The influence of odors on a person’s mental state. The influence of odors on humans

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Scientists have found that with the help of smell a person receives no more than 2 percent of information about environment, while through vision - 85. In this case, odors can act directly on the unconscious.

Sexual sphere

Smells play a special role in sexual relationships. Before puberty, both boys and girls prefer fruity, sweet smells. With the onset of puberty, both sexes prefer musky, floral and oily scents.

The reason for such changes lies in some similarity of these odors with pheromones - odorous substances secreted by humans. It is pheromones that cause unconscious sexual attraction of the opposite sex. Pheromones act on the vomeronasal organ in the nose, and through it on functions controlled by the hypothalamus, including sexual desire.

The famous English writer Herbert Wells had an ordinary appearance, but even before the advent of fame he was popular with ladies. When one of the women in love with him was asked what was so special about this man, she languidly remarked: “He smells like honey!..”. And Napoleon, returning from another campaign, wrote to Josephine: “I’m going, stop washing.” The Emperor adored the natural scent of the female body.

Aromatherapy

The smells of various essential oils make it possible not only to produce perfumes and cosmetics, but also to improve health. Since antiquity, there has been such a direction of alternative medicine as aromatherapy.

Essential oils are used in diluted or concentrated form. They are applied to the skin and hair and scent the premises. The effectiveness of essential oils lies in two principles. The first of them is that compositions of certain aromas allow a person to calm down, cheer up, relieve fatigue and get into a working mood. The second point is that essential oils are natural antibiotics and fungicides. For example, oregano and tea tree essential oils are the strongest antiseptics of plant origin. For chronic insomnia, it is recommended to use lemon balm, orange, and basil oils. If a person is haunted by nightmares, then aromatherapy experts advise placing rose oil in the bedroom.

"Purchase impulse"

It is hidden in the aromas of perfumes, cigarettes, and products. Unconscious craving for these smells is used in the work of shopping malls, restaurants and supermarkets. And once upon a time it all began with the experiments of the American psychiatrist Alan Hirsch. He noticed that certain scents trigger certain human actions.

Wanting to test the hypothesis, he distributed the specially created essence in several sections of various stores and found that sales there sharply increased compared to the “raw” departments. IN grocery stores the smell is very effective fresh cucumber, in clothing stores, customers are “fascinated” by the aromas of mint and lavender. In leather goods stores, of course, the smell of leather is relevant. It is especially in demand if the assortment includes only leatherette products. It is believed that even car dealerships can increase car sales by 15% if they spray a special aromatic composition in their cars.

Labor productivity

Perfumer Heinrich Brocard, who founded his factory in Moscow in 1869 (now the Novaya Zarya company), was convinced that the smell in the workroom plays a big role in labor efficiency. “...The productivity of even a simple worker will immediately increase if there is no stench in the factory workshops, and the air is filled with the aroma of gillyflowers and wisteria,” noted Brocard.

One of the most interesting experiments on this topic took place in the USSR in 1983. It was described in his book “In the World of Smells and Sounds” by Doctor of Medical Sciences Sergei Ryazantsev. In the control room of the Kyiv Boryspil airport, a Fiton-1 odor dispenser was installed, created by the Institute of Botany of the USSR Academy of Sciences. The special composition of aromas passing through the dispenser significantly increased the performance of air traffic controllers.

Currently, the theory of the benefits of certain odors is taken seriously in Japan. According to a certain schedule, adjusted combinations of aromas are launched into the offices through the air conditioning system. It has been noticed that the number of errors among employees of such companies is on average 20% lower than that of their colleagues from ordinary offices. At the same time, labor productivity is generally 50% higher.

Scientists have found that with the help of smell a person receives no more than 2 percent of information about the environment, while through vision - 85. Moreover, odors can act directly on the unconscious.

Genital area

Smells play a special role in sexual relationships. Before puberty, both boys and girls prefer fruity, sweet smells. With the onset of puberty, both sexes prefer musky, floral and oily scents.

The reason for such changes lies in some similarity of these odors with pheromones - odorous substances secreted by humans. It is pheromones that cause unconscious sexual attraction to the opposite sex. Pheromones affect the vomeronasal organ in the nose, and through it, functions controlled by the hypothalamus, including sexual desire.

Aromatherapy

"Purchase impulse"

It is believed that even car dealerships can increase car sales by 15% if they spray a special aromatic composition in their cars.

Wanting to test the hypothesis, he distributed the specially created essence in several sections of various stores and found that sales there sharply increased compared to the “raw” departments. In grocery stores, the smell of fresh cucumber is very effective; in clothing stores, customers are “fascinated” by the aromas of mint and lavender. In leather goods stores, of course, the smell of leather is relevant. It is especially in demand if the assortment includes only leatherette products. It is believed that even car dealerships can increase car sales by 15% if they spray a special aromatic composition in their cars.

