Unlocking the Secrets of Your Sense of Smell

By Luke Vorstermans

Who among us cannot recall the smell of freshly-baked bread at dinner, the aroma
of freshly-ground coffee in the morning, the heady scent of lilacs in the spring
or the mouth-watering aroma of baked apples in the fall? Interestingly, while most
of us can recall these scents, quite often we also associate distinct memories
with them as well. In the course of a day each of us will take over twenty
thousand breaths, inhale over 438 cubic feet of air and take in countless billions
of odorant molecules. Yet surprisingly, few of us will take notice of more than a
mere handful of various scents. Because we are constantly surrounded by swirls of
aromas that enter and emanate from our bodies we become desensitized to their
various scents. Whether or not we are aware of them, these odours have a
significant impact on our physical and emotional well-being. * Did you now that
your sense of smell is not only one of the first senses that you use as a newborn,
but that it is the only one of your five senses that was fully mature at the
moment of your birth? * Can the scent of peppermint help you to stay awake? * Does
your hair colour affect the way you smell? * Did you know that most of the flavour
that you “taste” actually comes from your sense of smell? * Did you know that your
nose can help you to lose weight while helping your body absorb the maximum
nutrients from your diet? * Do most females have better noses than males? * Can a
loss of smell indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease? * Did you
know that your sense of smell has a stronger link to your memory than any of your
five senses? * Do overweight people have a heightened sensory pleasure of eating?
* Did you know that no two apples smell alike? * Is there a link between a loss of
hearing and certain learning disorders? * Did you know that, like your eyesight,
your sense of smell diminishes as you age, but that you can “exercise” your nose
to keep it “young?” * Was Leonardo da Vinci a perfumist? * Do people judge us by
our scent? This is the first in a series of 12 articles that explores the awesome
power of our sense of smell and how you can harness its power for better health,
pleasure and well being. All scent originates as a chemical. Without chemicals,
our brain would not be able to perceive, or “read” a scent. All around us are
currents of air which are in constant motion. These currents contain myriads of
complex combinations of odours that only trigger our attention when they irritate
or please us. Every time we breathe, our noses take in these chemicals which pass
over two small patch-like areas the size of a penny that contains five to six
million tiny yellow receptor cells called the olfactory epithelium. Located on
these receptor cells are microscopic filaments called cilia that extend into a
watery mucous that surrounds the epithelium. On the cilia are proteins that
respond to specific molecules. Like a key in a lock, when these proteins come into
contact with its corresponding odorant molecule, a series of biological
interactions are initiated.
First, there is an immediate rush of electrical activity as one experiences the
perception of an odour. Our sensory nerves have long filaments, or axons, that are
located on the opposite end of our olfactory nerves. The axons send messages to
nerves located in the olfactory bulb which is shaped like a protracted balloon.
The millions of axons that line its circumference transmit a pattern of activity
that is specific to the individual cilia that come into contact with their
corresponding molecules. Just as our brains are able to store and recognize
complex notes from a symphony, it is also able to store and recognize complex
combinations of fragrance notes that make up our favourite perfume. How strong is
our sense of smell? Compared to a dog that has two hundred twenty million
olfactory sensors, humans have only five or six million. While it may seem that
humans have been shortchanged where noses are concerned, we still can
nevertheless, recognize thousands of different scents. Though we may not have a
piranha-sharp sense of smell, we can, for instance, detect some substances in
dilutions of less than one part per several billion parts air. How sharp is our
sense of smell at birth? Unlike our other senses, our sense of smell is fully
mature at birth and is one of the first senses that newborns experience. Their
sense of smell helps them to locate their mother and her source of food. Without
this functioning sense, baby animals would not be able to locate their mothers’
milk. Studies indicate that a newborn can recognize his or her mother’s nipple
simply by its scent. In one study, mothers washed one of their breasts while
leaving the other left unwashed. Over two-thirds of the babies tested chose the
unwashed breast. Research conducted by Dr. Ira Lott reveals that when a baby is
introduced to a fragrance while being stroked—much like a mother would do while
nursing—his or her ability to remember that scent is increased. The results of her
