Aromatherapy is the Ayurvedic method of using the fragrant essential oils of herbs and flowers scented candles, soaps, and sachets to treat a number of physical and mental health conditions. You can also use these oils with an electric or candle burner. These devices don’t actually burn the oil but gently heat it to release the fragrance and biologically active molecules.^1,76

This may sound like a strange way to deliver medicinal substances, but in reality aromatherapy works much like other intranasal drug delivery mechanisms such as inhalers.⁷⁶ And aromas affect how we feel—that’s why fragrance is such an important part of product development, in everything from house-cleaning products to foods and hotels.⁷⁶ The ancient use of incense and burning leaves and aromatic woods induced tranquility similar to modern pharmaceutical tranquilizers, and modern scientific studies has confirmed the anecdotal evidence of the calming effects of many essential oils.⁷⁶

Some scents that are used to reduce stress are:¹

• Camphor
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Lily
• Sandalwood