Labor productivity

Only one person out of several million has a unique sense of smell, distinguishing up to 7-10 thousand odors.

Our body's reactions
Choosing smells
The power of associations

The importance of our sense of smell is often undeservedly downplayed. However, the results of new research by scientists in this direction demonstrate that the influence of odors on humans is actually enormous. Moreover, smells can enhance concentration, memory and mental endurance.

More recently, the mechanism of how smells affect our brains was poorly understood. But today the minds of researchers are absorbed in the question of the influence of smell on our behavior and perception - it turns out that with the help of odors it is even possible to treat some diseases. Thus, in one of the French clinics, smells are used to help “reboot” the brains of patients in a coma and bring them out of this state. Smells have also found their place in the world of art, where they are used to create a special atmosphere. For example, the New York Children's Museum is filled with the aroma of fresh homemade bread just out of the oven.

At the same time, scientists have noticed that smells help to concentrate better, absorb information, increase performance, and therefore can be used to improve one’s own performance. But to understand how scents are linked to high grades and career success, let's understand the inner workings of our brains and how and why they respond to different olfactory stimuli.

Our body's reactions

Smell is made up of volatile molecules, and not the same ones at all. A single odor can consist of different molecules, and the olfactory environment in a room can consist of a number of odor sources. Molecules, entering the nose, affect certain receptors, and they transmit to the brain data about the concentration, nature and duration of exposure to this very smell.

First of all, information enters the olfactory bulb, then is transmitted to the cerebral hemispheres, and from there to the limbic system. It is precisely this that is associated with human emotions, memory, sleep and sexuality. The limbic system forms emotional reactions to odors, which is why they primarily affect our internal state - we feel cheerful and full of energy, or, conversely, we relax, feel peace and drowsiness.

In addition, odor molecules enter the pituitary gland, which produces hormones that are responsible for growth, metabolism and reproduction. The pituitary gland also produces hormones that connect it like bridges to the outside of the brain. This is where the most complex thinking processes take place.

Tomography played an important role in the development of olfactronics (the science of the effects of odors on the brain). Skeptics who believe that the sense of smell is not so important for us had to retreat under the pressure of visual experiments. Experiments have shown that under the influence of certain volatile molecules, various parts of the brain are activated, which means that aromas really affect its functioning.

For example, tomographic images clearly showed that the smell of lavender activates the hippocampus (emotions), thalamus (connection with the senses) and hypothalamus (it produces hormones that affect brain function). At the same time, the gyrus, which is responsible for touch and movement of the limbs, significantly reduced its activity under the influence of lavender - which means that this plant can be successfully used to relieve epilepsy attacks. Lavender inhibits the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during stress - that is, it can act as a sedative.

Moreover, lavender essential oil contains a very important substance for our life - serotonin. By the way, it is also found in hashish and our brain. Serotonin performs a large number of tasks. Its deficiency provokes an increase in pain sensitivity; serotonin is responsible for motor activity, improves mood and gives a feeling of joy. If there is too little or too much of it in the brain, it can cause mental disorders.

Choosing smells

Each smell has a specific effect on our nervous system and the body as a whole. Some help you collect your thoughts and increase your tone, others relax you, which means they interfere with hard work.

For example, lavender, lemon balm and thyme activate the sleep area in the brain, but eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, lemon, basil and mint relieve drowsiness, give vigor and the desire to work. The smell of wormwood and lemon makes a person more precise and quick in his activities.

Lavender, sage and eucalyptus improve memory, so they will be excellent helpers for students preparing for a session. Researchers found lemon, mint, rosemary and neroli oil, extracted from orange flowers, to be the best stimulating aromas.

For example, experiments were conducted in Sweden that showed that lemon essential oil, the vapors of which were in the office, helped secretaries make 54 percent fewer typos and errors in documents.

But the essential oil of calamus and the smell of valerian root, on the contrary, calm and relax, which can be used in cases where it is vital to get enough sleep before an important event.

The power of associations

In addition to the fact that odors trigger certain chemical reactions in the brain, aromas also have another effect - by sensing them, we fall under the power of associations. It all depends on what events, pictures, feelings and emotions were accompanied by this smell. Associations can be either national or individual.

For example, the smell of camphor (generally pleasant) causes negative associations with the disease for many, because camphor is included in rubbing ointments and other preparations. The smell of incense gives believers a feeling of holiness, joy, bliss - and all because churches are smoked with incense during services. Residents eastern countries, such as India and China, incense will not cause such emotions - its role there is played by juniper, from which incense is made for temples.

The smell of wintergreen provokes completely different emotions among residents of the UK and the USA - in the United Kingdom this plant was previously used in the manufacture of medicines (therefore the associations are negative), and in the states they make sweets from it.

