When life gives you lemons, sniff one, say researchers at the Center for Autoimmune Diseases at Tel Aviv University.
Why Lemon?
The scientists found a correlation between sense of smell and depression. When test mice were exposed to citrus fragrances, the neurotransmitters in their brains were affected.
Lemon in particular improved the brain’s serotonin levels, a hormone which reduces stress and helps us feel good.
Another study by researchers at Japan’s Yamaguchi University confirmed that lemon essential oil reduces stress and depression symptoms.
In the workplace, sniffing lemon may also help you make less errors - up to half in fact. At least that's what researchers in Japan found in a recent study.
How to Get More Lemon in Your Life
Keen to boost your happiness with lemon? It’s easy to add more citrus into your life. Here are a few ways:
- Add citrus essential oils to a diffuser or use a lemon candle to waft the strong aroma through your home or office.
- Use grapefruit, orange or lemon-infused bath products such as shampoo and body wash to add a zing to your morning shower.
- Place a few drops of essential lemon oil on a tissue or hanky and sniff it when you need a lift.
- Relax with a warm mug of lemon tea and allow the scent to permeate your nostrils while you sip.
Before using essential oils, consider consulting an aromatherapist to find an oil to best benefit you.
Originally published on Mar 22, 2013
