Our ancestors relied on their sense of smell to survive. Smell was essential. A good nose could mean a successful hunt for a good meal or become food for the enemy.

We have about 5 million olfactory cells. Animals have more. We wrinkle our nose and sniff in order to move the smell molecules closer to the olfactory receptors. This will cause the nerves to send a message to the limbic system, in the brain. Some scents stimulate learning and retention; others spur memories, thoughts and feelings forgotten. Some cultures sniff each other; or rub noses. Small children may even smell their food until they are told different.

Scents played an important part throughout history, especially, during the time of the plaque. Thieves, probably spice traders, used essential oils to protect themselves from getting sick.  Physicians "… lit fires on which were burned aromatic substances to purify the air; and … sprinkled perfumed water in the rooms and on their clothing. Eau the Cologne is a survival of … plaque waters or essences." Until the 19th century doctors carried a cassolette, box, filled with their personal aromatic antiseptic when visiting the sick.

Evolution has phased out our sense of smell. But we crave it. Today, chemists drench everything, from cars to clothing to toys, with some kind of chemical scent. Maybe, that's why so many people are sensitive to smell - now?

But -- real essential oils contain hundreds of natural, powerful, complex compounds working together to give each essence its personality, fingerprint. Those characteristics make essential oils so beneficial and valuable today.

Try to rediscover your sense of smell. Use natural, organic, low pressure, low temperature distilled essences. Our ancestors relied on their sense of smell to survive. So, may we - one day.