study suggest a connection between a baby’s sense of smell and the ability to
learn at an early age. Dr. Lott suggests that touching a baby increases his or her
ability to remember a scent and may help to explain why a newborn readily
recognizes his or her mother by her scent. Other studies suggest that babies are
most responsive to body odours but by the age of three they essentially have the
same odour likes and dislike as adults. Newborns subjected to pleasant odours
reacted positively while those subjected to unpleasant odours responded with
“screwed up faces.” Studies within the womb reveal that foetuses react to
fragrances introduced through their mother while newborns are able to recognize
her scent in as little as forty-eight hours after their birth. Children’s sense of
smell—their odour likes and dislikes—do not parallel those of adults until the
onset of puberty. A study conducted in 1976 and repeated in 1994 indicates that
nine-year olds apparently do not have sensitivity to certain musk odours. However,
their ability to detect particular odours is the same as both adults and young
adults. Like our eyesight, our sense of smell weakens as we age. While the out in
determining just when our sense of smell peaks and begins to experts say that it
peaks at the age of eight and begins to decline the age of fifteen—the general
consensus, however, seems to be that smell remains sharp well into our fourth and
fifth decades and that jury is still decline—some as early as our sense of it
largely
depends on our particular state of health. As we age, our numbers of olfactory
receptor cells diminish. Research suggests that a sixty-five year old may have as
few as one-third as many receptor cells as an individual who is twenty. And though
our sense of smell is most acute between the ages of twenty and forty, we use our
sense of smell to enhance our living, alert us to danger, and make important
decisions about people and places throughout our lifetime. In “Taste and Smell
Losses with Age” Dr. Susan Schiffman reports that as we get older, our ability to
detect odours, discriminate among different odours, and perceive the strength of
odours diminishes. She found that odours for many elderly subjects are only half
as intense as those for young people. Though our sense of smell generally begins
to weaken after our sixth decade, (in one study, about one quarter of subjects
between the ages of sixty-five and eighty years old had a total lack of a sense of
smell), Dr. Schiffman claims that the sense of smell of many of the octogenarians
would rival that of twenty year olds. She concludes that that elderly subjects who
demonstrate good mental and physical health generally have a sense of smell which
is comparable to that of young individuals. Can you “exercise” your nose to keep
it young? Yes. While researchers are searching for treatments to help counteract
the effects that aging has on our sense of smell (and taste), there are
“exercises” that you can do now to keep your nose (and taste buds) young. Like our
other senses, our sense of smell can be kept young with its constant and creative
use that includes: * Using your mind, not your nose to smell. Imagine the scent of
different fragrances in much the same way you imagine the notes of a song. We
perceive most fragrances on an unconscious level. Try to imagine the scent of a
cinnamon candle, a peppermint stick, or lilacs in the spring. Write a list and
practice imagining these scents on a regular basis—perhaps, a few times a week. *
Purchase scented candles. While you enjoy the benefits of their scented aromas,
take the time to smell each one individually. Smell often, but not for long.
Alternate between fragrances. The more you do this, the sharper your sense of
smell will become. If you need to refresh your nose, step away, blow a few puffs
of air through your nose, and then sniff again. * Stop and smell the flowers!
Everywhere around you are fragrances. Your job is to notice and smell them. In the
course of each day, try to make a mental note of at least a couple dozen or more
scents. Try to associate what you did during the day while you experienced these
fragrances. Make fragrance diaries, recording fragrances along with your thoughts
and activities. * Vary your fragrances throughout the day. Use one fragrance to
wake up to, another to give you energy at midday, and another to calm and relax
you in the evening. Did you know that no two apples smell alike? It’s true.
Because every scent that we perceive is composed of a specific and complex
combination of molecules, the scent of every apple is unique to itself. No two
apples have identical scents because no two apples are composed of the same
combination of molecules. One apple may be larger, have been exposed to more
sunlight, water, nutrients, insecticides or herbicides than its partner hanging
next to it on the very same tree. These slight differences—however miniscule they
may be—have a bearing on an
apple’s molecular make up, and therefore, have a bearing on its scent. say that
every apple has its own “fingerprint,” or “scentprint.”

