
EXPLORE SCENTS IN SEARCH OF THAT HEART-FLUTTERING THRILL
Emotion is an invisible face—it lingers quietly around us, yet feels untouchable and unseen. Scent is one way emotion speaks, with an ineffable power to stir what’s within and send the heart surging. When we encounter a fragrance we love, memories and feelings are awakened, immersing us in comfort and calm.
The importance of scent to mood
In 1973, Professor Paolo Rovesti at the University of Milan found that certain essential-oil aromas could counter depression and anxiety, and he observed that blends of essential oils were more pleasant than single oils. In 1998, Diego and colleagues studied the effects of lavender and rosemary essential oils on mood, EEG patterns, and mathematical calculation in healthy adults. They found that lavender scent promoted relaxation, increased frontal EEG power, and facilitated sleep, while rosemary scent heightened alertness.
Experimental evidence shows that smells can evoke emotions and are linked to emotional memory. Aromatherapy is a branch of phytomedicine that uses volatile, aromatic compounds from plants. Because there is a unique, direct connection between emotion and the brain’s olfactory pathways, essential oils can help “unlock” stored memories and feelings. When you inhale an essential oil, its molecules reach the limbic system in the brain and trigger emotional responses—explaining why essential oils and emotions go hand in hand.
Research shows that scent has a powerful impact on emotion, and different aromas can shape a person’s mood and state of mind. Fragrance can also evoke memories and feelings: a specific scent may trigger past experiences and emotional responses, thereby influencing one’s current emotional state. Understanding how scent affects emotion is therefore important, so we can use fragrance to improve mood and mental well-being.
Different scents, different emotions
Jasmine helps relieve anxiety
The scent of jasmine is believed to have calming, relaxing effects. Its aroma can ease anxiety and stress, settling the mood and helping the body and mind unwind. Jasmine’s fragrance is also used as a natural sleep aid to help with insomnia, promote better sleep, and improve sleep quality.