Just in time for Christmas, I decided to try a new fad and evaluate its merit.
I tried a new type of e-cig, a vape pen that uses essential oils instead of vape fluid.
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The vape fluid, typically called E-liquid, consists of propylene glycol, glycerin, water, nicotine, and flavorings. Whereas in this type of vape pen, the only ingredients are water and the essential oil blend: consisting of three different plant extracts.
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The effects of vaping are not extensively known due to it being a fairly new practice; however, it is known that nicotine does affect the nervous system as a stimulant, meaning vaping is not entirely for flavor.
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Consequently, with there being no nicotine in this new essential oil vape pen; how does it affect you?
So… I did what any good scientist does and conducted an experiment. (This could NEVER be published since there was no control, I was the only subject, and it is based on opinion… so this was a Layman’s terms experiment.)
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For one week, I released the vapor entirely out of my mouth. The next week I released the vapor entirely out of my nose. I did this twice. I noticed, the I had a higher mental effect when I released the vapor out of my nose… hmmm…
When it hit me: the olfactory system!
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As you may have guessed… the olfactory system is the scientific way to say “how you smell.” However, what people don’t know is how much an effect scents have on you mentally.
In fact, about 5% of the human genome is dedicated to olfaction (that’s quite a bit). One’s main sensor being the nose, but having multiple receptors i.e., peripheral and central nervous system.
This is the reason why aromatherapy (the burning of scented objects; primarily candles) has such a relaxing sensation. Breathing the vapor out of the nose mimics this same phenomenon.
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So… the case here is that do you believe in olfaction effecting moods or not?
I could argue that it does: this being the reason as to when you smell a Christmas tree you are suddenly in a good mood. Your brain has tied the smell along with the memory together; therefore, when one is triggered… the other comes along.
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This same communicative process can be used in alleviating anxiety and depression.
I am a firm believer in essential oils benefitting health through the olfactory system… and mighty science is on my side so YEAH!
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But food for thought… if you’re having a hard time getting into that jolly ole’ spirit; light a few Christmas candles. Or if you’re family gives you migraines… maybe light up something else.
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JUST KIDDING smoking kills please don’t :)