You might

Each individual also has his or her own unique “scentprint” As individuals, we too
have our own unique scents. Factors that determine various body scents include our
age, physical condition, medications, illnesses, hormones, biorhythms, the foods
we eat, the minerals in the water we drink, our skin and hair colour, and the
chemicals in the air we breathe. Remember the way your skin smelled the last time
you ate garlic fingers? Or how about the last time you ate watermelon? Think of
the scents of the vegetables which were in the salad that you ate for lunch—the
cucumbers, the red peppers and Spanish onions. Have you ever noticed that the
scents of these foods end up lingering on your skin long after you have washed
your hands? Sometimes even after you’ve had a shower? Not only are you what you
eat, but you end up smelling like the foods that you eat as well! Consider this:
unlike the apples we’ve discussed, whose scents are relatively uniform, every part
of our bodies—our hair, mouth, eyes, elbows, underarms, feet, etc.—also have their
own scents that contribute to our overall unique scent. Now add perfume to this
equation. We know that no two perfumes have the same scent. But did you know that
the perfume you put on your throat will smell differently than that which you put
on your wrist? Because different parts of our bodies have various scents, a
perfume’s odour is dependent on not only the individual, but on the part of the
body of that individual to which it is applied. And because the scent of our
bodies changes from one hour to the next, depending on its exposure to the air and
our own body’s biorhythms . . . How do scents affect the way in which we relate to
each other? According to scientists, within seconds of meeting new people we make
sensory decisions about them, one of which is based on how they smell. According
to the Sense of Smell Institute, “deep friendships and romantic alliances are
dependent upon, what scientists identify as, ‘olfactory bonding.’” Not
surprisingly, studies show that fragrances have a large impact on how others feel
about us and how we feel about others. In a study by Drs. John Nezlek and Glenn
Shean, subjects claimed that when they wore their favourite fragrances they felt
better about themselves and felt more comfortable in social situations. The study
also indicated that fragrances were more crucial in opposite-sex interactions.
Moreover, it was shown that as an individual’s appreciation for a fragrance
increases so do their social skills. According to the Sense of Smell Institute,
women consistently outscore men with their sense of smell. Interestingly, however,
it has found that a woman’s ability to smell is dependent on the level of various
hormones in her body. A woman’s sense of smell is heightened during the first half
of her menstrual cycle and peaks when she is most fertile and sexually responsive.
Women, it seems, have sensitivity to scented sex hormones, or pheromones. During
ovulation, women are 10,000 more sensitive to the scent of male hormones than
during menstruation. Other studies have shown that aside from a woman’s monthly
cycle, her gender alone also makes her more likely to have a sharper sense of
smell as female babies have a keener sense of smell than their male cohorts.
Studies conducted by Dr. Hilary Schmidt reveal genetic differences in the
responsiveness to scents that appear to have their origins in infancy. During her
research, Dr. Schmidt noticed that female babies responded to scented
rattles while male babies did not. However, her findings also show that male
babies demonstrate a preference for pleasantly-scented rattles over those with an
unpleasant scent while their female cohorts demonstrate an equal interest in both.
Overall, scent—whether pleasant or unpleasant—peaks the interest of female babies.
According to Dr. Schmidt’s research, children do not demonstrate adult-like
preferences regarding odour in their environment until they begin to see their
world through adult-like eyes. At this time they begin to show preferences for
pleasant fragrances over unpleasant fragrances. Interestingly, another study
reveals that not all scents produce gender-specific responses, suggesting that sex
differences in olfactory prowess may be scentdependent. However, more research is
needed in this area to conclude whether a woman’s menstrual cycle may play a
determining factor in this occurrence. It may be that certain scents in studies
done did not elicit gender-specific responses because its female subjects were
menstruating. The Smell Factor and Our Memory Our sense of smell is directly
linked to the area of our brains that controls our memories. The slightest hint of
an odour can transport us thousands of miles to some of our earliest memories—even
to those we were not aware that we had. That our sense of smell is most closely
related to our memory is no surprise given its location. Olfactory receptors are
located next to the limbic system which, according to anthropologists, is the most
primitive part of the human brain and where our emotions reside. It is the site
that controls or modifies our emotional and sexual responses, our hunger and
thirst responses, and our anxiety and fear responses. It also controls our
artistic abilities, our perception of space as well as regulating our body
temperature, and our ability to think. It receives and stores information from all
of our senses. Essentially, it’s our master control. When we inhale a scent, the
sensation of its odour is first relayed to our cerebral cortex, where cognitive
recognition occurs. However, before we are able to recognize the scent, the
deepest part of our brain becomes stimulated. Thus, by the time we are able to
recognize the pine scent of a Christmas tree, its scent has already activated our
limbic system and we are transported back to our childhood memory of decorating
Christmas trees from our past. In this same way, when we smell the gingerbread
scent from a votive candle, we instantly think of our grandmother’s kitchen, or
making cookies with her when we were children. It isn’t surprising, then, that
studies conducted by Dr. Rachel Hertz suggest that our memories which are
triggered by our sense of smell are more emotional than our memories triggered by
our other senses. In one study subjects were given visual (an object), verbal (the
name of an object) or olfactory (the scent of an object) stimuli and asked to
write down their responses to them. While responses to visual and verbal stimuli
tended to be longer, those to olfactory stimuli tended to be memory-based. Some of
the fragrances that help to increase memory include sweet basil, peppermint,
rosemary and thyme. Can certain fragrances enhance our sexuality?
