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Articles
The sense of smell is the only sense that connects directly to the part of the brain that processes emotions and stores memory. This part of the brain is called the limbic system and is a key factor in controlling our mood.
According to an article in AARP Magazine1, “listening to music while
burning a scented candle will build connections (in the brain) by combining
two senses—hearing and smell—that don’t ordinarily collaborate.”
The Sense of Smell Institute2 studies the affect of various fragrances
on human responses. For example, a 2002 study on “The Effects of Fragrances
on Memory and Mental Performance in School Children” found that Peppermint in
the air in very low concentrations significantly improved the students' performance
in the word-dictation spelling test. The average number of errors decreased
causing an increase the overall school score.
A 1993 study on the “Effect of Peppermint and Lavender Fragrances on Proofreading
Efficiency” found that while the presence of both fragrances improved performance,
the Peppermint had more effect than the Lavender.
A 2000 study by SUNY Upstate Medical University on “Influence of Odors on Exercising
Baby Boomers” found that peppermint increased the distance subjects walked on
a circular track. It was believed that the fragrance increased the participant’s
ability to deal with the stresses associated with exercise.
Dr. Namni Goel, of Wesleyan University found that Lavender improves sleep by
increasing the amount of time subjects spend in slow wave or deep sleep. Deep
sleep is the restful, restorative phase of sleep. As a result, participants
had higher scores on the Profile of Mood States test.
These and other studies have found a direct link between fragrances and human
mood and behavior. So how can we use these studies?
1Griffin, K. Stay Sharp Longer. AARP
The Magazine. September/October 2005
2The Sense of Smell Institute.
http://www.senseofsmell.org
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