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a place or person. Scents have the power to evoke emotions and memories instantly and can directly impact our bodies through our nervous system. The olfactory nerve gives us our sense of smell. It starts from our nose and enters the skull through tiny holes to connect di- rectly to the brain. This nerve sends signals almost instantaneously to many parts of the brain, including the limbic system and amygdala, which are in charge of emotions, mood, and memory. These systems are also in charge of regu- lating our autonomic nervous system, which can either trigger a fight-or-flight response, quickening our breath, heart rate and rais- ing our blood pressure, or can soothe us through turning on the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxing our bodies. This theory helps explain why scents can so quickly trigger physical reactions in our bodies and have lasting effects after the scent is gone. Essential oils, like lavender, have even been shown to interact the same way biochemically that many anti-anxiety medications do on neuroreceptors. Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative medicine practice that taps into the healing power of scents from essential oils extracted from plants in order to bal- ance your mind, body, and spirit. Essential oils can be diluted by water and diffused into the air, or a few drops can be gen- tly rubbed into acupressure points on the body. Studies have shown that specific es- sential oils used in aromatherapy can help relieve stress, relax the body, and promote better sleep. Here are 6 essential oils that can help relieve stress and promote sleep. Lavender Lavender essential oil is one of the most studied essential oils in terms of its relaxing effects. One study found that lavender oil aromather- apy calmed the nervous system—lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and skin tem- perature as well as changing brain waves to a more relaxed state. Lavender can also help with mild insomnia and provide better quality of sleep. Lav- ender aromatherapy has also been found to help reduce anxiety and depression in women with postpartum depression. Lavender has also been found to help re- duce anxiety in many medical settings, such as dental offices, the intensive care unit, and during preparations before surgery. The scent of lavender stimulates brain path- ways, including our limbic system, which is connected to our emotional response and memories. Studies using electroencepha- lography (EEG), which measures brain waves, and brain imaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) show significant changes during lavender aromatherapy con- sistent with its relaxing effects. Lavender aromatherapy is generally safe, except for those with allergies to lavender. If you are applying it regularly on your skin, it's important to talk to your doctor. Laven- der can have estrogenic effects, so regular use should be taken with caution, especial- ly in children. 1