Body lotion, perfume, candles – many of the gifts you can buy your mother for Mother’s Day are scented. It’s no wonder that scented products are popular, because they can evoke emotions and memories like nothing else.
Scientists believe that we begin to learn about odors even before we are born, when flavors from our mothers’ diets are introduced into the amniotic fluid. As we grow up, our reactions to various odors are linked to what we were experiencing when we were first exposed to them. Because of this, everyone reacts to scents in their own unique way.
If your beloved grandmother always made delicious apple pies when you visited her, the smell of apple pies might make you feel content. If you were once forced to drink a medicine that was wintergreen-flavored when you were very sick, you might dislike the smell of wintergreen.
When I was young, my mother only wore perfume on special occasions. If I smelled Shalimar or Chanel No. 5, I knew that my parents were going out for the evening. Even now when I smell those scents, I think about my mother - all dressed up in a black dress, pumps and pearls.
Although everyone’s response to a particular scent depends on their own experiences, there are essential oils that are believed to have similar effects on a majority of people.
Here are some of the most commonly used scents and the effects generally attributed to each:

• Lavender – calming and balancing
• Lemon – refreshing and energizing.
• Jasmine – lessens anxiety and depression, aphrodisiac
• Rosemary – stimulating, enhances mental clarity
• Peppermint – stimulating, may relieve headaches
• Chamomile – calming, reassuring
• Orange – refreshing, relaxing
• Marjoram – soothing, warming
• Rose – relaxing, aphrodisiac
• Bergamot – refreshing and uplifting

Aromatherapy is popular today, but it isn’t new – ancient Egyptians, Grecians, Romans and Chinese used scents for a variety of religious, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Now, the use of scents has become a major industry – there are even special schools where you can learn about the use and effectiveness of essential oils.
How do you know which scents to choose for someone else if you aren’t an expert? You can buy a product that is believed to have an effect that you think the recipient would appreciate; or choose a scent that reflects a person’s interests or preferences. Still not sure which scent to give? Try taking a stimulating whiff of rosemary – it may enhance your mental clarity.

Contributed By Laura Weaver