Episode Summary

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt calmer? Or caught a scent that made you feel safe for the first time in weeks? In this episode, Dr. Stacey Denise sits down with Amy Anthony—one of New York City's top certified clinical aromatherapists and founder of NYC Aromatica—to explore how scent can be medicine for women whose nervous systems have forgotten how to rest.

For late-diagnosed autistic women navigating perimenopause and menopause, aromatherapy offers something talk therapy alone cannot: a pathway back to your body that doesn't require language. Learn how inhalation of essential oils activates your parasympathetic nervous system, reduces cortisol, increases vagal tone, and directly modulates emotional states—especially for women struggling with alexithymia, brain fog, hot flashes, and the exhaustion of decades of masking.

Amy blends scientific literacy with poetic connection, teaching evidence-based protocols for nervous system repair, emotional regulation, and sensory attunement through private practice, corporate wellness, and public workshops at the New York Botanical Gardens.

Key Topics & Timestamps

• Cold Open: When Scent Becomes Medicine
• Introduction: Meet Amy Anthony, Clinical Aromatherapist
• The Science: How Aromatherapy Activates Your Nervous System
• Aromatherapy for Menopause Symptoms (Hot Flashes, Brain Fog, Night Sweats)
• Scent for Alexithymia: Healing Below the Level of Language
• Essential Oils for Sensory Overwhelm and Burnout
• Creating Boundaries with Aromatherapy
• Morning and Evening Aromatic Rituals
• Which Essential Oils Work for YOUR Nervous System
• Gentle Invitations: Two-Minute Scent Check-In
• Resources, Connect with Amy, and Closing

Resources & References

Connect with Amy Anthony:

• Website: https://nycaromatica.com/
• Instagram: @NYC_Aromatica
• Email: [email protected]
• Services: Private aromatherapy consultations, corporate wellness programs, public workshops at NYC Botanical Gardens

Connect & Community

• Listen on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube
• Subscribe to the show for updates and new episodes
• Join our newsletter for science and stories at drstaceydenise.com
• Follow us: @drstaceydenise on Instagram
• Share your story: Tag @drstaceydenise and @NYC_Aromatica
• Take Dr. Stacey's free quiz: What Kind of Menopause Burnout Are You?

Podcast: The Nervous System Eats First
Host: Dr. Stacey Denise | The Neuroaesthetic MD
Guest: Amy Anthony | Aromatherapist
Episode: 15