"Generally, the fragrances of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs in daily life all have an impact on health," said Yang Li, a professor at Xiyuan Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Among these, the aromas of flowers and fruits have been studied most thoroughly, especially aromatherapy, which is popular in the West, for regulating mood or curing various psychological and physiological diseases.
Suppress appetite, smell bananas and apples.
Alan Hirsch, an American neurologist from the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, conducted a study on obese individuals. He had them smell bananas and apples when they felt cravings. The results showed that participants who smelled these aromas lost more weight, as these scents have an appetite-suppressing effect. Smelling them before dinner can help you eat less. If dinner is too heavy, it increases the burden on digestion, leading to a decrease in sleep hormone—melatonin—secretion. Melatonin lowers body temperature and physical activity and promotes sleep. Furthermore, another study from Wheeling University in the U.S. showed that smelling mint every two hours can reduce daily calorie intake by 350 kcal, equivalent to 100 grams of rice. A bit of lemon for a more refreshing boost.
A study from Ohio State University in the U.S. shows that the scent of lemon is more refreshing because it increases the concentration of "adrenaline" and maintains it at a peak. It's easiest to feel fatigued at 3 PM every day; at this time, drinking a glass of lemon water can have a refreshing effect. Lavender, to accompany you into a sweet dream.
A study from the University of Southampton in the U.K. shows that sleeping in a room with a lavender essential oil diffuser can improve sleep quality by 20%. A practical method is to put a single drop of lavender essential oil on a corner of your pillow; one drop is enough, as more can disrupt sleep. Relieve headaches and anxiety, try mint.
A study from Wheeling University in the U.S. points out that mint has the effect of soothing headaches. Experts suggest that smelling mint aroma often during work can reduce anxiety, fatigue, and frustration, and also enhance judgment. The specific method is to put a drop of mint essential oil on a tissue and smell it when you are in a low mood.