The science of aromachology is slightly different and is defined as the “psychology of scent.” It focuses on the effects of certain herbal essential oils on humans, which include relaxation, improvement of work and behavior, stimulation of memory, and the reduction of stress. Aromachology is a concept developed under the leadership of the Sense of Smell Institute in the 1980s. It refers to a collection of scientific data under controlled conditions to study the interrelationship of psychology and fragrance technology to transmit a variety of specific feelings and enhance behavior through the olfactory experience.
This is a new term for products scented with fragrance oils, that are mostly synthetic. Aromachology is the study of the influence of odors on human behavior and to examine the relationship between feelings and emotions such as relaxation, exhilaration, sensuality, happiness and well-being brought about by odors stimulating the olfactory pathways in the brain and, in particular, the limbic system. Fragrance Oils are pleasing but do not have any therapeutic benefit of an essential oil.
Also, keep in mind that even though the term aromatherapy implies that anything that is aromatic and "smells good" is considered healing or therapeutic. This is not true, not all natural ingredients are healthy for us or safe to use. There are ingredients including essential oils that are considered toxic, and those are also avoided in the practice of aromatherapy.
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In the United States, no laws exist governing the use of the term aromatherapy, so any manufacturer, even those that include synthetic ingredients, can slap the word aromatherapy onto their label. And unfortunately, a number of companies do just that. Some even go so far as to hype unfounded claims. A majority of consumers mistakenly think that candles made using paraffin wax and fragrance oils (both emit toxins when burned) and a number of other toxic products that smell nice are suitable for aromatherapy.