How to benefit from smells?

For smells to become our allies, we need to remember two main rules.

1. The aroma should not be too strong. This is exactly the case when it is better to underdo than to overdo. Too strong odors cause headache- in this case, it is not just the result of long contact with a source of intense odor, but also a warning mechanism.

It works like this: there is a special nerve on the face that reacts to a strong concentration of volatile substances in the air. The nerve sends a danger signal to the brain, which spreads a feeling of discomfort throughout the body. In this way, the brain motivates a person to get away from the source of a strong odor that can be harmful to health (this could be smoke or toxic chemical compounds).

2. To make the influence of smell on a person’s performance as effective as possible, use simultaneously its physiological effect on the body and associative memory. Accustom yourself to the same scent that you will use at the beginning of the work or educational process. Associations will be triggered, giving the brain the command: “Attention! You need to concentrate! The work will begin now!”

This could be an invigorating eau de toilette or essential oil, or maybe fresh herbs or a lemon cut in half. You can light an aroma lamp or spray perfume on your wrist and then smell it. The main thing is not to use odors with a sedative effect for this purpose, because in this case the associations will go against the natural reactions of the brain.

Perhaps the time is not far off when smells will be widely used to increase the efficiency of mental activity in schools, universities and offices. But now everyone can use this experience to achieve success in their career or study.

The ability to sense and distinguish smells plays a role huge role in the life of animals. For many of them, smell is a fairly important sense in hunting or escaping from predators. Thus, ungulates sense the smell of a sneaking enemy from afar, which allows them to escape from his fangs and claws in time. Representatives of felines find their prey by smell, and wolves and dogs can smell a scent. In many species, babies and mothers, as well as other members of the same group, recognize each other by smell. In general, animals cannot do without smell.

People are also animals, albeit highly organized ones. But at the same time, they stubbornly ignore the importance of smells, preferring to keep in touch with the outside world through touch, hearing and sight. Smells play more of an aesthetic role (it smells or stinks), and in some cases they can warn of danger (gas, rotten food, smoke, chemicals). We are able to distinguish the most intense and memorable smells - our favorite food, flowers, perfume; we can even remember what people dear to us smell like.

But if we talk about the impact of odors on human behavior and condition, the sense of smell in this case is significantly underestimated and is even treated with a degree of irony. But nevertheless, experiments conducted in America showed that odors affect not only our mood, but also behavior, as well as the general condition of the body. They can change blood pressure, heart rate, put a person into a state of excitement or put him to sleep. Experiments have also shown that some aromas can relieve depression and improve the emotional state of patients with mental disorders.

Natural aromas contained in herbs, fruits, berries or animals best influence a person. The odors contained in plant essential oils have a positive effect even at a small concentration.

Our ancestors have long thought about how smells affect humans. The ancient sages knew very well about the magical properties of aromas, so they used them to enter various emotional states. Almost two millennia BC, myrrh and incense were placed in the walls of temples so that believers would experience certain states when visiting a sacred place. Five hundred years BC, the first incense factory appeared in Corinth.

In the Muslim holy book, incense is compared to food that awakens the spirit - and this is indeed true. The nerve responsible for transmitting olfactory signals is directly connected to the brain. The nose is the only human sense organ that does not have intermediaries. After all, vision, touch, taste and hearing are connected to the brain by a number of sequentially connected nerves, and only the nose can send information to our brain, bypassing long chains.

Due to the fact that the sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, odor molecules can have such a profound effect on our emotions, psyche, and consciousness. And, according to scientists, the effect is ensured even with a small, almost imperceptible concentration of the fragrant substance in the air.

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Introduction

smell well-being essential aerosol

Relevance

The perception of smells is closely related to the limbic system, which is directly involved in emotional perception and behavioral reactions. Smells affect not only our mood, but also behavior, as well as the general condition of the body. They can change blood pressure, heart rate, put a person into a state of excitement or put him to sleep. Some aromas can relieve depression and improve the emotional state of patients with mental disorders. Smells help you concentrate better, absorb information, increase your performance, which means they can be used to improve your own.

Purpose of the study

Find out the positive and negative effects of odors on the human body

Tasks

1. study the literature on the topic of the project;

2. conduct a sociological study (in class);

3. determine the influence of odors on a person’s well-being and mood.

Object of study

Zamp is a specific sensation of the presence of volatile odorous substances (VAS) in the air, detected by chemical olfactory receptors located in the nasal cavity of animals and humans.

Subject of study

The influence of odors on the human body.

Hypothesis- if odors affect human health, in a positive and negative way, by establishing which odors affect a person in one way or another, I can use this knowledge to protect my health from the harmful effects of some and improve it using knowledge about others

Research methods

· Questionnaire. Conducted a survey among 9-10 grades of MBOU Secondary School No. 25 on the topic of the use of aerosols and natural oils, awareness of their harmful and positive effects on the human body.

