Essential oils for memory

"Ancient Arabian, Greek, and Salerno School medicine placed great importance on the respiratory practices involving the scents of plants and flowers: it was a medical custom to advise long walks in forests or among flowering plants to purify the spirit, strengthen the body, and prevent illnesses. It was commonly believed that, as therapy, herbal teas, decoctions, and plant extracts were not enough; instead, the plant had to be used holistically because the scent of flowers and leaves possesses a therapeutic value that phytotherapeutic preparations do not. In addition to prescribing intense inhalation of scents emanating from plants, it was recommended to massage the temples and forehead with scented flowers or leaves, being careful not to detach them from the branch, so that the vital scent of the plant, with its healing energy, could flow freely from the plant to the person."

from "Aromatherapy," edited by Maria Teresa Lucheroni, Francesco Padrini

me·mò·ria/

feminine noun

1. 1. The psychic function of reproducing past experiences (images, sensations, or notions) in the mind, recognizing them as such, and localizing them in space and time.

2. 2. Learning and faithful repetition, not necessarily linked to complete or correct understanding.

It is known that olfactory memory is the most immediate. A familiar scent is enough, and instantly a vivid memory appears to us, transporting us for a second to important places and moments.

The limbic system, which odors stimulate directly, is one of the most ancient areas of the brain from an evolutionary perspective: it controls memories, instincts, and vital functions. This is why olfactory stimuli are so evocative and powerful: any other sensory experience takes a much longer path before being registered, and registration also occurs in much more sophisticated brain areas.

Beyond this, there are essential oils that work on our mnemonic capacity, supporting organs and parts of the brain connected to it. These oils, when inhaled through diffusion into the environment, or when massaged on the temples, neck, or between the navel and pubis, actively contribute to rebalancing mnemonic functions.

Long-term memory: Rosemary, Scots Pine, Mugo Pine, Silver Fir,Vetiver, Bay Laurel

Short-term memory: Eucalyptus, Lemon, Basil, Mint, Lemongrass, Magiche Erbe

In moments of particular fatigue or stress, when due to workload our mind tends to remove some useful information, we can help ourselves with the use of these precious extracts.

Scented greetings,

Barbara Pozzi and Olfattiva* staff