Aromachology, a growing field pioneered by Japanese scientist Shizuo Torii in the late 20th century, explores the intricate connection between scent and psychology. Torii's groundbreaking research revealed the calming effects of fragrances like lavender and chamomile, laying the foundation for aromachology as a scholarly discipline. Coined in 1982 by the Sense of Smell Institute, aromachology investigates how scents impact the mind, influencing both neurological and behavioral responses (Torii et al., 1998).
Similarly, aromatherapy
Similarly, aromatherapy, an ancient practice with historical roots in civilizations like the Chinese, Egyptians, and Romans, harnesses the healing potential of essential oils. The term "aromatherapy" was coined in the 1920s by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, whose accidental discovery of lavender oil's healing properties sparked an exploration into the varied benefits of essential oils, spanning physical healing and mood enhancement (Gattefosse, 1928). This therapeutic approach utilizes the aromatic compounds present in various plants, known to have a range of psychological and physiological effects (Thangaleela et al., 2022).
Essential oils
Essential oils, extracted from aromatic plants through diverse methods, consist of volatile organic compounds with potent therapeutic properties. Lavender, rosemary, jasmine, and peppermint are among the commonly used oils prized for their ability to improve cognitive function, alleviate discomfort, and elevate mood. These oils form the foundation of aromatherapy, offering a holistic and natural approach to promoting mental well-being and overall health (Smith et al., 2015).
Aromatherapy influences
Aromatherapy influences mental health through the olfactory system, intricately linked to the limbic system in the brain as shown in Figure 1, which regulates emotions, mood, and memory. Inhalation of essential oils prompts their molecules to bind to receptors in the nasal cavity, initiating neural pathways that evoke emotional and physiological responses (Agarwal et al., 2022; Panda, 2021). Numerous studies underscore the effectiveness of aromatherapy in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. Notably, research has highlighted the anxiety-reducing effects of lavender essential oil, as well as the stress-reducing properties of bergamot essential oil (Panda, 2021; Bartere et al., 2021).
Aroma Perception Pathway
Schematic representation of odorant molecules (aroma) entering the nasal cavity and activating olfactory neurons. Signals travel through the olfactory bulb and efferent pathway to brain regions responsible for odor identification (piriform cortex), emotional response (amygdala), and integration with other sensory inputs (orbitofrontal cortex) for comprehensive aroma perception (Royet & Plailly, 2004).
In clinical settings, aromatherapy finds application in enhancing mental health outcomes, with essential oils like lavender and chamomile often used to create a calm environment for patients. This practice has yielded tangible benefits, reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative discomfort, thereby enhancing overall patient well-being (Farrar & Farrar, 2020).