· Studying all possible sources for this research.

1. Degree of knowledge of the issue

The question of how a person smells and why we need this ability has long been of concern to the minds of scientists around the world. Quite a few theories have been put forward on this topic, but a complete solution to the mechanism of smell is still far away. The closest to it were scientists such as J. Eimour with his theory ( key-lock) saying that if the molecule of a substance is round, then the corresponding nerve receptor has a concave shape for docking. But this theory has been questioned by Boston University scientist John Cauer. As a result of his experience, John found out that molecules with a similar structure can use different parts of the brain, which could disprove Eimour's theory. Not so long ago, the young scientist Luca Turn put forward a completely different hypothesis; he said that smell, like color or sound, is determined by the frequency of vibrations, and our olfactory system, in turn, is capable of capturing them. As a result of the experiment, his theory was confirmed. A new word on the issue of smells can be left by Linda Buck from the University of Washington. Using a method developed by Linda Buck's laboratory, the olfactory system was shown to use a combinatorial odor coding scheme. All this says only one thing: science does not stand still, and this issue Quite a few studies are being and will be carried out, which means that perhaps in the near future we will be able to find all the answers to the questions that interest us.

2. Physiology of smell

Why do we smell?

I. P. Pavlov believed that the problem of smell and odor is one of the most difficult in physiology and general biology. A person perceives smells through the nose. It is capable of perceiving and recognizing 4,000 different odors, and a very sensitive nose - up to 10,000, and special signals are transmitted to the brain about each individual smell. The olfactory nerves are almost never wrong. They won't transmit a lily signal when the air smells like a rose. Animals distinguish odors even better than people. Cats, dogs and horses have a developed sense of smell so strongly that, with a fair wind, they can distinguish the smell of a person they know from an entire block away. In wild animals, the sense of smell is even more developed. The numerical magnitude of the nose's sensitivity to odorants is simply incredible. For example, an ordinary person smells vanillin at a concentration of 1 gram in 10 million cubic meters of air.

Aromas from the air enter the nasal cavity to the olfactory cells (about 30 million neurons). There are receptors on the surface of these ciliated cells. An impulse in the cell occurs when 8-10 molecules of an aromatic substance hit the receptors of the cilia. The sensation of smell occurs if at least 40 neurons are simultaneously excited. Even to perform such a seemingly simple task: how we distinguish smell, more than 6 million neurons are involved, each of which receives perhaps 10,000 contacts of its comrades. The odor signal travels through special cells directly to the hypothalamus of the brain. This is very important because this tiny organ regulates dozens of body functions such as temperature, thirst, hunger, blood sugar, sleep, sexual arousal and emotions such as anger and joy. At the same time, the odor signal is sent to an area called the Hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and attention. For this reason, smells evoke memories in us. The world of smells surrounds us everywhere and continuously. Dozens of irritants penetrate the human nasal cavity every minute. However, we consciously distinguish only some of them. Most reactions to surrounding odors are subconscious in nature.

A person perceives only five main smells - mint, camphor, floral, ethereal, musky. All others are obtained by mixing the main ones.

Conscious reactions to smell are when the brain processes multiple streams of information signals(highlighting the most vital ones), sends a return signal to which a person reacts (the smell of food or gas).

The mystery of the smell has not been completely solved, since scientists have not paid enough attention to it. Animals with a pair of ears can determine the direction of sound very accurately. Even with the help of one ear, the animal can determine which side the sound is louder. Hearing is directional, like vision, but smell, like the sense of taste, has no direction.

There were more than 30 theories of smell. The greatest debate was caused by the question of whether the aroma molecule should come into contact with receptorogens, or whether it emits waves that irritate the receptors.

Eymour's (key-lock) theory explains the smell as follows: "If the molecule is round, then the corresponding nerve receptor has a concavity into which the molecule fits." However, Boston University neuroscientist John Cowhera discovered that this theory was flawed. In an experiment using a tomograph, Kauer discovered that three close chemical substances a - esters of acetic acid, propyl acetate and amyl acetate, whose molecules have a similar shape, cause different activity of brain cells.

Recently, a young British biophysicist, Luca Turne, put forward a completely different concept of the mechanism of odor perception. According to this concept, smell, like color or sound, is determined by the frequency of vibrations, and the olfactory organ is like a device that is capable of recording these frequencies. Turn proved that different substances with different frequencies of interatomic vibrations have a similar odor. For the experiment, hydrogen sulfide and boron water were taken with an oscillation frequency of 2500 Hz. It turned out that boletus also smells of hydrogen sulfide, despite the fact that their molecules have different shape. American microbiologist Linda Buck may write a new page in the theory of smells.

