The end-of-year festivities, synonymous with social gatherings, can also bring stress due to organization and social expectations. It is in this context that aromatherapy, a practice that uses essential oils to promote physical and emotional well-being, stands out as a natural and effective solution. Research from the University of Maryland in the United States shows that oils such as lavender and bergamot have relaxing properties, helping to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
In Brazil, aromatherapist Daiana Petry , founder of Harmonie Aromatherapy, recommends using room diffusers to incorporate aromas such as sweet orange, lemongrass and myrrh into celebrations, creating a lighter and more welcoming atmosphere. According to national and international studies, these oils not only promote relaxation, but also help improve mood, family unity and even introspection during this special time.
During the holiday season, scents often evoke memories of special moments. How do you think aromatherapy can help bring back those memories and create meaningful experiences for families?
Aromatherapy is a powerful bridge between the present and our deepest memories. During the holidays, when we are most connected to traditions and family moments, smells can act as a trigger for fond memories, thanks to the unique way smell works in our brains.
When we inhale a scent, the odor molecules bind to receptors in the olfactory pathways and send signals directly to the limbic system, a region of the brain associated with controlling/processing emotions, behaviors, and memories. This is why the simple scent of cinnamon can transport us back to a time when we were children, laughing around the table and baking Christmas cookies, or the scent of conifers like Pine essential oil can remind us of the Christmas atmosphere and the plant that is the symbol of Christmas.
In addition to evoking memories, aromatherapy offers an opportunity to create an environment that is more emotionally pleasant, which is essential for creating meaningful and more positive memories. For example, by incorporating essential oils such as sweet orange into the environment, this aroma will bring a touch of joy that encourages us to share and awaken empathy among everyone. Or like lemongrass, which is able to promote a feeling of warmth and comfort, helps to reduce stress and creates an environment of connection and family harmony during the holidays.
Another important point is that the practice of inhaling an essential oil, whether personally or through the aromatization of an environment, reconnects us with nature, an element often forgotten in the rush of everyday life. It is like bringing a piece of nature into your home, an invitation to balance and harmony.
At such a symbolic time as the end of the year, using aromatherapy intentionally to create an emotionally balanced environment, whether in diffusers, candles or room sprays, not only helps us to fondly remember what we have already experienced, but also to build these new positive memories in a natural way.
With so many essential oil options available, how would you guide someone new to aromatherapy to choose the perfect scents to create a welcoming and festive environment?
For those who are just starting to explore the world of aromatherapy, choosing essential oils to create a welcoming and festive environment is like opening the doors to a new, unique and personalized olfactory experience. Each oil carries a unique energy, capable of transforming spaces and involving people in positive emotions. Just as aromas are unique, each person brings with them their own story. Therefore, it is essential to reflect on the emotions you want to awaken and from there identify the aromas that resonate most with you, making this experience even more pleasant and welcoming.
If there is a scent that conveys joy and empathy, it is sweet orange. It improves mood, awakens enthusiasm and promotes creativity. Imagine a family dinner where everyone is at ease, sharing stories and laughter — that is the power of this oil. Just a few drops in a diffuser and the environment becomes light, cheerful and full of good vibes. Another scent that I really like for these moments is lemongrass , which is perfect for creating a welcoming and harmonious space. It calms, reduces irritability, and is ideal for moments when parties require connection, serenity and a sense of togetherness. Continuing with the proposal to awaken welcoming, Benzoin is an absolute that is like a hug in the form of an aroma. Its sweet aroma, reminiscent of vanilla, can help reduce stress and anxiety, bringing a warm and cozy feeling to the environment. Now, if the intention is to warm hearts and nourish the soul, cinnamon oil is indispensable. In addition to being a natural stimulant, it energizes, motivates and invites connection. Ideal for celebrating special moments, it also symbolizes prosperity, making it perfect for creating an environment that awakens dreams and positive intentions for the new year. Bay essential oil brings clarity, focus and a good dose of inspiration. It strengthens self-esteem, promotes disposition and amplifies the feeling of deservingness. It is an excellent aroma for those moments of reflection and gratitude, typical of the end of the year, when we think about the next steps and goals. Finally, Siberian pine is like bringing nature into the home. Its refreshing and invigorating aroma connects us to the tranquility of the forests, helping to purify the environment and renew energy. It is perfect for creating an atmosphere of renewal and hope.
For a cozy and festive atmosphere, you can create a blend, a combination of essential oils. Try mixing 2 drops of sweet orange, cinnamon and benzoin in a room diffuser — this combination is perfect for warm receptions and moments of celebration. For a more serene moment, use lemongrass with Siberian pine to balance and harmonize emotions.
