SENSE IRREGULARITIES
Generally the sense of smell, along with all the other senses is more acute in youth.
However there are commonly found degrees of sensitivity throughout all age groups.
Definite irregularities in the ability to function fully in olfactory sense include two conditions that are well documented.
Anosmia or the complete absence of the ability to smell and detect odours is a serious condition both for the enjoyments of the individual and in other ways for those who live in close association.
At present there is no remedy. There are certain exercises that can be given to assess the intensity of the problem from a sensory functional point of view, by using samples in a scale of potency. Aromatherapists and psychologists are working upon using different aromatics to stimulate or revive the sense of smell as the condition has serious consequences for the one who suffers anosmia, particularly when the associated sense of taste is affected also. It is hoped that the science will find a remedy.
Some modern medical drugs unfortunately have the side effect of affecting both smell and taste.
Agnosia is a general condition applied to the inability to co-ordinate information through the brain and senses, including the inability to distinguish different odours.
This is a field that promises application of aromatherapy and essential oils scents in fully activating Osmic function. As yet no information is available regarding results of research in this field as in the cases that involve extra-ordinary or extra-sensory perception (ESP).
TERMS USED IN THE SCIENCE OF AROMATICS
In the newly developing science concerned with the nature of the olfactory sense and its importance there have been several general terms used for the study. These include Aromatic Science, Osmics, Science of Perfume and the more common one used in healing known as Aromatherapy.
In time it is anticipated that there will be more satisfactory general guidelines in shared terminology in all research aiming to increase understanding in what is essentially the most subtle sphere of sensory exploration.
Anosmia - is the total absence of the ability to detect an odour or perfume.
Agnosia – is dysfunctional ability in recognizing smells and can apply to other cognitive senses.
Apocrine – the glandular processes that contribute to one’s personal natural body scent.
Aroma-chology- is a recently coined term to relate psychological and fragrance reactions and is used specifically in tracing olfactory pathways of the brain.
Aromatherapy – concentrates upon therapeutic benefits of certain aromas and perfumes that are shown to have physiological as well as psychological potential to heal.
Limbic System of the brain – allows aroma molecules to access emotional and sensory memory and is of vital interest for both psychologists and those in the field of psychiatry.
Essential Oils – only those extracted directly from natural substances that can be applied externally through massage of the skin or inhaled to directly benefit the brain. In both physical health and in aiding any psychological condition it is imperative that only the finest quality oils are used.
Artificial Essences – those laboratory manufactured scents and commercially utilized perfumes. These are generally not considered as legitimate in the sphere of aromatherapy although there is a growing awareness in the perfume industry that is stimulating research.
PROGRESS IN OSMICS
The science of Osmics had a positive stimulus by the 2004 Nobel Prize being awarded to Linda Buck and Richard Axel for their “discoveries of odorant receptors and the organization of the olfactory system.”
Buck went on to provide evidence for odour coding and they continue to work in the field of molecular biology.
How this work will reflect in the field of deliberate practical application of aromatics we have yet to observe but presumably it will be a direct reference for those in the field of therapies such as aromatherapy and psychotherapy.
Establishment of a Sense of Smell Institute creates a forum for many scientists now working in the perfumery, fragrance and essence sphere and helps to deepen exploration into the subtle energies of nature and the subtler but vital senses of humans. Contributing papers include a variety of approaches, including –
Psychiatric research, the diagnosis of the human breath, abnormal olfactory states, olfaction in pregnancy, olfaction and schizophrenia, the part that olfaction plays in depression, effects of chemical perfumes compared with essential oils and natural perfume, natural body perfumes, smell and taste sensory associations, olfaction in Alzheimer’s disease, olfaction involvement in Parkinson’s Disease, perfume sense in the elderly, odour and dementia, breath and olfaction and many other interesting potentials for application of the science.
DESCRIBING PERFUME IS DIFFICULT
There are problems relating to efforts to describe and exchange information about our senses, particularly in the subtler spheres of olfaction and our sense of taste.