Manufacturers and advertisers alike are often accused of over-exaggerating the
effect that fragrances have on our sexuality, claiming that their fragrances will
give its wearer the power to attract the opposite sex. Yet are these claims
exaggerated? More often than not, our understanding of the effects that certain
scents have on our sexuality is clouded by misinterpretations and
oversimplifications. Often at the base of this confusion lies the lack of
understanding of the differences between the male pheromones, androstenol and
androstenone. Androstenol is the odour produced by fresh male sweat while
androstenone is this same odour after it has been exposed to air over a short
period of time. While women are likely to be attracted to the scent of fresh male
sweat, they are likely to be repulsed by the smell of sweat that has been
oxygenized—unless women are ovulating, in which case studies reveal that this
scent elicits a neutral response. So unless a woman is going through ovulation,
eventually, she is likely to find her sweaty male partner’s scent repulsive. Non-
reactive andorstenol-based sprays may be less effective than advertisers have led
us to believe. While its scent (which does not react to oxygen) may attract women,
it cannot be detected by women who are further than eighteen inches from the
scent’s source. Moreover, in a room where there is more than one male, women are
unable to distinguish between the wearer of andorstenol-based sprays and other men
who are wearing non-andorstenol-based colognes. It is likely, then, that a man may
benefit from another’s andorstenol-scented cologne. To further complicate matters,
studies reveal that andorstenol-based sprays also attract other males! On the
upside, a man would benefit from cologne’s whose fragrance has an uplifting
effect. Pleasant-smelling colognes that lift a man’s depression and reduce
tension, anger and fatigue are likely to produce a positive effect on its wearer
that, in turn, attracts women. A personal sense of happiness, confidence and well-
being is by far a more powerful attractant than any andorstenol-based spray. The
same can be said for women. Pleasant fragrances on post-menopausal women have been
shown to have a beneficial effect on their emotional well-being which in turn may
make them more attractive to their partners. Romance evoking fragrances With the
pressures coming from all directions, from both public and private life, it’s
important to set a sensual and relaxing mood when it is time for romance.
Enhancing a private space for intimacy with fragrance, soft lighting and sensual
music is important, especially for older couples who want to shut out distractions
from the outside world. According to a 1995 survey conducted by The New York
Times, approximately one third of adults use fragrances to make themselves more
attractive to others. Recently, scientific evidence supports what the perfume
industry has long purported: that male fragrances enhance a woman’s sexual
arousal. A study conducted by the Olfactory Research Fund indicates that women who
fantasized about a sexual experience while smelling a popular male fragrance
(whether andorstenolbased or not) felt themselves more sexually aroused than while
smelling a female or neutral fragrance Fragrances that evoke a sensual atmosphere
include Jasmine, Lavender, Myrrh, Rosa Damascena, Rosa Centifolia, Sandalwood and
Ylang Ylang. Are there specific stages in our lives that relate to our use of
fragrance? Perhaps. Studies done by Dr. Schiffman on women ranging from the ages
of thirteen
to sixty suggest that there are five age-related stages for a woman’s use of
fragrance. Essentially, young girls begin to use fragrances during their teenage
years for the purpose of self-identity. Then during their twenties and thirties,
women tend to use fragrances to attract the opposite sex. During their
postmenopausal years women primarily use fragrances because it is the
sociallyappropriate thing to do. Surprisingly, in her follow-up study, Dr.