Essential oils

Essential oils are highly volatile oily liquids extracted from flowers (roses, jasmine, etc.), flower buds (cloves), fruits (anise), fruit peel (lemon, orange), leaves (mint), wood ( sandalwood) etc. Essential oils are obtained from fresh or dried essential oil plants by steam distillation (for example, rose, geranium, mint and some others), by squeezing them from the peel (citrus), by extraction with volatile solvents.

Practical application of recommendations for the use of essential oils will significantly reduce consumption chemicals- expensive and not harmless My task is to help introduce people to the most ancient methods of preventing and treating diseases with essential oils. They heal a person’s body and soul, help them endure the hardships of modern life, especially in old age.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful, natural method of calming many physical and mental ailments. Her the main objective- restoring balance of body and spirit, as well as supporting and stimulating the body’s natural defense reactions.

Vegetable oils

In aromatherapy they are called transport or carrier oils. Essential oils, which, as you know, are not consumed in their pure form, are perfectly soluble in these oils. In addition, these oils themselves have healing properties, so for many thousands of years people have been using them externally and internally. The human body is designed in such a way that it completely absorbs the substances contained in vegetable oils that have a beneficial effect on the skin, hair and nails. Vegetable oils, along with essential oils, are an essential component in various perfumes and cosmetics. To create your own creams and massage oils.

PUMPKIN OIL. It is otherwise called a “pharmacy in miniature”. Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes bile secretion. Useful in the treatment of diseases of the kidneys, heart, vision, prostatitis and adenoma

Methods of using essential oils

1.INHALATION.

Aromas, falling on the reflexogenic points of the nose, massaging them, causing impulses projected onto certain areas of the brain, have at the same time direct impact on the respiratory system and eliminate congestive and inflammatory reactions.

2. COLD INHALATIONS.

The aroma of the oil is inhaled either directly from the bottle or after application to the fabric. Breathing should be smooth and deep. Inhalation time is 3-10 minutes. It is advisable to close your eyes. The most effective inhalations are using the Machold inhaler.

Aroma substances come into contact with the entire surface of the skin. Due to their high penetrating ability, they are quickly absorbed by the skin, entering the lymphatic network, washing all organs along with the lymph. In addition to the strong effect on the skin, essential oils have an effect on the lungs, intestines, kidneys, central and peripheral nervous systems. Baths can be hot, cool, sitz, foot, hand and foot baths. In a filled container with water desired temperature the required amount of essential oil is added, which is pre-mixed with the emulsifier. Emulsifiers are substances that allow oil to mix more easily with water: sea or table salt, bubble bath, cream, whey, bran. The procedure time is 5-30 minutes. The increase in the time of taking an aromatic bath should be gradual.

4.COMPRESSES.

Substances in essential oils penetrate through the area of the skin located in direct projection to the diseased organ; enter the lymph and have anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic, antispasmodic effects. Add essential oil to the water, then immerse a cotton cloth in this water, squeeze lightly, apply to the projection area of the diseased organ and secure with a dry thin cloth. The procedure time is 5-40 minutes.

5.RUBBING.

The technique perfectly helps with inflammatory phenomena in muscle, nervous, and connective tissue, affecting the lymphatic system, spinal trunk, respiratory and blood circulation systems. Add the required amount of essential oil to 10 g of massage oil, apply to the sore spot and rub in with strong, vigorous movements.

Is one of the most active methods effects on the body. Provides rapid penetration of aromatic substances into the lymph and bloodstream, which gives a comprehensive effect on the body. Besides positive impact on the respiratory, circulatory, central and peripheral nervous systems, the liver, intestines and endocrine glands are healed. Mix essential oil with 10g vegetable oil, apply to skin. After which a massage is performed according to the system that corresponds to your state of health.

Internal use of essential oils

The active components of essential oils affect the digestive organs, enter the bloodstream, normalizing the functioning of the cardiovascular system, have a powerful effect on the genitourinary system and nerve tissue. For internal use of essential oil, a solvent is required! The recommended amount of essential oil should be added to 1 tablespoon of edible vegetable oil, or 1 teaspoon of honey or jam, on dried fruit or a piece of biscuit, used as a salad dressing, mixed with mayonnaise. For hot oils, there is an encapsulation method: apply the appropriate dosage of oil to a small piece of black bread. Mash another piece of bread between your fingers so that you get a thin plate. Next, wrap the bread soaked in aroma essence in this plate and seal it tightly. Take as pills with a drink big amount liquids. Aromatization of tea: drop 7-10 drops of essential oil into a hermetically sealed container (200 g), then pour tea into this container, close tightly and do not open for 3-5 days, shaking occasionally.

Properties of essential oils

ORANGE.

