Aromatic essences have also been used for centuries to create a more meaningful connection to something bigger than ourselves, and, indeed, may place us into a more spiritual state. Many find that spirituality is intricately associated with religion while others consider it a separate and broader concept associated with behavior, emotions, and philosophies that involve the search for transcendent meaning. Aromatic essences and incense (aromatic resins and gums, such as frankincense and balsam) have been used in spiritual pursuits for as long as we have a record of them. In ancient Egypt, large quantities of incense were burned every day in temples as an offering to the gods. The Bible contains many references to the burning of incense as an integral part of sacred ceremonies, and the precious aromatic botanicals frankincense and myrrh were offered to the Christ child by wise men. More than a dozen aromatic botanicals are referenced in the Old and New Testament books of the Bible, many of which are distilled into the essential oils we still use today: aloeswood, calamus, cassia, cinnamon, cistus, cypress, fir, frankincense, galbanum, hyssop, juniper, myrrh, myrtle, onycha, pine, saffron, sandalwood, and spikenard. Similarly, the ancient Romans, Greeks, Persians, Indians, and Chinese all used aromatic essences for a variety of purposes, including religious rituals. Some religions continue this practice of using aromatic botanicals during religious services in temples and household altars. They do so by inhaling an essential oil while meditating or through the application of diluted essential oils to the body (i.e., the crown of the head, base of the skull, or over the heart). In another way, essential oils may indirectly improve spirituality by removing obstructions that hinder its full potential. For example, negative emotions have the potential to harm spirituality. Essential oils release molecules into the air that interact with the nervous and endocrine systems and can affect hormones1 and neurotransmitters2 involved in mood, memory, emotions, and cognition. Physical pain and discomfort can quickly lead to an overwhelming sensory and emotional experience that dulls the spirit. Indeed, spiritual pain—pain and distress caused by an inability to find sources of hope, meaning, love, and peace during life circumstances that conflict with deeply held beliefs—can be an incredibly disruptive pain in and of itself. Inhalation of calming essential oils can reduce one’s response to pain and provide much-needed, soothing relief. As an interesting aside, scientific research suggests that people who regularly attend religious services3 are more likely to use positive coping strategies and experience less chronic pain. Angelica, anise, balsam fir, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, lemon, lemon tea tree, myrrh, opoponax, peppermint, spearmint, and white sage. For grounding, a sense of calm, and inner focus: Balsam fir, cedarwood, cinnamon, cypress, gurjun balsam, mastic, palo santo, pine, sandalwood, spruce, and vetiver. For enlightenment and meditation: Agarwood, balsam fir, cypress, elemi, frankincense, guaiacwood, guggul, myrrh, palo santo, sandalwood, spikenard, and Western red cedar. For reconnecting to a sense of spirituality in any situation: Cassia, cinnamon, balsam fir, frankincense, ginger, lavender, myrtle, pine, sandalwood, and spruce.