Schiffman found that while women’s reasons still fell into the same five age-
related stages, their reasons for wearing fragrances increased and included the
need for relaxation and mood enhancement. The Taste Connection Though we often
imagine our taste buds as the center of taste perception, the human nose—not the
tongue—is the main organ of taste as well as smell. While our taste buds help us
to distinguish between substances that are sweet, sour, bitter and salty, it is
our olfactory receptors (remember those five or six million yellowish cells called
the olfactory epithelium) that distinguish all other “tastes.” Little wonder,
then, that when we have a stuffy nose our favourite foods seem to lack their
delicious flavour. Hence, if you’re suffering from the symptoms of the “common
cold” and find yourself wondering why your beloved out-of-the-way restaurant’s
food just doesn’t taste up to par, it may not be that the restaurant has changed
chefs. It may be instead that your plugged nose cannot smell the complex blend of
aromas that make up its “flavour.” While you may be already familiar with why your
food lacks its flavour when you are suffering from a cold, what you may not know
is that your ability to smell aromas has a significant impact on your ability to
lose weight. In “The Use of Flavor to Enhance Efficacy of Reducing Diets,” Susan
Schiffman claims that diets which are low in both flavour variety and intensity
are more apt to fail in the long run than those with a wide variety and high
intensity of flavour because they fail to satisfy the basic needs of overweight
people—their need for flavour. It may be that many overweight people don’t
necessarily crave fat; they just have a “high flavour threshold.” Individuals
seeking to lose weight should introduce a variety of foods and flavour enhancers
to their diets that will heighten their sensory experiences. Her study concludes
that overweight individuals can become satisfied with smaller quantities of food
so long as they receive the taste that they desire. Though we may have eaten a
nutritious meal, if it hasn’t satisfied our “taste buds,” we may still feel
hungry, claiming that our food just didn’t “hit the spot.” Your Metabolism,
Appetite and Aromatic Food—the Connection Did you know that exposure to aromatic
food has been shown to contribute to the metabolism of foods that we eat? It’s
true! Exposure to mouth-watering aromas, in fact, increases our saliva production
and stimulates our digestive tracts which in turn encourages efficient metabolism
of the food we eat. In short, exposure to food aromas actually increases our
bodies’ absorption of nutrients. Have you ever thought that you weren’t hungry and
then walk into a bakery where fresh bread is baking and notice that you instantly
have an appetite? Or how many times have you gone to the grocery store to pick up
“a few items” and find yourself putting a few freshly-baked croissants, muffins,
or buns into your basket as you walk past the bakery section? It isn’t just a
coincidence that all hotdog venders fry their onions beside a fan or an open
window—they want your business
and they know how to get it. Food aromas are simply Mother Nature’s way of
ensuring that we receive our proper nutrients. Aromas from savoury and sweet foods
not only ensure the proper metabolism of the foods we eat but they also ensure
that we eat. But did you know that an over exposure to food can have the opposite
effect on our appetites? It’s true. exposure to exposure to haven’t had While an
exposure to foods can stimulate our appetites, an extended foods can cause us to
lose our appetites. Simply speaking, an extended various aromas may in itself
satisfy our appetite for food, even if we anything to eat!

How many of us can remember spending an entire morning in the kitchen preparing
for a large family meal only to find that when we finally sit down to enjoy the
benefits of our hard work we no longer have an appetite? Bakers, restaurant
employees and individuals working in plants where food is being prepared often
experience this same sensation and report that after a long shift they do not feel
as hungry as one would otherwise expect. In fact, the last thing they feel like
doing is eating. So while a lack of exposure can make us forget to eat, an
overexposure can make us not want to eat. Where our noses are concerned, it is
possible to get too much of a good thing. Obviously, then, a proper balance should
be sought. everything” holds true—even for our sniffers. The saying, “moderation
in

Can smelling chocolate help us to control our sweet tooth? The short answer—Yes!
So, all you chocoholics who want to curb your cravings should work a few shifts at
your nearest chocolate factory or become a food product demonstrator for a
chocolate manufacturer at your local grocer. After a few shifts, chocolate will
never again look the same for the very same reason discussed above. How Do
Different Scents Affect Our Moods? Specific odour patterns are transmitted to
various parts of the brain. Along with other sites, odour patterns are sent to the
hypothalamus, the limbic system, and the cerebral cortex. These areas of the brain
are responsible for managing and coordinating internal biological processes,
including how we think, learn, feel and respond to our environment. With the help
of technology, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we are able to see
detailed images of the brain’s metabolic activity. Now scientists have been able
to confirm that within our brains are olfactory-specific activities that directly
relate our sense of smell to specific activities within our brains. Other studies
have shown that eight major factors of mood—such as stress, depression, apathy,
happiness, sensuality, relaxation and stimulation—can be affected by fragrances.
