| As human beings, we are emotionally impacted by | | | | Below is a list of scents, along with their generic |
| scent. In fact, our sense of smell is considered the | | | | qualities and possible applications. |
| only sense that evokes a purely emotional response. | | | | Lavender |
| Research indicates that smells are not filtered through | | | | Calms and soothes; good for insomnia and |
| the part of the brain that ruminates or analyzes, but | | | | depression. Spray on bed linens or bathe in lavender |
| rather thru the part that responds and operates | | | | oils or soap to reduce stress prior to bedtime. |
| without conscious thought. It is reported that our | | | | Lemon |
| responses to smell take place within 10 seconds after | | | | Clears confusion; refreshes tired minds. Associated |
| exposure - with no thought process involved. We | | | | with cleanliness. |
| react and then think. | | | | Orange |
| Our olfactory sense is the oldest of the five senses. | | | | Optimism and happiness. For a basic orange cleaner |
| Smell, emotion and memory are all linked in the limbic | | | | add ½ cup water, 2 tablespoons baking soda, |
| systems of our bodies. Not only do certain smells | | | | 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap and 1 teaspoon |
| affect how we feel emotionally, but they can also | | | | orange essential oil. |
| affect our level of energy. When entering a room we | | | | Peppermint |
| can either feel suffocated by someone's lingering | | | | Stimulating and invigorating. Inspires creativity. Often |
| perfume or enticed by the aroma of delicious food | | | | recommended for relief of migraines and nausea. Also |
| being cooked. | | | | considered a natural appetite suppressant. Add 2-4 |
| The basis of feng shui is that everything is comprised | | | | drops to a burner or hot water. |
| of energy or chi. The only contact we have with the | | | | Pine |
| physical world is through our senses. Scent not only | | | | Cleanses and purifies. Light a pine scented candle to |
| influences how we feel, but it also relates to the flow | | | | let go of the past and release things that no longer |
| of chi. Unpleasant odors represent stale or negative | | | | serve you. (Note, the National Candle Association |
| chi, while pleasant fragrances bring in a healthy flow | | | | reports that candles from beeswax have more health |
| of chi. | | | | benefits, as they burn much cleaner than paraffin |
| Although we experience chi through aromas, both | | | | wax, which is made from a petroleum by-product.) |
| pleasant and unpleasant, smell is the sense that is | | | | Rose |
| most often overlooked. From a feng shui | | | | Considered an aphrodisiac. Light rose-scented candles |
| perspective, however, we can use scent to evoke | | | | in the bedroom to set the mood for romance. |
| certain emotions and set certain atmospheres in a | | | | Rosemary |
| room. Because response to smell is very emotional | | | | Strengthens a weak memory; restores mental |
| and personal, it is important to consider your individual | | | | alertness. For an energizing bath, add 5 drops of |
| experience with a particular scent before bringing it | | | | rosemary and 2 drops of lavender oil. |
| into your space. | | | | Ylang Ylang |
| One way to work with scent is through the use of | | | | Relaxing anti depressant. Also considered an |
| essential oils. While having a diffuser is the most | | | | aphrodisiac. Can be diffused or burned as incense. |
| common method of application, you can also add the | | | | A goal of feng shui is to learn how to engage all of |
| oils to humidifiers, vaporizers, washing machines or | | | | our senses. The more developed our senses are, the |
| dishwashers. A few drops can be added to a bowl of | | | | more we can tune in to our environment and make |
| hot water or to the melted wax of a candle. Other | | | | beneficial changes. By considering the emotional |
| applications include saturating a cotton ball or making | | | | impact of aromas, you can create a nourishing and |
| your own air freshener spray by adding 15-20 drops | | | | healthy living space with a positive and harmonious |
| of a favorite oil to one cup of distilled water. | | | | flow of chi. So, remember - take time to smell the |
| Whichever method of application you choose, be | | | | roses! |
| sure to read labels prior to use. | | | | |