We have all had that moment when a random stranger walks by or we enter a specific area with a distinct smell and ask the age-old question “what is that perfume called?” The usage of fragrances is not a new phenomenon, but it dives deeper into a complex mixture of how the human mind perceives it.
What is a Scent?
Scent, in its most basic definition, means a particular odor, especially one that is agreeable. However, how do we define agreeability in this case? Scents, as we know, can be very subjective – some people like sweet, gourmand scents, while others like floral or woody scents. These preferences start to stem from a very young age depending on what an infant is exposed to. Infants exposed to candy or scented toys from a young age may grow up liking fragrances centered around the vanilla note. All smells have an associated feeling to them – menthol feeling cool, for example, due to the trigeminal nerve. The stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, from mild-intense, is what can give us the response of not liking a specific odor and, in some cases, immediately disliking an odor.
Scent and Memory
Scent and memory are very closely linked together. We have all had an experience when smelling a specific perfume brings back memories of childhood to specific moments of our life. This is due to how odors take a direct route to the limbic system, including the hippocampus and amygdala, which are the regions of the brain associated with emotion and memory. This is why certain scents tend to trigger specific memories of a moment in your life – because your mind remembers the fragrance you wore that day. So, the next time you have a big event in your life, buy a new perfume and use it for that specific day and let the memories flood back in years later!
Scent and Mental Health
Aromachology is the scientific study behind the psychological benefits of aromas. It focuses on the reaction our nervous system has when exposed to aromas as a whole (not to be confused with aromatherapy). Scents, as stated before, are very subjective – each person can use a specific scent to invoke a certain feeling, which is why it depends on what emotion you are looking to invoke. Fragrance families are a great way to start exploring these emotions. Here are a few examples –
- Fruity fragrances are for awakening and energizing the mind
- Marine fragrances are for calming and resetting the mind
- Woody fragrances are for feeling strong, reassured, and grounded
- Floral fragrances are for promoting purity and relieving stress
- Fougere is soothing and relieving anxiety