Artificial fragrance: it's found everywhere today, in everything from soaps to deodorants to cleaning supplies to air fresheners. Even natural products found in health food stores often contain “fragrance” or “parfum” as an ingredient!  

You may be asking yourself, what’s the big deal? Why would I go to all the trouble of using expensive essential oils instead of a cheap fragrance that smells the same? The answer is that there is so much more to the idea of scent than simply a pleasant or unpleasant aroma. Every time you smell something, tiny, aromatic molecules of that substance enter your body and stimulate the olfactory glands located in your nasal passages. These olfactory glands are clumps of neurons that directly connect to the limbic system of the brain. Not only does this system transmit stimulants, but it also allows tiny particles of substances to be absorbed directly into the brain, passing the blood brain barrier. Now the limbic system includes the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala, which process sensory information, regulate emotions, and controls of all basic functions such as digestion and movement. This explains why breathing in synthetic fragrances can have such a damaging effect on our overall emotional and physical health, whether we realize it or not. Whatever we breathe in has a direct effect on our brain, which controls everything we do. 

Artificially created fragrances are loaded with toxic materials such as parabens, phthalates, BHT, and ethyl acetate, just to name a few. These chemicals are strongly linked to a staggering number of health conditions that range from asthma to dementia to organ failure! A study done in the UK showed that artificial fragrances are the second highest cause of allergic reactions, and make one prone to other allergic reactions. Most concerning to my mind is the disruptive effect these chemicals have on the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and regulating hormones. When these hormone disruptors are introduced to the system, cell communication is thrown off, and virtually every system in the body is affected, from digestion to sleep to healthy circulation. Studies have shown that between 75 and 100 percent of fragrance blends contain at least one known endocrine disruptor, and at least 66 percent contain two or more! 

But there is good news! The fact that what you breathe in has such a drastic effect on your health can be used to your advantage! Remember, anything traveling through the nasal passages can stimulate and transport substances directly to the brain- that is why essential oils have such a positive effect on our well-being! Essential oils are complex blends of highly concentrated, volatile natural chemicals that are found in certain varieties of plants. It is these oils that give a plant its fragrance, and are part of the plants immune system. These synergistic combinations of phytochemicals have a wide range of practical and therapeutic uses! For example, most essential oils contain high levels of terpenes and phenolic compounds, which are extremely antioxidant. The oils highest in these antioxidant properties, geranium and clove, have been proven to combat brain deterioration by controlling levels of nitric oxide in the brain and slowing down lipid oxidation. 

Many household products commonly full of toxic fragrances are easy to replace with natural alternatives. You can buy natural, fragrance free soaps of all kinds, and simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Citrus oils are great for cleaning, lavender for washing sheets, tea tree for disinfecting…there are so many fun options! You can make your own simple cleaning products such as the multi purpose cleaner found below. Swap out your Febreze or air fresheners with diffusers. You may be surprised at the difference these small steps can make in your overall health and clarity of mind.  

Finally, don't forget to have fun! Essential oils are exciting and enjoyable to work with. Be creative- try different blends of oils to see what fits you best! And don’t let yourself get overwhelmed - it’s ok to start small! You don’t need to go and replace all of your soaps and cleaning supplies and perfumes all at once. Gradually begin making your own natural alternatives, and enjoy the delightful aromas, knowing that you are getting mental and physical health benefits as well!  

Laura Tsao is a Master Herbalist and Comprehensive Iridologist located in Wisconsin. She is passionate about helping others transform their lives through natural methods. She also enjoys teaching music to students of all ages. You can contact Laura by email at laura.rixine@gmail.com