This time of year, we can do a lot of healing through one of our five sensory doors: smell.

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Our minds and emotions tell us a lot, but smell informs us of the essence of things. It’s no coincidence that when we feel something isn’t right, we say it “smells fishy,” or that we can “sniff out” the truth. Jewish wisdom teaches us that fragrance is connected to the soul — the Hebrew word for scent, reiach (ריח) shares a root with the word for spirit, ruach (רוח). Ruach can also mean “breath” or “wind” — the air that carries “scent… to the heavens” (Bereshit Rabbah 68:14) also fills our lungs with the “breath of life” (Genesis 2:7).

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The Sages of the Talmud teach us that of the five senses, scent is how our souls most directly praise the Divine (Berakhot 43b:3) — so we should say a blessing when we smell a good aroma. There’s a common custom to do exactly that every week during Havdalah. On Saturday nights, we say a prayer and inhale the aroma of besamim (spices) to signify the end of Shabbat. This practice also helps us to kickstart ourselves into the dynamism of a new week. It can feel difficult to leave Shabbat’s sacred atmosphere behind, but the aroma of the besamim helps to give the transition a sweet finish: “Because the soul is saddened by the departure of Shabbat, we gladden it and settle it with a pleasant fragrance” (Mishneh Torah, Sabbath 29:29).

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We can feel a similar sense of letdown in the month of Cheshvan, after the celebrations of the High Holidays draw to a close. Cheshvan is often called “Mar Cheshvan,” or “bitter Cheshvan,” because of the lack of major Torah holidays. As we transition from the deep introspection and spiritual highs of Tishrei into the hard work of making good on our intentions for the new year, a bit of sweet scent can help ease our souls along the way.

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Here are our suggestions for how you can use aromatherapy this month to kickstart your soul as it moves toward your dreams and settles into trusting faith.   

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Aromatherapy Pro Tips: Buy an essential oil diffuser and tea candles. Combine water and drops of oils on top of the diffuser. Light tea candles and breathe deep. (For more on how to combine these scents into soul-soothing blends, check out our aromatherapy resource, Sacred Scents.)

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At The Well’s Essential Oil Recommendations

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Lavender

If you can only afford one oil, this is it! Lavender is balancing, calming, and relaxing. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities. Use lavender to stimulate your immune system, or just to chill out.

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Geranium

This smell will bring grace, harmony, and uplifting energies to any room. Geranium is sometimes called the “women’s oil” because it helps balance fluctuating hormones. Use this oil to feel grounded, especially when healing deep wounds.  

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Frankincense

This spiritual oil invites us to “be here now.” It will both calm the nervous system and help regulate a heavy menstrual flow. If you’re experiencing lung congestion, burn this oil to clear up infection.

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Lemongrass

If you’re looking for a refreshing scent, lemongrass is perfect. It’s cleansing, bright, and a great counterpoint to depression.

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Cinnamon

This ancient spice has many uses. Enjoy its scent and witness an increase in awareness of spirituality. Watch your exhaustion shift into strength.

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Orange 

This is known as the cheerful oil. It helps ease depression and encourages us to be joyful. Put this oil in your diffuser and try taking yourself less seriously.

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Patchouli 

This oil is associated with the harvest time because of its rich, fruitful, and abundant qualities. Patchouli is often used to treat digestive problems and vaginal infections. Light this oil and rekindle your desire.  

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Disclaimer: This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is offered for educational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or using any medications.

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At The Well uplifts many approaches to Jewish practice. Our community draws on ancient Jewish wisdom, sometimes adapting longstanding practices to more deeply support the well-being of women and nonbinary people. See this article’s sources below. We believe Torah (sacred teachings) are always unfolding to help answer the needs of the present moment.

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Sources

Havdalah: Taking Leave of Shabbat, My Jewish Learning

Why Do We Smell Aromatic Spices (Besamim) at Havdalah?, Chabad.org

The Jewish Book of Flowers, Naomi Spector

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