To some extent we overcome our limited vocabulary and have found a reasonably good way to compare subtle taste comparisons and reactions to wine by using terms that still however, require considerable use of our imagination. Communication becomes limited and many of us reduce our efforts by resorting to statements about personal wine preferences only.
Regarding our sense of smell communication is even more difficult. Not only in distinguishing hundreds of different scents and qualities but in finding sufficient words by which to give them identity. Our efforts are at present restricted to relatively few adjectives such as sweet, acrid, musky, citric, heady, harsh, soft, fruity and so on.
Our English language, and possibly others also, have no words to adequately describe scent. Nor have we yet devised a system that allows sensory comparison within this unique sphere that is of vital importance to our well being as well as to our pleasure.
Our hyper-sensitive olfactory sense is in a unique situation. We are faced with an entirely new and extensive range of sophisticated and complex qualities and influences available through commercial perfume production but with no vocabulary that is capable of assessing and communicating our reactions.
Professional perfumers of course have met the challenge through a language of chemistry but as consumers we have had to rely upon our purely subjective reactions to the stimulus of aromatics and relied upon our own discrimination in choice of quality.
However this is changing with the developing science of osmics or osmology. In therapeutic science aromatherapists are sure of the employment of the limited natural range of essential oils and aromas in assisting physical and psychological conditions.
We will need a greatly extended means of classification of the literally thousands of artificially produced non-therapeutic scents that have flooded the cosmetic market. This becomes more important as analysis shows many chemicals in their use are actually injurious to our health.
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PRESCRIBING AROMATICS
That there are general psychic and psychological reactions to different perfumes which can be considered as ‘normal’ ones allows aromatics to be considered a science.
Although laboratory tests may have demonstrated that the fumes from peppermint or thyme oil, for example, have the effect of destroying disease bacteria and microbes in other creatures, when it comes to human reaction there is an additional complex matter to take into account and that is the psychological responses of the individual. This factor demands that a degree of flexibility is considered in seeking to prescribe the appropriate healing oil.
It is important to study and follow the science but and also to allow for individual reaction. Any subjective response of an individual is due to their past experiences and previous associations, whether painful or pleasurable. Selective memory response and instinctive matters of preference and taste in regard to a natural appreciation of perfume further complicates the issue in the use of scent in psychotherapy.
The common use of well known oils in aromatherapy together with massage for the relief of physical symptoms is less demanding and recommendations follow definite guidelines.
Aromatherapists must conscientiously explore all the factors that could be retarding or affecting a patient’s natural healing response to any aromatic.
However we must also consider that any personal or subjective reactions have the potential to modify or intensify the direct stimulation of the brain cells caused by the aromatic fumes and emanations themselves. This is well known and factored into the work of psychologists, perfumers, aromatherapists and researchers in the subtle field of aromatics.
It is strongly recommended that in clinical application a fine range of the pure essential is used initially in trials before considering any blends in order to first clearly identify a patient’s individual reactions to each perfume. It is of utmost importance to seek co-operation of the individual and to monitor the degree and type of their response.
In home use, it is more practical to create a small range of the oils that you find most appealing before experimenting and extending your range of appreciation, or perhaps discovering a simple healing perfume that specially works for you.
Jasmine
Honeysuckle
SCIENCE Explores the Sense of Smell
In 2004 Linda Buck and Richard Axel were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. These scientists had discovered new information about odorant receptors and the function of the olfactory system.
This is an area of understanding that has been generally neglected by orthodox scientific investigation. It is a subject around which easily developed a cloud of mystique that tended to deter serious attention. But this has changed.
Since publication of Buck and Axel’s work in 1991 when their findings attracted considerable attention and were cited great numbers of times in research journals there has been increasing scientific interest in the subject along with intensifying public interest in aromas and aromatherapy.
This line of work culminated in the Nobel Prize for the scientists who were thereby rewarded for their work that continues, as does the general public interest in the outcomes.
Now with recognition given to the work of Buck and others demonstrating the involvement of a genetic factor with humans coding of odorant receptor genes, there is a growing sense of the important need to explore the subtle but important sensory function of olfaction.
