Aromachology
Brain of a Mammal!
Aromatherapy is not a "psuedo-science".
Aromatherapy uses natural plant essences and their volatile oils to create therapuetic physiological effects. The low molecular weight of many essential oils allows them to transit cell membranes efficiently, either by skin contact, massage, or inhalation.
Many compounds and chemicals found in nature, outside of our bodies, also exist inside our bodies. Mammals share some DNA with plants. In the plant body, essential oils usually have some protective or regulatory function. We have some of the same chemical receptors that plants have.
Molecules that exist in plants that are the most bio-active for humans are those that act on hormonal, endocrine or neurotransmitter regulation.
It has been known for thousands of years that opiate compounds from the Papaver Somniferum, or Opium Poppy, reduce pain, but only in the last century did research on endorphins describe our "Endogenous Morphine", a "feel good" chemical made naturally in our own bodies. It is the biological pathways that are already in place that make 'exogenous morphine', from outside of our bodies have an effect.
Different classes of highly bio-active molecules may exist in plant resins, oils, and alkaloids. The main types utilized in Aromatherapy are: Terpines, Ketones, Aldehydes, Alchohols, Phenols, and Esters. Some of these substances are pleasant and harmless, others can be toxic, and potentially lethal. If you are interested in Aromatherapy, brush up on your chemistry, there is a lot to learn and discover.
Aromachology is a "pseudo-science". It's subjective.
A psuedoscience is a body of knowledge, methodology, belief or practice that claims to be based on scientific knowlege, but is still open to debate because it relies on anecdotal evidence, rather than a large body of objective analysis and research supported by various experiments with duplicate results. This does not exclude the possibility that pseudoscientific claims may be valid; it remains an open question. Good science makes no absolute assumptions. 'Psuedoscience' is the 'fake news' of the scientific publishing establishment.
The lines between Aromachology and Aromatherapy are not crystal clear, but much of what is labeled "Aromatherapy" for the on-trend American consumer is actually "Aromachology". In Aromachology fragrances are combined with psychological objectives in mind, to trigger a positive response. Since different people have different scent associated memories and experiences, effects are not always consistent.
Consumer scents like "gingerbread" and "banana parfait", made from artificial fragrance compounds may evoke a pleasant memory, or create a sense of security; this is aromachology. You may enjoy "lavender&vanilla" fabric softener, this is also aromachology. Read ingredients on lotions and body care products, if you see petroleum products like mineral oil as one of the first ingredients instead of a plant based oil, and "fragrance" listed instead of specific plant essential oils, resins or gels, you are looking at "Aromachology".
[It annoys me to see things labeled 'Aromatherapy' based on synthetic fragrances.]
When anything with a pleasant smell is called "Aromatherapy", the term becomes a misnomer. I make an effort to use essential oils and flavor oils in my products. My products are lightly scented. Sometimes people pick up a candle at my booth and they want that Yankee Candle/ Bath & Bodyworks type of olfactory experience - oh well. However, there will be no chemical off-gassing, lead core wicks, or petroleum wax, coming out of my little 10x10 booth. Plain old soy wax, hemp fiber wick, and essential or candy flavor oils.
The Olfactory part of the mammalian brain ties scent to memory, past experiences, and future expectation. Pheromones or sexual scent cues, often used in perfumes, are so subtle that we may actually not "smell" them on a conscious level, yet we may react with heightened awareness to their presence in a room.
A whole industry has developed around the Psychology of Scent that uses scented air systems in commercial spaces to make a deeper impact on customer experience. Mammals are continuously processing information through their noses, either on a conscious level or not. Aromachology is becoming a very sophisticated tool to manipulate our deepest sensory perceptions.
Go to Aromachology Charts if you are curious about the Aromachology of combining fragrances.
In all Joyance and Goodly Gree
Be well.