Your career combines different areas, such as perfumery and neuroscience. Could you tell us about a specific moment when you realized the transformative impact of aromatherapy on your personal or professional life?
When I was a child, the expressions “chatty” and “not one to sit still” defined my personality well. However, in my adolescence, everything changed. I began to feel anxious, blush, have a rapid heartbeat and sweat when I was in a social environment. To make matters worse, I felt ashamed of feeling this way, because most of the time, I knew that these were situations that did not justify this feeling, but I could not react in any other way. The change was intense and extreme and I was diagnosed with social phobia.
During this period, in a conversation with a very dear friend named Walton, I discovered that there was an undergraduate course called Applied Naturology and that, according to him, it was “right up my alley”. To learn more about the course, I researched its curriculum and the subject that caught my attention the most was Aromatherapy. In my search to learn more about the technique, I found a group of aromatherapists and people who practice it, with whom I shared my diagnosis in the hope that there might be some essential oil that could help. I was advised by aromatherapist Katia Sakugawa to inhale bergamot, Atlas cedar and frankincense essential oils daily through my personal aroma diffuser , and so I did. I followed the Aromatherapy treatment for three months. In the first month, I could already notice a difference in my behavior and a certain relief from my anxiety. And so, little by little, the changes began to happen. I still remember the day I completed the three months of treatment. I looked at myself and saw myself again in the mirror. I felt like I was in control of my own story, confident, optimistic and in harmony with myself. And it was on that day, looking at myself in the mirror and accepting myself as I was, that I said in my mind: “I want to share Aromatherapy with other people”, “I am fine with myself, I am in control of my story, people need to experience this feeling that I am feeling at this moment”. That day began my journey of studying Aromatherapy and the human being.
During the holiday season, many families face conflicts and tensions. What would be your top tip for using essential oils as a tool to promote harmony and unity during these gatherings?
lemongrass or geranium essential oils , which reduce irritability, impatience and stress. They are options that calm the mood and encourage family unity, perfect for scenting the room and welcoming friends and family.
Your book talks about psychoaromatherapy as a path to self-care. In such an intense period as the end of the year, how can people use this practice to balance their emotions and enjoy the festivities more fully?
Here are some suggestions: at bedtime, a simple practice like scenting the room with lavender essential oil can help improve the quality of sleep and reduce stress and fatigue;
Sweet orange essential oil can be used for environmental aromatization to bring more joy, disposition, lightness and good humor.
Another suggestion is to create a moment of pause and meditation with myrrh essential oil. It is an excellent choice for those who have difficulty slowing down, stopping and breathing. Myrrh essential oil promotes introspection, encourages meditation and encourages reflection on our choices and attitudes. Myrrh is perfect for those who want to create moments of connection with themselves and thus improve their self-confidence.
The scent of sweet orange has long been associated with joy and relaxation, but it is also a nostalgic scent for many. How do you see aromatherapy’s role in connecting generations through olfactory sensations?
Aromatherapy has the power to bring together different generations, creating an environment of welcome, harmony and emotional balance, where everyone can feel connected. The scent of sweet orange, for example, is a link that connects us not only to moments of joy and relaxation, but also to a feeling of purity and innocence, like that of children. This essential oil is capable of awakening the joy of our inner child, regardless of the stage of life we are in.
For children, sweet orange is an invitation to smile and play. For adults, it brings lightness and the ability to rediscover joy in the midst of daily responsibilities. And for the elderly, the aroma of sweet orange can be a reminder of times gone by, evoking fond memories that warm the heart and reconnect with happy experiences from other times.
In its simplicity, aromatherapy teaches that age doesn’t matter: everyone can experience the beauty of being touched by the emotions and memories that aromas offer us.
As the founder of a successful brand and author of a book on the subject, you have probably received countless questions from people who are curious about this universe. What would you say to someone who wants to make aromatherapy an essential part of their daily life?
Aromatherapy can be incorporated into our daily lives in a simple and practical way. Whether through personal or environmental diffusers, it is important to understand how to use essential oils safely and efficiently, as well as which oil is best suited for the theme we want.
I recommend a daily olfactory stimulus of at least 10-15 minutes to achieve changes in mood and behavior. Another point is regular use for situations such as anxiety, insomnia and stress.
Do not use essential oils directly on your skin, as they contain components that can be sensitizing and irritating to the skin. In an air freshener, use 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to scent a 20m² space. Do not use too many drops, as excessive use can cause adverse effects such as headaches or nausea.
Seek guidance from an aromatherapist to make the most assertive choice: Daiana Petry | Aromatherapist Harmonie Aromatherapy ( www.harmoniearomaterapia.com.br ).
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