The Science Of Smell
The Science Of Smell – Smarter Smell – As a highly underrated member of the five senses, your sense of smell has a powerful effect on many of your brain functions. Any smell you inhale affects your limbic system, which regulates the processes of emotion, motivation, fear and pleasure, including the hippocampus and amygdala, all three of which influence learning and memory. According to the US National Library of Medicine, “Imaging studies in humans help demonstrate the effects of odors on the limbic system and its emotional pathways.” That means they can actually see the smells that affect humans through brain scans.
According to PubMed, “Aromatherapy uses aromatic plant substances and plant oils, including essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering mood, cognitive, psychological, or physical well-being.” It is currently being studied as a natural treatment for stress, anxiety, and even symptom management in cancer patients.… Read the rest