Can we inhale fractals through essential oils?

I was recently asked by a client during AromaBreathe if we can inhale fractal patterns through essential oils? It was a complicated and beautiful question, and one I felt I had to share with you.

First all of, what is a fractal pattern?

In simple terms, a fractal pattern is a complex geometric shape with intricate, repeating patterns, that look the same at any level of magnification. If you were to zoom in on a small part of the pattern, it will look similar to the larger overall pattern. We can see this everywhere in nature, for example the snowflake, or in leaves, trees and ferns. Even the human body exhibits fractal patterns, in the bronchial tubes of the lungs, and the blood vessels. These body parts are designed to maximise efficient supply of air and blood flow to the body. I find it intriguing that there is such an incredible overlap in our bodies with structure in nature.

Second, what is an essential oil?

Well, this question is easy for me. In a nutshell, an essential oil is a concentrated liquid or resin that is extracted from plants. An essential oil contains natural aroma and therapeutic properties, created by the plant to nourish, feed, heal or protect itself. We can inhale its essence and share these therapeutic benefits. Essential oils come from various parts of a plant, including the flowers, leaves, stems, barks and roots.

So, as essential oils come from plants, and plants exhibit fractal patterns, can we inhale fractals?

Well, the quick mathematical answer here is no. Inhaling fractals through essential oils isn't possible in the literal sense because fractals are visual patterns, not physical substances that can be inhaled. Unless...we think about our connectivity with fractals in a more lateral, perhaps even spiritual way.

1. Complex Aromatic Profiles

Essential oils have complex aromatic profiles, composed of many different volatile compounds. This complexity can be likened to fractals, where simple parts combine to form intricate and multi-layered patterns. When you inhale essential oils, you are experiencing a complex blend of scents that can be considered a "fractal" aromatic experience.

2. Natural Symmetry and Patterns

The plants from which essential oils are extracted often display fractal patterns in their leaves, flowers, and overall growth structures. These fractal patterns exist for a reason, perhaps for optimum delivery of nutrients or absorption of sunlight. While you can't inhale these visual patterns directly, remember the oil is extracted from the plant, you are inhaling the rich complex essence of these plants, that have been created by the plant. Without fractal patterns, without the processes within the plant as it grows and develops, the essential oils would be very different.

3. Sensory and Psychological Effects

Inhaling essential oils produces strong sensory and psychological effects that are complex and multi-dimensional. This experience can be compared to the way fractal patterns affect the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The multifaceted effects of essential oils on your body and mind are very similar to the way fractals effect the human brain. A co-incidence?

4. Double whammy!

Using essential oils in an environment where fractal patterns are present (such as in nature, or in artwork and designs inspired by fractals) enhances the holistic experience. The visual relaxation from fractal patterns combined with the aromatic inhalation of essential oils can create a synergistic effect, promoting overall well-being. Add in the sound of birds singing in a fractal pattern and you’re as chilled as a fruit smoothie.

5. Fractals magnified

To enhance wellness in the body, we can make small changes to have a big impact. The actions may be small in isolation, like deciding to go to bed one hour earlier, but the effect on the body system can be huge. Sounds a lot like a fractal process! Any process that is tiny and complex, yet leads to larger effects can be viewed as fractal in nature. When we think about inhaling essential oils, imagine the many tiny molecular interactions that must occur, the connections and layering that takes place, in order for our body to absorb and utilise the oils. We know how we feel when we use essential oils, and the effect is large, complex and incredible.

What do you think?

I feel like it would be easy to answer the question of inhaling fractals with a flat mathematical ‘no’. After all, maths is maths and nature is nature, right? Seeing is believing, etc etc? I don’t believe it’s that simple, and something in my core says there's more to it than scientists have uncovered.

The connection we have with nature is complex, mathematical and inextricably linked. It has layers and repeating patterns.

Fractals are glorious geometrical patterns in the structures of every living being. When we see them, even when we’re not aware of it, we subconsciously experience connection and calm. Just 5 minutes walk in a leafy park is powerful enough to reduce cortisol levels. In fact, we don't even have to see real plants, just looking at a picture of plants has a considerable effect.

The intricate aromatic structures of an essential oil give us an even greater sense of connection and calm when inhaled. Perhaps therefore, we might allow ourselves to consider that a fractal connection is possible through more than sight alone? After all, some birds sing in fractal patterns (wow!), and when we hear the song, our brain interprets and accepts the geometrical patterns, which yet again, relaxes and calm us.

(Please note that seagulls do not sing in fractals, they just sound annoying.)

Share your thoughts with me by emailing: info@iamnatural.co.uk

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Read more about natural aromatherapy skincare in the I Am Natural Vegan Beauty Journal.