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{{label}}02 May 2020
Smell is not just a biological and psychological experience but also a social and cultural phenomenon. The emotional potency of smell triggers memories, hunger, calm and a variety of other emotions. From fruity to minty to savory and sweet, different smells have the ability to affect us in different ways. Here’s an example of a few good smells that can help improve your day.
Lavender interacts with the brain and nervous system activity, reducing agitation, anger, aggression, and restlessness. These calming properties help control emotional stress and have a soothing effect, which can relieve nervous tension as well as treat headaches or migraines. Historically, cultures in Persia, ancient Greece, and Rome believed that lavender helped purify the body and mind.
Originally from Europe, peppermint today is cultivated almost all over the world. Native to Europe and Asia, it has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant, minty taste and smell. While peppermint is often enjoyed for its flavor, it also has several health benefits. Its scent helps to ease headaches, relieves muscle aches, clears blocked sinuses, supports healthy digestion and treat skin conditions. It also acts as an energy booster, invigorating the mind, promoting concentration and clear thinking.
Prized for its lusty fragrance, the scent of cinnamon is spicy, sweet, and for many, filled with happy memories of delicious food and cozy days. That aside, it is also linked to various health and beauty benefits. The spice has been studied for its effect on infection control, blood sugar management, and other conditions. A study by researchers from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and Universiti Sains Malaysia found that cinnamon contain antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. It is a popular choice for aromatherapy and according to another study by Northeastern University in the US, the scent is linked to enhancing motivation, performance, and alertness.
If you're looking for a little pick-me-up, you may want to forget that cup of coffee and opt for a whiff of citrus scent instead. The smell of citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit can boost your body’s production of serotonin, the happiness hormone. It also reduces the levels of the stress by keeping you awake yet calm. In fact, nowadays many cleaning products use lemon and lime scents which we have conditioned to associate the smell with cleaning. If you have a cold or are experiencing a sore throat, a lemon scent helps clear up your nose and soothe the throat.
Derived from the white flowers of the Jasmine plant, this scent has been popular over centuries for its sweet, romantic fragrance and has been used in some of the world’s best-known perfumes like Chanel No. 5 or Gucci’s Bloom. Originating from Iran, the flower can be found in countries with tropical climates. Much like lavender, jasmine affects the brain’s neurotransmitters and helps you to calm down.
Some of the popular ways we can incorporate more scents in our daily lives are through essential oils, aroma diffuser or simply in our fragrance routine. Without the sense of smell, we would miss a lot of experiences, emotions, and pleasures – so why not start incorporating some scent into your life? Your mind, body and soul will thank you.
Reference :
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/scents-and-wellbeing_n_5193609
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/body-odd/smells-nostalgia-why-do-scents-bring-back-memories-f895521
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/224575
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a771/038157f4117c58c5af02110ff3f784e39c00.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16884344
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265214#possible-health-benefits
https://www.healthline.com/health/cinnamon-oil#benefits
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266069#benefits
https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/why-do-we-associate-citrus-smells-with-being-clean/
https://www.sleep.org/articles/scents-to-wake-you-up/
https://www.inc.com/wanda-thibodeaux/how-smelling-a-little-lemon-can-boost-your-confidence-at-office.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/lemon-essential-oil#reduce-anxiety-and-depression
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16780969
https://www.upworthy.com/jasmine-for-relaxation
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236235613_The_effects_of_jasmine_Oil_inhalation_on_brain_wave_activies_and_emotions
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/7881819/Smell-of-jasmine-as-calming-as-valium.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15976995
The above articles are intended for informational purposes only. AIA accepts no responsibility for loss, which may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.