It has long been known as good remedy from fever. It is antipyretic, treats urolithiasis, improves the functions of digestion, gall bladder, kidneys, is a hemostatic agent, and has a beneficial effect on the skin of the face. It is used to aromatize the air in rooms, which significantly improves the mood and performance of the people in them. It is used in aromatics, added to cosmetic creams and ointments, and used as an additive to liqueurs and vodka to taste.

GRAPEFRUIT.

It is used in the treatment of pulmonary failure, arrhythmia, arthritis, hepatitis, and asthenic syndromes. Treats hypertension, helps prevent atherosclerosis. Grapefruit oil is given to patients who have undergone major surgery or a debilitating illness. It stimulates the appetite.

Tones the autonomic nervous system, an effective remedy against vegetative-vascular dystonia. Whitens and smoothes the skin; reduces freckles and age spots, eliminates visible vascular patterns, an excellent dandruff remedy, a natural hair lightener, and eliminates brittle nails. Eliminates rashes of various origins, boils, lichens, warts, cracks on the palms and soles, eczema, bleeding gums. A good antiviral agent is effective against influenza, herpes, chickenpox, viral hepatitis, measles, and mumps. Has antibacterial, antiseptic, bactericidal effects. Relieves fever, helps normalize body temperature. Remedy for headaches, nausea, dizziness caused by cerebral vascular spasms or caffeine overdose. Normalizes metabolism and fat utilization, an anti-obesity remedy, eliminates cellulite. Dissolves gall bladder and kidney stones. Rejuvenates the walls of blood vessels and has an anti-sclerotic effect. Prevents varicose veins veins and the development of hemorrhoids. Participates in cleansing the body of toxins, has an anti-anemic effect, activates leukocytes in the body's defense system, and normalizes the blood formula. The use of this oil is incompatible with sunbathing

MELISSA OFFICINAL (LEMONTH)

Melissa oil is one of the most effective and valuable essential oils offered by aromatherapy. Classical aromatherapy points to the following main properties of lemon balm essential oil: tonic effect on the brain, heart, uterus, digestive tract, antispasmodic, physical and mental stimulant (“patent for longevity”), choleretic, improves stomach function, carminative, diaphoretic, anthelmintic. Indications for internal use of lemon balm; migraine, indigestion, neuralgia (facial, dental, ear, head), increased excitability, insomnia, convulsions, epilepsy, fainting, dizziness, tinnitus, spasms (digestive, cardiac asthma), vomiting during pregnancy, intellectual impairment (memory), melancholy , painful menstruation, anemia. For external use - insect bites (wasps, etc.), repelling insects, as well as treating wounds, cuts, rheumatism, swollen mammary glands, bruises. Scientists have confirmed that lemon balm has antiviral properties.

Fragrances in business

Businesses were also interested in the influence of odors, discovering that workers’ productivity increased when they smelled aromatically. There are examples of some companies in Japan that have successfully used this method. They introduce certain aromas into the air conditioning system in buildings so that everyone in their place can smell a particular smell. One construction corporation even uses computer system to distribute odors throughout your buildings. This aromatization increases the productivity of workers usually engaged in routine work.

For this purpose, the Japanese company Sumitsu organized special rooms rest if people felt the need for energy replenishment. Directors large enterprises advised to spray “aroma activators” before calling employees to important meetings. The Sumitsu company has developed more than 20 variants of phytocompositions - aromas, flowers and plants - to improve the quality of work of programmers and typists. The number of errors among programmers decreased when inhaling the scent of jasmine by 3%, lavender by 20%, and lemon by 54%.

3. When odors can be deadly

Perfumes, dishwashing detergents, household gas, fragrances - a variety of odors surround us everywhere. Every day we inhale them, almost without thinking about whether they are harmful, whether dangerous odors exist and how to recognize them.

The most dangerous air fresheners are in the form of sprays. They contain toxic volatile substances that easily penetrate the body through the lungs and even the skin. Many manufacturers also add sodium benzoate and sodium nitrite to their products. Both substances are considered powerful poisons and cause mutations in human DNA, which provokes the development of diseases such as Parkinson's disease and cirrhosis of the liver. In addition, after regular use of an air freshener in the form of an aerosol, a person gradually begins to develop anemia (anemia). However, the harm of air fresheners in the form of gels is not much less, since they contain polymer gel, artificial fragrances and dyes that can cause severe allergies. American scientists conducted research in 2008, during which they found that people who often use air fresheners in their homes get sick oncological diseases 130% more likely than those who prefer natural fresheners. Modern technologies allow you to recreate any smell in the laboratory. Whether it's fragrant lilacs, freshly cut grass or a delicious dessert. This is possible due to the combination of various chemicals. Air fresheners contain so-called fragrances or perfume compositions - synthetic flavors. Of course, there are natural ones, but their use on a production scale would be too expensive, and the smell would not be as lasting. Manufacturers usually do not indicate on the label what these compounds are, thereby reserving the right to disguise any elements under this name. However, even without fragrance, air fresheners are full of various chemicals.