Further, because individuals react to the multiple notes within one fragrance,
fragrances themselves have the ability to affect various moods. Conversely, the
study notes that simple fragrances affect only a single mood state. The study
explains that while complex fragrances, such as lily of the valley, have the
potential to increase both relaxation and stimulation, less complex fragrances
such as Douglas fir consistently induce relaxation and lower depression.
Tuberose, on the other hand, has been shown to have the ability to promote
happiness and relaxation. It is suggested to invoke a sensual, romantic atmosphere
while lowering depression, as does the very complex formulation within the
fragrance of hyacinth. In 1997 Dr. Robert A. Barron of Rensselelaer Polytechnic
Institute conducted a study in a retail mall where he found that individuals who
are exposed to a pleasant odour are more apt to help others than individuals who
are not exposed to the same pleasant odour. When asked about their current mood,
these same individuals claimed they felt happier than those who were not exposed
to pleasant odours. So is it really that simple—if we are upset, we just need to
sniff vanilla and presto, we become instantly happy? Yes. And no! It depends on an
individual’s earliest association with vanilla. The connection between scents and
emotions is more complicated than one may first imagine. Exposing ten individuals
to the same sweet-smelling vanilla cookies does not necessarily guarantee that one
will have ten happy individuals. This is because all of these individuals’ past
experiences with vanilla may not be positive. The manner in which we were exposed
to aromas—our experiences and emotions associated with the aroma—in the past has a
large impact on our sensation of the odour now. Though cherry may be an appealing
flavour to most of us, if we had to take cherry cough syrup as a child, we may
detest the smell, taste and even hint of cherry flavouring now. For this same
reason, the scent of gasoline, or even a skunk, may be repulsive to most
individuals but if one associates these scents with that of a pleasant memory—say,
an early summer evening or a childhood boat ride on the lake— these same scents
may not be repulsive at all. The pleasantness of a scent is not universal; our
reaction to many scents is highly personal depending on our own experiences with a
particular scent. Many of our olfactory likes and dislikes—both that of smell and
taste—are based on our emotional reactions to these substances that may have
little to do with the “taste” or “scent” of the substance itself. Indeed, smells
can evoke strong and surprising reactions within all of us. Generally speaking,
however, we have positive associations with odours that are familiar to us and we
often dislike odours that our foreign to us. What is interesting is that
individuals often recognize a scent more quickly and show a preference for it when
it is visually associated with its appropriate corresponding colour. The fragrance
of a lemon is more quickly identified when it is visually paired with the colour
yellow, grape with purple, cherry with red and orange with orange. Conversely,
when an individual smells a strawberry-scented blue object, he or she is less
likely to readily identify its scent—thus manufacturers design scented markers
with their visually appropriate colours. The magic of vanilla One scent, however,
tends to be liked by most individuals, regardless of its visual colour—be it
brown, beige, white, or even pink. Vanilla. While researchers haven’t agreed on
any specific reason for vanilla’s universal popularity, many believe that our
positive childhood associations with vanilla’s warm scent—homemade cookies, ice
cream and milk—may be the answer. Perfume, soap, air fresheners and candle
manufacturers have been quick to capitalize on this phenomenon since the 1990s.
Yet while manufactures have only recently begun to jump on the vanilla bandwagon,
psychologists and researchers have been familiar with its positive emotional
effects for many years, using its scent in experiments where a universally
pleasant fragrance is required. Moreover, its fragrance is used on cancer patients
undergoing diagnostic procedures to lessen their anxieties. A study at Germany’s
Tubingen University confirms vanilla’s ability to reduce the startle-reflex in
humans and animals. That vanilla has a calming effect on not only humans, but on
animals as well suggests that the connection between vanilla’s scent and positive
emotions has to do with more than just warm and fuzzy childhood memories.
Researchers have only just begun to scratch the surface about how our sense of
smell relates to our various moods and many more studies, no doubt, are needed in
this area. Can the mere suggestion of an aroma affect us in the same way that our
actual sensation of the aroma would? Recent studies have shown that our
expectations about an odour, rather than any direct effects as a result of our
real exposure to an odour, may be responsible for our moods and its health
benefits. For example, in one experiment subjects who were told that they were
subjected to an unpleasant odour that they may or may not be able to smell
reported mood changes associated with this suggested smell alone. Conversely, in
this same study, subjects who were given the suggestion of a pleasant odour
reported positive effects on their moods. However, in studies where odourless
sprays (placebos) were used, subjects responded to a lesser degree than those who
were exposed to scented sprays. Thus, while the mere mention of a pleasant odour
may give us a cheerful disposition, the actual smell has a greater impact on our
moods and well-being. And although our olfactory sense may decrease with age, a
pleasant smell has been shown to have positive effects on individuals of all ages.
