By Elena Zhidkova-Rice

Why Scents Work Faster Than Anything Else

Our sense of smell reaches the brain faster than any other sense organ. Even developing babies in the womb can recognize the smell of their mother’s amniotic fluid.

Here’s why:

• Sight and hearing → signals are processed through several brain regions before we react.

• Smell → olfactory impulses travel directly to the limbic system — the part of the brain where emotions, memory, and decision-making live.

  
  

That’s why a single scent can trigger such an immediate reaction: delight, nostalgia, tears, or even disgust. Scents awaken not only emotions but also personal associations, memories, and events unique to each person.

Why Essential Oils Work So Quickly

In aromatherapy, essential oils can be used in several ways:

• On the skin (especially pulse points): molecules enter the bloodstream within 20 seconds.

• By inhalation: aromatic molecules can reach the blood in just 10 seconds.

That’s why when we are deeply stressed or emotionally overwhelmed, direct inhalation combined with olfactotherapy breathing techniques works so effectively.

Emotional States Olfactotherapy Can Help Balance

Here are just some of the situations where olfactotherapy proves to be a powerful tool:

1. Burnout and stress

2. Fears and anxiety

3. Self-confidence issues

4. Productivity, memory, and concentration

5. Support at the end of life

6. Assistance with different dependencies

7. During stressful losses or major life changes

8. Finding clarity and making decisions

9. Rebuilding motivation and inner resources

10. Programming the mind toward goals and wishes

Essential Oils for Specific Emotions

Here are examples of essential oils traditionally used to support specific emotional states:

A. Anxiety

• Sandalwood (Santalum album)

• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

• Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)

B. Depression

• Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

• Clove Bud (Syzygium aromaticum)

• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia)

• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

C. Aggression

• Sandalwood (Santalum album)

• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

• Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

D. Grief

• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

• Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

• Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

• Tsuga (Tsuga canadensis)

E. Fear of Loneliness

• Clove Bud (Syzygium aromaticum)

• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

• Rose (Rosa damascena)

• Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

• Neroli (Citrus aurantium amara)

(Important: always choose oils you personally find pleasant — your body will respond better.)

The 3-6-5 Breathing Technique

My favorite olfactotherapy breathing method is called 3-6-5. It’s simple, calming, and very effective when paired with essential oils.

Benefits:

• Fast relaxation and inner peace

• Stabilization of blood pressure and heart rate

• Calmer mood and emotional balance

Directions:

1. Sit comfortably (do not lie down). Relax your body.

2. Smile (yes — this is required!)

3. Place 1–2 drops of your chosen essential oil on a blotter strip, tissue, or even on the bottle cap.

4. Inhale slowly to the count of 5 → exhale slowly to the count of 5.

   • Do 6 inhalations + 6 exhalations per minute.

5. Continue for 5 minutes per session. If this feels difficult, begin with 1–2 minutes.

6. Practice 3 times a day: morning, afternoon, and evening (or before bed).

💡 If you’re new to olfactotherapy and want to understand why it works so deeply on emotions, you can read my first post here: Why Talk Therapy Isn’t Always Enough: How Olfactotherapy Unlocks Deeper Emotional Healing.

Try It and Share

This simple combination — essential oils + mindful breathing — can help release tension, soothe heavy emotions, and bring more clarity and peace into your day.

🌿 Try it for yourself and share your impressions. Which oil feels most supportive for your emotional state right now?