, India and China. Much like silver, the ancients discovered many essential oils offered antimicrobial properties, protected wounds and soothed inflammation.
Today, many integrated practitioners recognize the benefits of aromatherapy to assist in the treatment of stress, fatigue, congestion, headaches, stomach ailments and more. Evidence suggests citrus oils may strengthen the immune system, and that the chemical compounds from some essential oils offer antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. A study from the University of Maryland determined, “In general, it seems to relieve pain, improve mood, and promote a sense of relaxation. In fact, several essential oils — including lavender, rose, orange, bergamot, lemon, sandalwood, and others — have been shown to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression.”
Essential oils such as:
- Lavender: disinfects, relieves tension, promotes relaxation
- Tangerine: soothes inflammation, promotes relaxation, promotes regeneration of cells
- Lemongrass: antimicrobial, protects wounds, soothes inflammation
- Rosemary: disinfects, anti-inflamatory, relieves muscle soreness
Oh, and they smell pretty good, too.
We couldn’t agree more. That’s why ZTEK incorporates natural essential oils into every product we make. And in the words of legendary golfer Walter Hagen, “You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”