Is one side of our brains more prone to a certain emotion than another?
Interestingly, scientific research has shown that our right and left nostrils do
not respond in the same manner to positive and negative aromas. Researchers have
discovered differences in olfactory cortical neurone activity in the right and
left hemispheres of the brain. According to their studies, negative emotions are
predominantly processed by the right hemisphere while positive ones are
predominantly processed by the left hemisphere. How does scent effect our
perception of others? Our perception of others may also be influenced by scent. In
one experiment, subjects were asked to rate the appearances of individuals in a
series of portraits. Subjects who were exposed to pleasant fragrances gave higher
ratings to individuals than those who were subjected to unpleasant fragrances. It
is interesting to note, however, that fragrances had little bearing on ratings of
individuals with outstanding features—whether beautiful or ugly. Exposure of
fragrances during testing seemed to only have an impact on ratings where there was
an ambiguity in one’s appearance. If an individual was average looking, a pleasant
fragrance seemed to make him or her more attractive for the beholder. It would
seem, then, that unless we are an Nicole Kidman or George Clooney, it
wouldn’t hurt for us to give ourselves a little spray of our favourite colognes
every now and then . . . Does the same hold true for our perception of the quality
of things? Research suggests that this is so. In another experiment, individuals
were asked to rate the professionalism of various works of art. Not surprisingly,
pleasant and unpleasant odours had a similar effect on subjects’ ratings. Can we
be manipulated to act in a certain way by fragrances alone? Again, research
suggests that our emotions—which to a large degree control our actions—can be
manipulated in this manner. In a related experiment, a Las Vegas casino
experienced a 45% increase in the amount of money used in their slot machines when
their casino was odorized with a pleasant fragrance. Can aromas really help to
reduce our levels of stress? Ask any parent who works at home, manages a busy
household, or looks after children if they experience stress. Or ask any parent
who struggles with work outside the home and is frustrated with having no time to
manage their home and kids. Today, even the haven of our homes cannot protect us
from stress. At home it comes in many forms and affects both young and old. Almost
everyone today is a victim of elevated levels of stress and anxiety. Even
children, much like their parents, lead hectic and stressful lives. But did you
know that certain fragrances can help alleviate some of this stress? It’s true. We
can use our noses to reduce our levels of stress.

Rather than reaching for medications to relieve stress, many people are looking
for other ways to reduce their levels of stress. Scents are a great way to relax,
unwind and reduce stress. Research at Yale University suggests that the smell of
spiced apples may be effective in warding off a panic attack. In a study conducted
by Dr. Susan Schiffman, subjects were first trained to relax when introduced to a
pleasant-smelling fragrance. Within just a few weeks, these subjects were able to
relax the muscles over their forehead—the muscles which, when allowed to remain in
a tense position, lead directly to a “stress headache. In another study conducted
by Dr. Gary Schwartz subjects were asked a series of stressful questions while
they were exposed to pleasant fragrances. Compared to control subjects who hadn’t
been exposed to these scents, those tested with fragrances were shown to have
lower blood pressures, heart rates and even breathing patterns. Stress at Work?
Who doesn’t experience stress at work! In studies done by Dr. Joel Warm and
William Dember, workers who were exposed to the occasional scent of peppermint
showed a marked increase in alertness and improved job performance. The
significance of this finding may have a large impact on the workplaces of the
future. Overall, studies have found that * pleasant fragrances help to reduce
workers’ levels of stress and promote a healthy mental atmosphere. * lemon’s
invigorating scent has been clinically proven to help clerical
workers make fewer computer and data entry errors. * lavender can help individuals
compute equations more quickly and more efficiently. * peppermint and lily of the
valley can help individuals lengthen their attention span. * pleasant fragrances
also promote well-being in employees wherever they gather—in conference rooms,
lobbies, etc. As technology continues to advance, more and more employees will be
subjected to lengthy hours in front of computers. Anyone who has experienced more
than an hour at a time inputting and analysing computer data knows how difficult
it may be to stay alert—especially during the late morning and early afternoon
hours. Could it be that a whiff of peppermint may help us to stay awake more than
our cup of coffee? Research in this area offers promising hope—especially for
those of us who have an intolerance for caffeine. Japanese companies are putting
this research to task and are seeing promising results. Workers who are exposed to
regular sprays of scents via computerized odour delivery systems by way of air
conditioning and ventilation systems show a marked increase in efficiency and
performance. To stimulate employees at the beginning of their workday, companies
are odorizing their offices with shots of citrus scents. Then late in the morning,
employees are stimulated by swirls of floral-scented odorants. By mid-afternoon
these employees are then exposed to invigorating woodsy cypress and cedar scents.
