I want to share with you briefly about my good scents. Just so we are on the same page, I should to clarify that I’m talking about my SCENTS (essential oils) and how these scents can make good SENSE (feelings, sensations, perceptions and vibrations).
I was pretty young when I realized that I was allergic to perfumes and fragrances. Like most of the girls and women in my family I wanted to wear what we affectionately called “Smell Goods”. But I broke out in a rash every time I tried my grandmother and mother’s perfumes. Moreover, almost everything that had a fragrance in it (soap, deodorant, soap powder and lotion just to name a few) also caused a rash. When my mother took me to see a dermatologist, I was diagnosed with contact dermatitis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fragrances are considered to be the leading cause of contact dermatitis. This sensitivity affects millions of people. I’m one among millions.
After my diagnosis, I accepted the fact that I had to keep prescribed cortisone creams on hand to treat my skin condition, if I wanted to wear smell goods. This deterred me from using them. Eventually, I decided that I would do without smell goods and I did until the world of essential oils opened up for me.
Which brings me to my first point, essential oils can be a healthy alternative to perfumes and fragrances for some people who have contact dermatitis.
At age twelve I received some jasmine oil as a gift. I can’t remember who gave it to me now. I wish I could remember. I would forever hold them in my heart. Nevertheless, I find myself quite fond of jasmine oil. I loved the smell and I wanted to wear it. Eventually, I tried it and I didn’t break out. When I found out that jasmine oil is a popular natural remedy for improving mood, overcoming stress and balancing hormones, jasmine oil became a very important oil to my self-care and wellness practices. I wear it (usually on the inside of my wrist so that I can smell it as needed). When I do, I feel balanced!
Today, my good scents also include frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, rose, myrrh and amber. I use these oils to practice aromatherapy for my emotional well-being. They have helped me to fight against anger, fear, fatigue, grief and loneliness. The fact that I can wear them without the fear of developing a rash amazes me.
The second point I’d like to make is essential oils have optimum days for energy radiation. Dr. Imhotep Llaila Afrika, in his book African Holistic Health states on page 176 and 177 that the optimum days for some of my favorite essential oils are as follows: Frankincense – Sunday, Jasmine – Monday, Pine – Tuesday, Lavender – Wednesday, Cedar – Thursday, Rose and Sandalwood – Friday, and Myrrh – Saturday. I must confess that I like the smell of pine and cedar but I would never wear them. However, I do burn them in the form of candles often.
Essential oils and their properties are also noted on page 140 and 141 in the book Sacred Pampering Principles by Debrena Jackson Gandy. She shares that essential oils are an integral part of her pampering. Each oil has a different “tone” just like the notes on a piano. Knowing the tone, or properties, of an essential oil can help you know how to use them properly for therapeutic purposes.
The last point I want to make is that you don’t have to become an aroma therapist to practice aromatherapy. For more than 25 years I have been practicing aromatherapy using aromatic essential oils to promote my health and well-being. I apply my good scents oils to my body as well as burn them in the form of candles and incense. I also put the oils in a spray bottle with water and spray them in spaces where I can’t use candles or incense. I’m not an expert on the subject but I have encouraged others to try it because it makes good sense.
In May 2017, Brent A. Bauer, MD who is considered an expert by Mayoclinic.org/healthy.lifestyle answered the question “What are the health benefits of aromatherapy?” on line. Dr. Bauer stated that research on the effectiveness of aromatherapy is limited, however studies have shown that aromatherapy might have health benefits including:
- Relief from anxiety and depression
- Improved quality of life, and
- improved sleep
Aromatherapy is a health and wellness practice that uses good scents. This practice helps many people, including myself to gain and maintain a sense of well-being. I used to mourn the fact that I was allergic to fragrances but I’m happy now! I have good scents that help alleviate stress and elevate my sense of wellness. Good scents makes good sense. For more information about good scents, refer to the resources cited in this blog or contact revsalia@yahoo.com.
Akoma Ntoaso Ministries 