The sprays contain propane and butane, with large quantities these substances cause suffocation, linalool and solvent are dangerous, which are potential allergens, formaldehyde depress the central nervous system, limonin and pinine can cause cancer. According to Rospotrebnadzor permissible norm for air fresheners, hazard class 3-4 according to the degree of impact on the human body, these are moderate and low-hazard substances, their coefficient of possibility of inhalation poisoning is up to 29. Almost all household chemicals belong to these classes.

The ingredients stated on the labels do not always correspond to the real ones. In addition, many manufacturers, in an effort to attract more consumers of their products, position the air fresheners they produce as “destroying odor rather than masking it.”

Air fresheners contain a lot of toxins that easily penetrate the human body, but are much more difficult to remove from it. Air fresheners irritate mucous membranes, cause headaches and nausea, and provoke asthma and allergy attacks. Constant use of these drugs increases the risk of cancer! The following components of the refreshing mixture contribute to the development of asthma, breathing problems, leukemia, and bone diseases: benzene, petroleum distillates, formaldehyde, limonene. The negative effects of these substances have been proven by scientists. If air freshener cans state that they contain only natural ingredients, they also contain phthalates. Phthalates are chemical substances, salts and esters of phthalic acid, which are widely used in industry. In cosmetics, phthalates are used as a binder (solvent and binding of other ingredients) component, as well as to ensure softness and impart an oily film.

Once in the human body, phthalic acid esters are transformed and split into monoesters. The next step is to oxidize the remaining monoester alcohol. At the same time, corresponding products are detected in the urine and removed from the body. Phthalates, especially those with a short alcohol chain, can be absorbed through the skin. Twenty-four hours after skin contact with radioactive diethyl phthalate (DEP), 9% of the radioactivity was detected in the urine, and after 3 days, radioactive material was detected in various organs. There appears to be some relationship between the metabolism and toxicity of phthalates, since short alcohol chain phthalates, which are highly toxic, are actually broken down into monoesters very quickly and, in animal experiments, most of The toxic effects of phthalates were caused precisely by monoesters. Target organs for phthalates are the liver, kidneys and testicles. Phthalates accumulate in the human body, which negatively affects its hormonal levels, as well as the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Once in the human body, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) rearranges fat metabolism, slowing down the breakdown and increasing the formation of fats. Such chemicals are deposited in fatty tissue and liver, which leads to disruption of various functions of our body. They have a particularly strong negative impact on the reproductive system. This is not the whole range of dangerous chemicals in air fresheners. A number of compounds are detected: phenol, dichlorobenzene, camphor, naphthalene, benzyl alcohol, ethanol, pinene, etc. Each of them has a certain negative effect on our body.

However, petroleum distillates, benzene and formaldehyde, which are part of many air fresheners, can not only cause the development of asthma and allergies, but also disrupt the entire metabolism, up to a disorder in the absorption of calcium (and impaired bone density) and even leukemia

Aerosols - except harmful mechanical impact on the respiratory system, they also have a chemical effect. Prolonged contact with aerosols is fraught with the development of bronchial asthma. The smallest particles, passing through the small-caliber airways (bronchioles), irritate the nerve endings located in them. This, in turn, causes a spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchioles. Also, aerosols, being a foreign substance and passing through the respiratory tract, trigger an allergic reaction in them, which contributes to swelling of the bronchial wall and the production of thick, viscous sputum. All these mechanisms lead to a decrease in the lumen of the airways and are a key link in the formation of suffocation.

But this is not the only danger of chronic inhalation of aerosols. Due to the negligible size of the particles contained in it, they are capable of exerting chemical action on the body. Systematic inhalation of dust rich in various metals or silicon oxide, over the years, leads to diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, and pulmonary metallosis.

As you can see, in this case the respiratory system is mainly affected. More severe consequences occur when aerosols containing suspended liquid particles are inhaled. Once they enter the respiratory tract, they penetrate the blood vessels and spread throughout the body. In such situations, the liver and kidneys will suffer. They, being natural blood purifiers, retain all toxic and poisonous substances that enter the blood.

The liver, like any other organ, has enormous reserve capacity and copes with “its job” for many years (here we are talking about long-term human contact with small doses of aerosols). However, there comes a time when the liver fails and it cannot cope with the increased load. Then all foreign substances pass through the blood to other organs.

Behind the liver, as a rule, the functioning of the kidneys is disrupted, and then the brain is damaged. Efficiency and memory decrease, fatigue increases, and headaches occur more often. Trouble does not bypass the heart either: the rhythm is disrupted, blood pressure changes.