Osmics – the Science of Perfume
Many scientists over the centuries have contributed to the furtherance of the science behind perfumes and aromatics leading to the modern science of Osmics that verifies the use of aromatics by the ancients. Albertus Magnus, Bishop of Cologne in the 13th century wrote of psychological responses of man to odours and perfumes similar to the work of Paracelsus.
Eliphas Levi was one of the earliest writers on perfume and the relationship with colour.
Charles Lilly – quoted in the Tattler – refers to his skill in preparing “snuffs and perfumes, which refresh the brain …”
Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was perhaps the earliest pioneer of modern aromatherapy in the 20th century. A distinguished French scientist, he had a laboratory accident that burned his hand. He plunged it into pure lavender oil and its immediate healing initiated further research.
Dr. George Kurti, born in Budapest in 1909 and who attended the Royal Academy of Music, invented a Scent Organ and was interested in developing the subtle healing powers of both music and scent. He believed that essential oils offer regeneration of cells and organs of the body.
Dr. Alexander Cannon K.C.A. of London, applied the developing science of aromatics to the alleviation of neurotic disorders.
Dr. Carrell of Michigan reported good results with perfume used in therapy with the insane and mentally disturbed.
M.T. Chole, of Bombay believes odoriferous matter reaches the parts of the brain not under conscious control and that its perception affects our psychic life and transforms our predispositions.
Roland Hunt, author of many works on the importance of the subtle sciences including the correlation between the musical scale and the harmonics of perfume as aids to elevating human consciousness. Ivah de Bergh Whitten encouraged Roland Hunt, teaching him of the additional influence and importance of colour.
Marguerite Maury, Austrian biochemist from her laboratory in France, introduced aromatherapy into Britain and Europe, as an adjunct to beauty treatments – offering rejuvenation and psychological help, as well as relief of physical ailments. Her scientific work provides the basis of the modern profession of aromatherapy, firmly providing this most ethereal of sciences with a scientific anchorage.
In modern London Danielle Ryman (M.Maury’s Aromatherapy, Piccadilly London) uses radiesthesia to determine which oils and in what combination they are to be used.
Micheline Arcier who trained under Mme Maury concentrates on the individual as a whole and includes dietary reform.
Marietta Kavanagh (William St, London) has developed her own specific formulas for each personality.
Philippe Mailhebiau of France, together with his research into the healing power of aromatics, has researched physical healing related aromatics to the qualities of the soul.
We await further development of the science as we use the essential oils proven to be effective in relieving both physical and psychological ailments and continue to explore the natural delights offered us as we inhale perfumes of our choice.
ESSENTIAL OILS – EUROPEAN AROMATHERAPY RESEARCH
Diseases and Proven Remedies 
Acne – tobacco, lavender, sandalwood, lemongrass, eucalyptus, mint,
Acne rosacea – lavender
Angina – geranium, neroli, ginger, sage
Antiseptics – cinnamon, eucalyptus juniper pine, thyme
Anxiety – lavender, sweet marjoram
Aphony – (loss of voice) cypress
Asthma – hyssop, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, neroli, pine, sage, thyme
Auto intoxication – mint
Brain diseases – origanum
Broken veins – sandalwood, parsley
Bronchitis -garlic, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, pine, sandalwood, sage, thyme, cinnamon, cloves
Cancer prevention – garlic, cypress, tarragon, geranium, sage, cloves
Cholesterol – rosemary
Circulation – cypress, thyme, onion
Cirrhosis – geranium, origanum, rosemary
Congestion – liver – lime, lemon, chamomile
Constipation – rosemary
Cystitis – eucalyptus, sandalwood lavender, fennel
Depression – neroli, chamomile, thyme, lemon, rose
Diarrhoea – chamomile , sage, cinnamon, juniper, orange, nutmeg
Dysentery – thyme
Epilepsy – basil, rosemary,
Gall bladder – chamomile
Gout – onion, basil, cajeput, cinnamon, lemon, fennel, juniper, thyme,
Haemorrhoids – cypress
Halitosis – nutmeg, mint, cardamon
