By Aviv, Mother, Healer, and Seeker of Balance
There are scents in life that linger long after they’ve faded from the air—scents that carry us to a place of peace, to a moment in time, to the essence of who we are. For some, it may be the grounding aroma of cedarwood after a summer rain. For others, the warmth of cinnamon and clove curling from a kitchen in full bloom. These scents are not just pleasant; they are sacred. They awaken memory, invite healing, and stir something deep within the soul.
My name is Aviv. I’m 43, a mother of three. My journey into the world of aromatherapy was not born of curiosity but necessity. When my firstborn son was just six months old, he suffered from recurring ear infections. Antibiotics were prescribed three times before I found another path—one that led me to the healing power of essential oils. That was the beginning of a transformation, not only in how I cared for my children but in how I began to view health, healing, and the way we can support our body and mind.
Aromatherapy: More Than Just Scent
Most of us already practice aromatherapy in small, unconscious ways. We use spices in our cooking; it affects the flavor and adds healing properties. Thyme, for example, is a powerful plant ally. It holds anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds, such as Thymol, that even fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Ginger helps ease digestion, and certain herbs can stimulate appetite or calm the mind. When we sip herbal tea, apply a beloved perfume, or walk in a pine forest or through a field of lavender, we are engaging in aromatherapy.
But what if we began to do so consciously?
Essential oils, or EOs, are concentrated plant essences distilled from leaves, flowers, roots, bark, or fruit. These oils are not just chemical compounds—they are the very spirit of the plant. Plants use their oils to defend, attract, protect, and heal. In aromatherapy, we honor the wisdom of the plant by using its essence to support our own body and spirit.
The Science Meets the Sacred
From a physiological perspective, EOs interact directly with our nervous system. When inhaled, scent molecules travel through the nose to the brain’s limbic system—the seat of memory, emotion, and behavior. This is why a single breath of rosemary or rose can bring tears to your eyes, laughter to your lips, or peace to your heart.
When applied to the skin, essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream, working on a cellular level.
But beyond the science lies something more: the energetic imprint of each oil. Lavender calms not just the nerves but the spirit. Frankincense, ancient and revered, is used in spiritual rites for its ability to deepen meditation and connect us with the divine. Citrus oils lift the soul, while earthy scents like vetiver root us into the present moment.
A Practice of Presence
As a mother, I find comfort in knowing that I can support my children not only with medicine but with love-infused practices drawn from nature itself. As a woman, I feel empowered knowing that I can tune into my intuition, using scent as a guide to emotional and spiritual balance.
An Invitation to Remember
I invite you to recall a scent that speaks to your soul. Perhaps it’s the smell of your grandmother’s garden or the salty air of a childhood vacation. Close your eyes. Inhale. Let that memory rise. This is the power of scent—it doesn’t just stimulate the mind; it awakens the spirit.
Aromatherapy is not a trend or a luxury—it is an ancient, intuitive way of healing. It invites us to listen, feel, and remember our deep connection with the earth and with ourselves.
In each bottle of essential oil is the distilled wisdom of the plant kingdom—a reminder that healing is holistic, that the body and soul are one, and that often, all we need is a single breath to return home to ourselves.
Aviv Fride Touitou
Aviv Fride Touitou is a certified aromatherapist and experienced social worker with over a decade of work in the care sector. With a background in education and community work, I bring a compassionate, holistic approach to wellness that honors every individual’s emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. My aromatherapy practice is grounded in a deep respect for nature and a belief in the healing power of scent. Drawing on years of working with diverse populations—from children and families to people with disabilities —I create personalized, sensory-based wellness experiences that promote balance and healing. Find out more at https://avivfride.wixsite.com/my-site-2
