a aromatherapy: life.

What do many teens have in common with orangutans at the Denver Zoo? Aromatherapy treatments? Yep. The zoo's primates are using aromatherapy (use of essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, and fruits to promote emotional and physical well-being) to alleviate their periodic nervous stomachs sad moods, and more.

"Aromatherapy has been successfully applied in many unusual settings," says Karen Flam, aromatherapist and spokesperson for the National Association for Holistic. Aromatherapy. "Some companies in Japan use aromatherapy to increase worker productivity. And many teens visit my aromatherapy spa to lower stress," she adds.

So how does aromatherapy work? The oils release molecules into the air. When you inhale, receptors in your nose react to those molecules and send nerve impulses to your brain. Some scientists think the nerve impulses may stimulate the brain region responsible for emotion. Example: "The smell of a pizza--loaded with flesh garlic and basil--can positively affect your mood. And, not surprisingly, garlic and basil are two essential oils used in aromatherapy," Flam says.

How have the Denver Zoo's primates responded to aromatherapy? Spokesperson Ana Bowie says they've seen positive results since beginning the treatments.