However, employers should be warned that some pleasant-smelling fragrances can
actually have a negative impact on productivity. In one study, galaxolide, a musk-
smelling scent, had a doubling effect on subject response times. Cacosmia, or
“sick-building syndrome,” is a phenomenon where individuals become ill from low
levels of common environmental chemical odours found in paint, building materials
and even perfumes. Sufferers tend to experience daytime tiredness and are often
shy and introverted. Interestingly, shy, introverted individuals have been shown
to be more sensitive to smell than their more gregarious counterparts. According
to “The Smell Report, “If the ‘olfactorysurvival-reflex’ theory is correct, it may
be that people with high-smell sensitivity become shy and novelty-avoiding because
their olfactory receptors transmit more primeval danger-signals making them feel
more vulnerable.” What is the future of scents in our lives? As researchers began
to delve into the science behind scents, the technologic world began to seek ways
to mimic the precise function in which the human nose detects different scents. In
the mid 1980s the Institute of Olfactory Research at Warwick University came up
with the world’s first prototype “high-tech nose.” Commercial versions of the
“Warwick” nose are now used by perfume makers wanting to protect their secret
formulas against “knock-off” versions and dock inspectors to resolve disputes with
fishermen over the grading of fish. As researchers continue to find links between
patient odours and certain diseases, the use of electronic noses has become
invaluable. Research is now underway to create sensors in telephones into which
patients may be able to breathe and receive a diagnosis. High-tech noses may
someday be able to detect stages of a woman’s menstrual cycle to either aid in
fertility or prevent unwanted pregnancies. These noses may also be installed on
motor vehicles and detect the alcohol level of drivers, preventing them from
starting their vehicle’s engines.
Our personal “scentprint” may someday prevent fake ID cards, replace PIN numbers
and security entry systems. Soon home computers may have special devices whereby
people can experience various scents via the internet. The advantages of
electronic noses are that unlike the human nose, they do not become desensitized
to smells, they don’t get bored with repeated scents, and do not become sick by
chemical odours. High-tech Scents With the advancement of “headspace” science is
now able to analyse and reproduce the exact combinations of almost any fragrance
by a process called “softextraction.” During this process, technologists pass
carbon dioxide through an object and extract its fragrance. Applications of this
technology are seemingly endless. Now it is possible to fragrance our cars,
offices, and homes with almost any fragrance. What’s more, the food we eat and the
various drinks we consume may now be enhanced with flavours that are richer and
truer to life. The science of aromachology is still in its infancy. Researchers
have only begun to scratch its surface. Much more work in this area is needed to
be done. As science continues to gain a better understanding of how scents are
perceived, differentiated and transmitted, no doubt, the world will continue to
reap its rewards and use fragrances to: * * * * * * * * * * Reduce stress levels
at home and at the office Trigger long-lost memories Encourage confidence Enhance
sexuality Promote relaxation Get rid of nightmares Lose weight Stay alert and
improve work performance Detect the early onset of diseases To alleviate
depression and mood swings

All of these aromatic applications are readily available – or being developed – in

one way or another. Scent is not a new product but rather an age-old tradition.
However it is the fusion of science and nature that is driving the growth of this
research. The delivery of aromas and scent – for a wide variety of reasons –
offers huge potential for the health and wellness of future generations. Luke
Vorstermans is the founder of The Sense of Smell Lab, a world leader in the
development of innovative products that use our sense of smell to influence
behaviour, trigger memories, manage cravings, enhance moods and improve sexual
health. Learn more about enhancing your sex drive with Scentuelle patch. Email:
Luke@theSOSlab.com www.scentuellepatch.com