AROMACHOLOGY – COGNITIVE HARMONY
by Chanjot Kaur Sandhu
Chanjot Kaur Sandhu is a skilled freelance medical writer. With MSc in Pharmacology and over a decade of NHS experience, Chanjot specialises in healthcare content and medical communications. A proud member of the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) and European Medical Writers Association (EMWA), she excels in creating accurate, patient-friendly and impactful healthcare content using credible resources to improve understanding and accessibility. Her areas of expertise include website content such as blogs and articles, patient education material, slide decks, manuscripts and scientific articles. Chanjot actively ensures her knowledge remains updated and aligned with standards.
Imagine walking into a garden where the air is filled with the uplifting scent of orange blossoms, the calming aroma of Cedarwood, and the soothing floral notes of jasmine. This is the magic of Aromas, a sensory experience that helps you relax, reduce stress, and elevate your mood.
The Nose-Brain Connection
Your sense of smell is directly linked to your brain’s limbic system. When you inhale essential oils, they bind to the olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity, sending signals to the olfactory bulb, which has direct connections with the amygdala (brains emotional centre for fear, stress and anxiety) and hippocampus (critical for memory and learning), thus helping the brain to relax, focus, or even boost your energy. (1)
Clinical studies suggest that certain essential oils may have the potential to improve mood and reduce stress. Due to these observed effects, they are also referred to as ‘Neuroscents’. Some oils may also support serotonin production, commonly known as happy-hormone, while potentially helping to regulate cortisol – the primary stress hormone. (15)
So, let’s dive into what makes the blend of oils so special?
1. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) – is a Neuroscent also known as the “happy oil”. Our TRAVEL MIST has Bergamot along with a selection of oils including Jasmin and Neroli flower water. The travel mist is an alcohol-free formula. Spray around your face and body, instantly feel relaxed and distressed on the go with a mix of citrus and floral notes. Apply sunscreen before sun exposure and avoid spraying essential oils directly on your face or body while in sun. Always use appropriate sun protection (2)
2. Neroli (Citrus aurantium subsp. Amara or Bigaradia) - delicate, floral and citrus scent is perfect for encouraging calm – Part of your holistic tool bag. (15)
3. Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) - Stress buster. Exactly what our AURA SPRAY does. Also featuring sandalwood and a carefully curated blend of oils designed to cleanse, calm and clear your surroundings. (6)
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)- Clinically proven - classic neuroscent, lavender oil has a potential to relieve anxiety, encourages restful sleep and improves heart rate variability. Moonshack’s star product, SLEEP MIST is therapy in a bottle. A blend of lavender with Roman chamomile, sandalwood and a commendation of powerful oils to help you unwind and prepare for restful sleep. (12), (15)
Are you aware of an interesting and clinically proven fact about Lavender? Studies suggest that inhaling lavender oil twice daily for 20 minutes has the potential to improve menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, sleep disturbances and anxiety. (4)
Clinical research indicates that topical application of lavender oil may support improvement in sleep quality.
5. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – Has been traditionally used as an emotional healer. A perfect ingredient in our SLEEP MIST to help with peaceful sleep. An incredible water-based product that can be used around the face, body and space around you. (15)
6. Jasmine (Jasminum officianale) - With its calming and uplifting properties, jasmine may help to relax your nervous system while boosting your confidence and mood. (15)
7. Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) – a much-loved sweet floral scent could potentially help you to relax and let go of any worries. (15)
8. Cedarwood (Cedrus) – often associated with calming and grounding effect, cedar helps you unwind by promoting mental clarity and relaxation. (15)
9. Orange Oil (Citrus Sinensis) - citrusy aroma energizes and provides an instant mood lift. (15)
10. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – traditionally valued for its properties in boosting energy, revitalising the mind and enhancing feeling of positivity. (4)
11. Rosemary Oil (Salvia rosmarinus / Rosmarinus officianalis) –with evidence to support, rosemary may enhance memory, improves alertness and reduces cortisol level. (13), (7), (15)
12. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) – a grounding scent. Helping you to find inner peace. (4)
13. Geranium (Geranium Maculatum) – is said to be a natural mood enhancer with sweet floral aroma. (4)
14. Lemon Oil (Citrus limon) – has potential to reduce anxiety and improves mood. (4)
15. Sandalwood (Santalum) – a neuroscent that helps in clearing mental fog. Research suggests that sandalwood may also help in reducing systolic blood pressure and alleviate physiological reactions to psychological stress. (3)
How to Use
Inhale it: by misting around yourself and the space around you.
Diffuse It: Add a few drops to your diffuser and let the calming aromas fill your space.
Wear It: Apply a small amount to your wrists or neck (diluted with a carrier oil) for a gentle, calming effect.
Soak It: Add a few drops to your bath for a truly relaxing experience.
Whether you need a burst of energy, or a way to unwind after a long day, these essential oil products have been designed to support you. Take a deep breath and let the aromas help you find your calm.
Disclaimer
Effects may vary from person to person.
Some people may have allergic reactions. We highly recommend a patch test.
The study of neuroscent is an emerging field and more clinical research is needed.
The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Essential oils can help promote relaxation and create a positive environment but are not substitutes for medicine or mental health support. Always consult a healthcare professional for emotional or physical concerns.