A few (autumn) scented oil candles that have impact on your emotional and physical health

Smell is called a chemical sense. This chemical sense is first and foremost a system for warning and attracting. It plays on our drives and emotions more than on our intellects. We as humans can distinguish among roughly 1 trillion different chemicals by smell (bushdid et al. 2014.). How? The answer is hidden in ’: ’the anatomy and physiology of our smell.’

’the anatomy and physiology of our smell.’ When you inhale a scent, the molecules enter the nose through the nostrils. These molecules dissolve in the muscous fluid. This muscous fluid then covers the olfactory epithelium and bind to receptor sites on the sensitive tips of olfactory sensory neurons. Each receptor is activated by different odour molecules. So one receptor is activated by a cinnamon scent while the other is activated by a vanilla scent. The sensory neurons then carry their signals through the cribriform plate ( a small bone shelf ) to neurons in the glomeruli ( a part ) of the olfactory bulb. An area above the nasal cavity ( inside of your nose). In the olfactory bulb the scent will be processed. And the output will be send to various other parts of the brain.

There is also another route for scents to reach the olfactory epithelium. That route is through our mouth. An opening called the nasal pharynx connects the back of the mouth cavity with the nasal cavity. So when we chew or swallow, the air will push the chemical scent from the mouth up into the olfactory region of the nasal cavity. The scent will activate one of the receptors. Then sensory neurons will carry their signals through the cribriform plate ( a small bone shelf ) to neurons in the glomeruli ( a part ) of the olfactory bulb. An area above the nasal cavity ( inside of your nose). In the olfactory bulb the scent will be processed. And the output will be send to various other parts of the brain.

The limbic system also called the emotion centrum, has a strong connection with the olfactory bulb. So strong that the limbic system was at one time referred to as the rhinencephalon, which literally means nose brain. This area plays a key part in creating new memories associated with past experiences/ emotions. So if you inhale fresh vanille, your hippocampus/ orbitofrontal cortex may recognise the scent from a holiday in Nice. This scent can cause the limbic system to release neuro messengers including serotonin and endorphins to the pituitary gland. This gland will reduce low levels of these hormones. Which will send a signal to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates our blood pressure, breathing, stress levels, hormone balance, heart rate to reduce your stress levels, slow down your heart rate and even reduce blood pressure.So you will feel mild effects of relaxation and happiness.

But what about synthetic scented candles?

Synthetic scented candles contain synthetic chemical fragrances. So they don't bring all of the benefit. If you use them carefully and not to often, it’s okay. But of course I would advise you to go for the real aromatic scented candles. So you can reap all the benefits. ( all-natural & carries pure essential oil, lasts longer and burns evenly, fire safety, great for human wellbeing )

A few autumn oil candle scents and their benefits

Vanilla

1. It’s a superb antioxidant. We’re always hearing about antioxidants and how they can improve our overall health. Vanilla is full of antioxidants and definitely a more pleasurable way to get that dose of wellness!
   

2. It helps fight fevers and infections. Vanilla essential oil can effectively reduce fevers by fighting infections. It also reduces inflammation from fevers.
   

3. It’s one of the best scents for relaxing. The oil has a relaxing and calming effect on the brain and the nerves, providing relief from anxiety, anger, and restlessness. In fact, it has even been proved to have a positive effect on those suffering from depression and anxiety. This was proven with studies by Chemical Senses and International Flavors and Fragrance. They found that vanilla scent makes people feel happy, relaxed.
   

4. Vanilla also increases sexual desire. Researchers have tested it, and found vanilla to be the most attractive to men. Also the Taste Treatment and Research Foundation discovered that vanilla was one of the scents that produced increased penile blood flow in male volunteers.
   

5. Vanilla also promotes more restful sleep. The National Center for Scientific Research in Strasbourg, France, found that smelling vanilla can ease breathing problems and sleep apnea complications in premature infants. The researchers said the vanilla helped the infants by directly affecting the respiratory centers in their brains and helping them adapt to stress.

Cinnamon

1. Eases pain

Researchers discovered that several flavonoid compounds in cinnamon reduces inflammatory activities. This by using it for issues as muscle pain, headaches and PMS pain. But also by increasing blood circulation. Which allows the body tissues to support , repair and heal.

2. Increase mental alertness and relieves mental fatigue

Researchers from Wheeling Jesuit university came to the conclusion that the participants who breathed cinnamon became mentally more alert, where less fatigue and where able to focus on one task for a longer period of time. In addition to that their working memory improved as well.

3. Enhance your visual focus

The same study stated that cinnamon also improved peoples visual motor speed.

Nutmeg

1. Improves blood circulation The scent of nutmeg comforts the whole body by widening the blood vessels and increasing the blood circulation and therefore helps those who struggle with poor blood circulation.
   

2. Improves sleep quality Nutmeg works by stimulating the brain and therefore removes (mental) exhaustion and stress. Which helps your body to have a good night of sleep.
   

3. Reliefs pain Nutmeg also reliefs muscle and joint pain. As I already told that several nutmeg compounds, they widen blood vessels all throughout your body, which reduces pain. The vagus nerve plays a big part in this process.
   

4. Strengthens brain function Nutmeg compounds stimulate nerves in the brain. In particularly the vagus nerve. A nerve which is responsible for the respiratory and digestive tract. These compounds improve blood flow in the brain. This improves the way your brain functions.( Less brain fatigue , stress, distraction and more.)