The Healing Gateway of Smell | Daily Botanicals for Wellbeing

In Ayurveda, our sense of smell has the potential to connect us with numerous healing pathways, especially within the mind. Through earthy scents and the pleasant aromas of various botanicals, we can revitalize our energy, and calm the nervous system and thinking mind. We all know the power that smell can have in our lives. Perhaps the most notable instance we all experience is the brief sense of peace and joy felt when we encounter the pleasant scent of fragrant flowers. The smell of rain in the desert or a mountain forest, or perhaps the smells that often linger in a temple, such as sweet or woody incense – can also instantly captivate and calm the nerves.

The use of smell as medicine to heal the mind is an ancient but effective practice. In Ayurveda healing through the sense of smell is called Gandha Chikitsā. This is primarily accomplished with essential oils that are derived from various botanical pieces such as flowers, fruits, bark and leaves. With the correct application, aromas can be used for an abundance of healing remedies. However, according to Ayurveda the healing power of aromas is not always universal to everyone. What is revitalizing for one person, may be aggravating for another. The practice of Gandha Chikitsā involves assessing an individual using Ayurvedic methods to determine their unique nature and the most suitable aromas to offer rejuvenation and therapeutic benefits.

There are some botanical scents that Ayurveda tells us will benefit most people when not used in excess. Incorporating one or more of these scents into your daily routine can offer rejuvenation and help to maintain balance in body and mind. Properly prepared pure organic essential oils offer the greatest benefit. These can be gently inhaled, diffused, or applied topically by adding a few drops to a plant-derived carrier oil like almond oil. Essential oils made from these botanicals can also be used to enhance Marma point massage (read more about Marma points in our earlier Bulletin by clicking here). Explore four of these scents and some of their benefits below.

1. Sandalwood. This aroma has sedative properties that soothe the nerves while also enriching mental faculties that promote concentration. Sandalwood is very balancing and prana stabilizing. It has a powerful rejuvenation effect on the body and mind and is commonly used to support meditation.

2. Rose. It’s pleasing aroma is known to promote a sense of love and compassion. For this reason, it is often used in devotional and ritual settings, such as temples. It is considered an aphrodisiac, and its oil is used to rejuvenate the cells. In therapeutic applications, it is considered particularly beneficial for depression. Apply gentle pressure or massage to Hridayam and Ājñā marmani to ease depression (see image below).

3. Jasmine. Like the fragrance of rose, this flower opens the heart and mind and can be applied to Hridayam marma to ease depression. It is particularly beneficial for the nervous system and memory. It is also considered an aphrodisiac.

4. Lavender. The smell of lavender can be very harmonizing, and sedative. Incorporating the smell of lavender into your life can help to maintain a healthy nervous system, and reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It can be applied to Agra Patra marma (see image below) to ease anxiety.

It is easy to overlook the management of anxiety and stress as key factors in our health. Still, each year more studies indicate that it is crucial to longevity and well-being - having even the power to modify our DNA. Nurturing our sense of smell can offer us a simple way to find a moment of calm and peace.