Scents in classrooms can be both harmful and good. It is true that the sense of smell has a direct impact on memory. Therefore, it is important in the classroom and for the process of learning. However, is it being overdone? And, is it harmful to students with allergies?
Scents From Aromatherapy
Some claim the inhalation of essential oils stimulate the part of the brain connected to smell. Thus, the smell causes the limbic system of the brain to receive prior knowledge and controls emotions.
Essential oils stimulate the part of the brain connected to smell – the olfactory system. Oils from plants balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind, and spirit. One thing to remember is that an adult’s sense of smell is much duller than a child’s. So, one must be careful when using scents from oils.
Educators have many things on their plates. How classrooms smell is the last thing to worry about. However, research shows that the sense of smell is a direct pathway to the brain. It is also relates to the development of problem solving skills.
Fragrant Free Classrooms
Many school are creating policies that do not permit scented products. Today, some students have multiple chemical sensitivities. The reaction of one child could change from day to day. Educators could not possibly know how one particular scent can react among 20 students. Educators must be sensitive to students with chemical sensitivities.
Exposure to scented products can trigger nausea, anaphylaxis, asthma, headaches, neurological symptoms, and tissue damage. At times, the damage can be irreparable. It is not just perfumes or colognes. Cleaning supplies can produce the same reaction. A label that says “fragrance free” or “unscented” does not guarantee there is no fragrance chemicals.
Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils in school sounds like a great way to help students focus on the learning. However, this therapy must be left to the professionals of aromatherapy and not to educators.
