Emotional Aromatherapy: Psychology meets Chemistry

Contributed by Dr. Damian Rodriguez, DHSc, MS

Scientists and psychologists have spent centuries trying to understand the phenomena we refer to as emotions. Although science cannot yet definitively explain the exact mechanisms, we do know that emotions have vast influence on many components of well-being. Employing the most current research and the purest essential oils, the new doTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy^® System is the first in the industry to offer scientifically formulated blends for comprehensive, robust, and targeted emotional health benefits.

The easiest way to experience essential oils is aromatically, by utilizing our sense of smell. Most first experiences with essential oils are through basic diffusion (different methods of dispersing essential oils through a space so that one can experience their powerful aroma) or breathing in a few drops that were rubbed into one’s hands. The first thing one generally notices upon their introduction to essential oils is that the intensely fragrant compounds can instantly impact how you feel. Due to the amazing olfactory receptors, which identify odors and initiate the aromatic pathway, diffusing or directly inhaling essential oils is the most rapid and intense way to experience their influence on emotions.

Use of the doTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy System is predicated upon their unique chemical profiles. Based on known benefits of specific chemical constituents, categories of essential oils can be established. By their chemical make-up, we can classify essential oils as having either calming or uplifting effects. Each essential oil group has specific constituent profiles known to elicit distinct emotional responses.

Floral essential oils are composed primarily of monoterpene alcohols, which exhibit toning and calming properties. Tree, herb, and grass essential oils are rich in sesquiterpenes, esters, and oxides, which are grounding, soothing, and renewing. On the other end of the spectrum, mint, citrus, and spice essential oils provide powerfully uplifting benefits. Mint essential oils have high concentrations of ketones, which are energizing and uplifting. Citrus oils are generally composed of limonene and beta-pinene, monoterpenes with strong uplifting characteristics. Phenols, the primary chemical constituents of many spice essential oils, are recognized for their warming properties.

Combining these CPTG^® oils in precise ratios, the emotional aromatherapy blends establish a new, complete, and unique spectrum of emotional benefits. For ease of use, included in the kit is an instructional diagram that breaks down these categories.

The doTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy System is based on chemistry. Beginning with a specific chemical profile, the blends were put together based on the known properties of their chemical constituents as opposed to simply providing a pleasant aroma. While responses can be highly individual, the blending of these specific essential oils has created a synergistic composition ideal to promoting healthy emotional responses.

doTERRA Motivate^® Encouraging Blend is a wonderful combination of several citrus and mint essential oils, including Yuzu, Clementine, and Peppermint. This blend marks dōTERRA’s first use of Yuzu, the limonene-rich essential oil expressed from the peel of the mandarin-like Japanese fruit. The resulting chemical profile is high in monoterpenes and monoterpene alcohols, which are known for their uplifting and toning properties. Motivate is the perfect aromatic compliment to help promote feelings of confidence when working on an important school project.

doTERRA Cheer^® Uplifting Blend is an invigorating mixture of citrus and spice essential oils. Featuring Wild Orange, Cinnamon Bark, and Star Anise essential oils, the resulting chemical profile is rich in monoterpene and aldehydes, renowned for their uplifting and warming properties. Comprised almost entirely of the phenylpropene anethole, Star Anise essential oil brings potent energizing characteristics to the new blend. Apply one drop of doTERRA Cheer to your hands, rub together, and inhale deeply to help incite feelings of optimism.

doTERRA Passion^® Inspiring Blend balances spice and herbal essential oils. Included in the blend is Damiana, a very rare essential oil rich in 1,8-cineole and alpha pinene, which is renowned for its renewing properties. Combining Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, Cardamom, Clove, and Damiana creates a chemical profile with high concentrations of phenols and ethers to provide warming and renewing benefits. Diffuse doTERRA Passion at your work desk to help spark creativity.

doTERRA Forgive^® Renewing Blend mixes familiar tree and herb essential oils to create a diverse chemical profile with high concentrations of monoterpene esters, alcohols, and sesquiterpenes. Most interesting is the introduction of Nootka Tree Wood, an essential oil with a very diverse chemistry composed primarily of soothing and grounding sesquiterpenes. Nootka Tree Oil is known largely for balancing emotions in stressful situations. Pure Thyme essential oil balances out the blend with potent renewing and toning properties. No meditation session is complete without diffusing doTERRA Forgive to help encourage patience and contentment.

doTERRA Console^® Comforting Blend combines floral and tree essential oils. The combination of Rose absolute, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Sandalwood, and several other highly valued tree and flower essential oils creates a blend rich in both monoterpenes and sesquiterpene alcohols. Labdanum absolute provides a number of interesting characteristics to the blend. High in alpha-pinene, Labdanum is highly renewing and its distinctive aroma is prized for its ability to balance competing scents. The final product mirrors its chemical structure and aromatic profile, being highly grounding and renewing. A drop or two of doTERRA Console on your shirt collar can be that little extra you need to help counteract feelings of grief and sadness.

doTERRA Peace^® Reassuring blend is a fusion of floral and mint essential oils. The union of popular essential oils such as Lavender and Spearmint, along with the essence of some lesser-known plants such as Labdanum, creates a chemical profile rich in monoterpene esters and alcohols for a renewing and toning experience. The resulting aromatic profile is calming and promotes feelings of peace and reassurance. Diffuse doTERRA Peace at night to help promote the calming and restful sleep environment that you need to embrace the next day.

The doTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy System is an innovative, easy, and versatile way to experience the profound benefits of aromatherapy. Discover for yourself how the six robust blends can help you balance your moods and take charge of your own emotional well-being.