If the damaging factor is not removed, then all of the above pathological processes become irreversible, with a disastrous outcome. Timely identification and restriction of oneself from dust and aerosols promotes rapid recovery and restoration of previous performance. headache. Trouble does not bypass the heart either: the rhythm is disrupted, blood pressure changes.

4. Study

As a result of a survey I conducted among grades 9-10 of MBOU Secondary School No. 25 in Khimki, questions were asked on the topic of awareness of the influence of odors on the human body.

1. Do you use aerosols? (deodorants, air fresheners)

2.Do you use natural oils?

· Sometimes 4%

3. How do you think aerosols affect the body?

Positive 10%

· Negative 40%

· Didn’t think about it 50%

4.How often do you use aerosols? (deodorants, air fresheners)

· Several times a day 59%

· Several times a week 23%

Rarely 10%

· I don’t use 8%

5. How do you think natural oils affect the human body?

Positive 67%

· Negative 4%

· Haven’t thought about it 29%

6.How often do you use natural oils?

· Several times a day 10%

· Several times a week 5%

Rarely 50%

· I don’t use 35%

7.Have you noticed a deterioration in your health with prolonged use of aerosols?

· I don’t use 10%

8.Have you noticed improvements in your well-being when using oils?

· I don’t use 24%

9.Are you ready to give up aerosols and replace them with natural oils?

· Didn’t think about it 38%

10. Are there any symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion?

· Observed 14%

· Not observed 57%

· Didn’t pay attention 29%

11.Why don’t you use aerosols?

· Allergic reactions 0%

· I don’t think 30% is necessary

· I use 70%

12.Are you allergic to aerosols?

· Didn’t notice 14%

The result of the study

As a result of a survey of 9-10 grades of MBOU Secondary School No. 25, I concluded: the majority of respondents use aerosols several times a day, without thinking about them harmful effects on the body, but about 15% noted the presence of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion. More than 50% are not ready to give up aerosols.

The study revealed the following positive results: about 65% of respondents use natural oils as medicines, aromatherapy and perfumery; another 25% of respondents noticed an improvement in their well-being when using natural oils; and 30% of those diagnosed are ready to give up aerosols in exchange for natural oils. And the most interesting result can be to cancel the desire of a third of respondents to use natural oils to improve health and quality of life.

Conclusion

Through the olfactory organs one can influence the mental and physical state of a person.

The use of essential oils has a beneficial effect on the body. Many essential oils have a healing effect on humans and help improve mood and well-being.

Aerosols - in addition to the detrimental mechanical effect on the respiratory system, also have a chemical effect.

Of course, air fresheners are very common nowadays and are in great demand in stores. But people who buy these air fresheners don't realize the damage they're doing to their health. Under the most pleasant and varied aromas, many health hazards are hidden. chemical compounds.

It is naive to think that air fresheners eliminate bad smell, to put it simply, they don’t even mask well, if we take, for example, unpleasant-smelling substances like ammonia or hydrogen sulfide.

As mentioned above, smell is a property of certain molecules of a certain structure that move in space. We perceive aroma when these molecules interact with our olfactory receptors, and the signal is transmitted to the brain. To destroy a smell, you need to destroy its molecules, but the ingredients in aerosols cannot do this. As a result, it is up to us to decide whether to spoil our health by using chemical aerosols or try to at least partially switch to natural remedies, thereby supporting it during this time of overstrain and mental exhaustion.

List of sources and literature used

1. "Chemist's Handbook" vol. 2, L.-M.: Chemistry, 1964.

2. Belikov V.G. " Tutorial on pharmaceutical chemistry" M.: Medicine, 1979.

3. Devyatkin V.V., Lyakhova Yu.M. “Chemistry for the curious, or what you won’t learn about in class” Yaroslavl: Academy Holding, 2000.

4. Irisova O.A. Aromatherapy. Practical guide(edited by A.D. Kozhevnikova). - M.: Moscow State University Publishing House, 2002.

5. Kim A.M. Organic chemistry. Tutorial. Novosibirsk, 2002.

6. Kozhevnikova A.D. “Emergency aromatherapy help” Aroma-Azbuka, Moscow-2006.

7. Miller Light, Miller Brian. Aromatherapy from the perspective of Ayurveda. Per. from English - M.: Sattva, 2004.

8. Ovchinnikov Yu.A. Bioorganic chemistry, Moscow, “Enlightenment”, 1987.

9. Plemenkov V.V. Introduction to the chemistry of natural compounds, Kazan, 2001.

10. Soldatchenko S.S. Kashchenko G.F., Pidaev A.V., et al. Essential oils - the aroma of health: Ancient and modern prevention and treatment of diseases with essential oils. - Simferopol: “Tavrida”, 2003.

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