A "Scent"sational Hobby - Aromatherapy Quiz

Chamomile is an herb that belongs to the daisy family. It has been used as a soothing remedy for centuries dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. The name of the herb itself is Greek in nature and means "ground apple", referring to its clean, apple-like aroma.

It is excellent as a relaxation aid (think chamomile tea) and known for its calming effects on the body. The scent can combat depression, insomnia, and stress. Chamomile also has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties and helps with indigestion and bloating.

Lemongrass is a tall (almost ten feet high) perennial grass that grows in tropical and sub-tropical climates. It is widely cultivated in India. It has a fresh, citrus aroma. The plant also contains a compound called citronella, which has insect-repelling properties.

Historically, lemongrass has been used for purification and to treat hypertension due to its uplifting aroma. Topically, its oil has been used to help with varicose veins and muscle pain. It has also been used to promote psychic awareness.

Lavender is an aromatic, evergreen plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has flowers that are typically a shade of purple, although it can bloom in different hues. The name lavender is Latin in origin from the word "lavare" which means "to wash". Its scent has been utilized for centuries in aiding with stress and sleep troubles.

Historically, people stuffed their pillows with lavender flowers to help them fall asleep and get a better night's rest. Studies have shown that the inhalation of lavender increases beta waves in the brain, suggesting heightened relaxation. The calming effects of lavender are also often used to combat headache and migraine pain.

Eucalyptus camaldulensis is also known as red river gum. It is a flowering plant that is native to Australia. For centuries, the Aborigines used the leaves as a disinfectant to cover wounds. The plant has a high percentage of eucalyptol which is a key ingredient in many antiseptic mouth rinses.

The aroma is refreshing, with a menthol tang to it. Its medicinal properties make it an additive to steam inhalations for respiratory health. It acts as a decongestant and as an aid for sinus infections. Eucalyptus promotes health and internal purification.

Patchouli is a flowery plant of the mint family whose leaves are widely used as a fragrance in many products. It is native to Asia where it has been used for eons to extract its oil. The stems and the leaves are densely hairy, and it produces small, pale flowers in spikes.

Patchouli is excellent for skin health and is used in many anti-aging products. It does exceptionally well on chapped or wrinkled skin. It also aids in eczema and acne flair-ups. It has a strong, earthy aroma that clarifies thoughts and reduces obsessions and jealousies.

Rosemary is a small evergreen plant in the mint family and is often used for seasoning foods. It is grown in many places around the world but is native to the Mediterranean area. Its name is Latin for "dew of the sea" because it can survive with only moisture from the sea air.

Rosemary's association with memory and concentration dates back centuries. Students in ancient Rome and Greece wore wreaths made of rosemary during their exams. It has been shown that rosemary prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory and learning. It is known as the herb of remembrance.

Geraniums are in a group of flowery herbs and bushes that are very popular bedding and greenhouse plants. Scented geraniums are used for their fragrant leaves in medical and culinary fields. The plants originated in South Africa but by the 1600s they were being planted in multiple countries. Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing them to America in the 1700s.

Geranium oil is known for its ability to balance hormones, especially in women. It stimulates hormone production, including estrogen, and helps reduce bloating and mood swings. It is used to alleviate symptoms associated with PMS and menopause and the scent promotes the feeling of well-being and contentment.

A tea tree is also known as melaleuca and is an evergreen tree native to Australia. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and produces small white flowers. Aboriginal Australians used it for medicinal purposes and Captain James Cook gave it the name when he saw it in a beverage he assumed was tea. In the 1920s it was discovered to be a powerful antiseptic.

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties and helps kill bacteria and fungi. It is used quite frequently for topical applications such as treating skin infections or athlete's foot. It also speeds up healing in many wounds. It has a medicinal scent that can also invigorate the senses.

Frankincense is a resin obtained from Boswellia trees that grow in Africa, Middle East, and Asia. In ancient Egypt it was used in embalming and was one of the gifts brought by the Magi to the baby Jesus. Because of its value it was also heavily traded on the Spice Route in olden times. The resin was often burned as a form of incense.

Recent studies have shown that frankincense prevents the release of leukotrienes, which contribute to arthritis. By aiding with this, frankincense reduces pain, stiffness, and inflammation that troubles arthritis sufferers. Its scent is a bit piney and woodsy and is often used to promote meditation.

Ylang-ylang is a star shaped flower with large, curved petals that grows in rain forests. Its name comes from a Tagalog word meaning "wilderness". It was used in ancient times for perfuming palaces and for wedding rituals. It began being used in pefumes in Europe in the 1800s.

Ylang-ylang is associated with the heart chakra and is believed to positively impact a person's self-esteem. Its rich and sweet (banana like) scent has a calming property which reduces stress and aids in positive self-thoughts. It also is known for its aphrodisiac qualities, which are believed to be linked to its ability to promote feelings of attraction and confidence