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7. The Science of Scent How Fragrances Influence Your Mood & Memory

Learn the psychological benefits a fragrance can have on you!

Fragrance is an invisible yet potent force that shapes our mood, memory, and overall well-being. The smell is the only sense that has a direct pathway to the brain’s limbic system, where emotions and memories are regulated. The special connection allows fragrances to instantly transport us into a good mood, making us feel nostalgic, relaxed, or even energised. Ashish Khandelwal, Founder, CEO & Creative Director, House of Moksha and Kushank Rahul Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, House of Moksha, help us understand  the chemistry of smell and how it enhances our daily lives.

The Brain-Scent Connection

The olfactory bulb, where odours are processed, is also directly connected to the limbic system, which controls emotions and memory. Unlike visual or auditory stimuli, which are first transmitted through the thalamus to the emotional centers of the brain, scents bypass this step. This is why the aroma of a particular perfume or freshly baked bread can evoke an emotional response almost instantly.

Fragrances and Emotional Responses

Different fragrance families evoke specific emotional responses:

Citrus (orange, lemon, bergamot):

 Due to their stimulating and mood-boosting properties, citrus scents are often associated with dynamism and freshness. They can help combat fatigue and improve concentration.

Floral (rose, lavender, jasmine):

These are calming and stress-relieving scents. Lavender, in particular, has been extensively studied for its ability to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Woody (sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver):

These grounding scents impart a feeling of warmth and stability. Sandalwood, for instance, is used frequently when meditating for its soothing properties.

Spicy (cinnamon, clove, cardamom):         

Warm and revitalising, these scents can stimulate and bring about feelings of comfort and nostalgia, as well as enhance mental alertness.

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The Proust Effect & Scent-Triggered Memories

The link between scent and memory is so profound that it has a scientific name: The Proust Effect. It is named after French author Marcel Proust because this phenomenon describes how different fragrances can unlock intense personal memories. For instance, the aroma of vanilla can transport someone back to childhood, recalling the scent of their grandmother’s baking. These scent-evoked memories are generally more emotional and detailed than memories triggered by other senses.

Aromatherapy & Psychological Benefits

Aromatherapy, or the use of natural scents for therapeutic purposes, has been utilised for centuries across different nations and cultures. The psychological impact of essential oils has been verified by research:

• Lavender: calms tension, induces sleep and relaxes the nervous system.
   
• Peppermint: sharpen focus, relieve mental fatigue, and even calm headaches.
   
• Frankincense: It possesses meditative and earthy energies that bring about relaxation and spiritual peace.
   
• Ylang-Ylang: Improves mood, soothes anxiety, and induces feelings of happiness and relaxation.
   

Perfumery as Emotional Alchemy

Perfumers curate scents with the intention of evoking specific emotions, comfort, sensuality, or confidence. Niche perfume houses like House of Moksha take this a step further by blending cultural influences, rare ingredients, and narratives into their fragrances to create a truly immersive sensory journey.

Layering perfume, in which several fragrances are combined to create a unique personal signature, is another way in which individuals can use scent to shape their mood. Through experimenting with different scents and notes, one can curate a daily wardrobe of fragrances that meet their emotional needs.

Perfumes are not just pleasant odours; they are powerful tools that influence our mood, memories, and mental well-being. From the refreshing burst of citrus to the grounding embrace of sandalwood, scents have the ability to shift our moods and enrich our lives. The more we know about how perfumes affect us, the more we can harness them to enrich our lives—whether through aromatherapy, personal fragrance choice, or simply taking a deep breath and letting a scent transport us back to a cherished memory.

Cover Credits : Freepik