The practice of using aroma oils in a room to relax and induce sleep has existed for a long time. The scent of lavender suppresses sympathetic nervous activity and activates parasympathetic nervous activity in the stomach. The scent of lavender suppresses sympathetic nervous activity and activates parasympathetic nervous activity, leading to a calmer mind. Most people feel calm and relaxed when exposed to lavender. Meanwhile, the scent of grapefruit activates the sympathetic nervous system and suppresses the parasympathetic nervous system in the stomach. It’s well known that grapefruit increases blood glycerol levels and body temperature, leaving many people feeling fresh and energized. It appears that clever use of scents can both energize and relax us.
If mechanisms for enhancing comfort and performance can be discovered, entrepreneurs will emerge who can turn this into a business. Experience has shown that meetings tend to progress more smoothly when discussions are held in a calm atmosphere. Some people even use different aromas for different purposes, such as using calming aromas in conference rooms and aromas that help with concentration when working at a desk. An outdoor brand store in New York uses the scent of Yosemite National Park to attract customers. This is how a big-city store like Yosemite Park wafts through the air to increase customer desire.
Many companies selling essential oils emphasize safety by claiming to be “natural.” There’s a misconception that substances derived from nature are safe and artificial ones are toxic. However, the components of grass that animals eat, whether medicinal or toxic, are transferred to their milk. In the early 19th century, dairy cows in the American Midwest ate the large perennial herb, limonene. Thousands of people died from drinking milk from animals that had eaten this grass. This pasture grass absorbed large amounts of toxic substances from the soil. Natural plants can also contain many harmful substances.
Europe has developed a rich fragrance culture. One such fragrance is rose otto. This perfume has historical value, rooted in the rose culture beloved by ancient aristocrats. Rose otto is primarily produced in Bulgaria and is expensive. It’s said that 1 gram of this essential oil can be produced from 200 to 400 roses. Considering the price of roses, we’re also interested in roses from Kenya and Ethiopia, where rose cultivation is thriving. We’re encouraging farmers in Kenya and Ethiopia to cultivate improved varieties of roses, increasing their jobs and improving their incomes. We’re ensuring stable production and a secure supply. Fresh roses are delivered to Tokyo and Osaka every day. Expanding this distribution channel will allow Japanese consumers to enjoy the scent of Western aristocracy at an affordable price. However, Japan has a culture called Kodo (the culture of fragrance), which some say is just as good as that of Western countries.