Heart – Rose, muguet ( lily of valley), basil, rosemary
Hypertension (HBP) – garlic, lemon, lavender, ylang ylang
Incontinence- thuja
Indigestion – mint, caraway, coriander, aniseed, tarragon,
Inflammation of glands – onion, sage
Influenza – cinnamon
Insomnia – basil, chamomile, lavender, orange, thyme, marjoram
Intestine infections – basil, chamomile, cinnamon, geranium, lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang
Intestinal Parasites – garlic, bergamot, cinnamon, caraway, clove, mint, thyme, goosefoot
Kidney – violet leaves, santal, geranium, thyme, eucalyptus, sage,
Liver – mint rosemary, sage, geranium
Lungs – cypress, eucalyptus, mint, sandalwood, thyme sage, cajeput, hyssop, neroli, garlic, onion,
Lymphatics – lotus
Menopause – camomile, cypress, sage
Migraine – basis, lemon, lavender, rosemary
Muscular stiffness – rosemary, thyme
Palpitations – rosemary, aniseed, mint, orange,
Pancreas – lemon
Peripheral veins -geranium, rose, spearmint
Pneumonia – eucalyptus, pine, lavender
Polyps- thuja
Prostate- pine, onion, thuja
Pyorrhoea – sage, lemon, olive, tea tree
Rejuvenating- agar, attar, styrax, patchouli,
Sciatica – oil turpentine
Sedatives – cinnamon, lavender, sage
Sexual stimulants – sage, amber, civet, ylang ylang. cinnamon, thyme and sandalwood
Shingles – lemon
Sinusitis – lemon, eucalyptus, marjoram sandalwood, oil turpentine
Skin Cancers – carnation
Stimulate menstruation – geranium, rose, camomile, mint, basilica, lavender
Stimulating mind – angelica, neroli, jasmine, petitgrain, basilica, sage, thyme, lemon
Stress, Nervous Tension - rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang, amber, benzoic, queen of night
Tinnitus – onion, ginkgo
Tonsillitis – ginger, sage, aniseed, caraway
Tuberculosis – lemon, neroli, eucalyptus, lavender, pine, sage,
Whooping Cough – basil, cypress, lavender, origanum, thyme, onion, garlic
Veins peripheral -geranium and chalinogra, rose, spearmint
Venereal disease – thuja
Vertigo – aniseed
Wounds, Sores -lavender, cajeput, eucalyptus, juniper, neroli, sage, thyme
Perfumes and Incense
The use of perfumes and incense in our history is an old one perhaps dating back as the word ‘per’ = by means of, and ‘fumum’ = smoke, relates to its association with man’s first use of fire. Certainly it is known that resinous woods were burnt by early man both in homes and caves and in religious rites in temples and groves.
Of our five senses, the olfactory sense is the most subtle and difficult to define but it plays a large role in our well being, both in our physical health as well as the subtler psychological and spiritual well being.
Most people may value perfume only as an addition to their personal toiletry. We also can appreciate it on others or enjoy a pleasing scent in the garden or the general atmosphere. But perfume possesses other specific qualities not so quickly recognized. Aromas affect our quality of life both by the additional of beautiful perfumes or by the destructive nature of chemical or traffic fumes. These bad odours cause reactions on our nervous systems and respiratory systems in a negative way, intensifying nervous tension both physical and psychological.
Inhalation of pleasant perfumes and flower essences of natural origin have a positive enjoyable result, stimulating the sense of well being, so fundamental to our psyche in protecting us from disease, physical and mental. In addition, it is found that perfumes of natural essences and essential oils can counteract negative states of the body and mind and are therefore proving to be effective ‘medicine’ for many ills.
The subtle nature of perfume is beginning to be appreciated through the science of Osmics. Aromatherapy is now a common therapeutic option and is included as one of the modalities used in natural therapies and entering tentative application in orthodox medical science and psychology.
Burning incense sticks is now commonplace in western as well as customary in eastern societies. Care should be used with modern synthetics as harmful effects can sometimes occur from some chemical ingredients used in their production. We can only expect anticipated benefits if we use the natural essential oils and aromatics.
Not only personal use of perfume, but appropriate quality fragrances released into the atmosphere through burning as incense offer a wonderful influence in any environment.
