We all have become so aware of the importance of smell the past few years. Especially during the pandemic when many people lost it. On this week's episode, Hana Tisserand, COO, cofounder and director of operations and communications of the Tisserand Institute joins The Essential Oil Revolution. This week, Hana offers her science based and practical wisdom on essential oils; specifically surrounding that of olfactory retraining.

What You Will Learn:

1. The history of the Tisserand Institute and why it transformed from in-person integrative practitioner training in aromatherapy to online holistic training in essential oils. 

2. How Hana’s unique background influenced her to be an expert in essential oils. This includes her growing up in the Czech Republic, where integrative, conventional, and natural approaches co-exist in pharmacies side-by-side and what led her to meet Robert Tisserand.

3. The importance of smell as a chemosensory experience. For example, it alerts us to danger, influences our taste, stimulates memory, and determines how we interact with the world on a sensory and hedonistic basis. 

4. What component found in essential oils are the most communicated “language” in the world. These molecules are shared by every creature on the planet, from single-celled organisms to mammals. 

5. How essential oils constituents can still impact our biochemistry and physiology, even if you lose your ability to smell.

6. The concept of olfactory training and how it works.

7. Why specific essential oils or the constituents found within them, phenylethanol (rosy), 1,8-cineole (eucalyptus), citronellal (lemony) and eugenol (clove), are used in smell training. We also discuss if essential oils are more powerful than the single constituents based on their multiple effects.

6. Why olfactory training works the best for those with infections and an intact, functioning trigeminal nerve.

7. Why the aim of the Tisserand Institute is to provide education and information that is accurate, safe, and accessible to all essential oil users vs. preparing one for aromatherapist certification.

8. One thing Hana does for self-care daily. (Hint it has to do with her love of aromas and hot beverages.)

9. The one things Hana feels we should ditch and replace with instead to be healthier. 

10. Hana’s favorite essential oils hack: Using cotton balls/cotton pads for inhalation. It is super easy, quick, portable, safe, and accessible.

Bio of Hana Tisserand

Hana Tisserand is the COO, cofounder, and director of operations and communications of the Tisserand Institute, the global leader in online evidence-based essential oils education. Hana has been working at the Tisserand Institute since 2014 and she oversees the creation of its course content and curricula, moderates live webinars, supervises the staff, and teaches her own introductory classes. She also writes the Tisserand Institute newsletters, her own blog posts, and detailed scientific articles. 

Hana has a unique perspective on how information about essential oils is sourced, processed, and communicated, stemming from her past experiences. She is a sought-after presenter for various prestigious aromatherapy events, including the Alliance of International Aromatherapists and NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy).

Being raised in a family of doctors and nurses gave Hana an underlying interest in the workings of the human body, which previously manifested in her specialization in medical translation. Her love for science, essential oils, perfumes, and fragrances runs deep, as does her appreciation for fine teas and coffee. 

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