How Fragrances Enhance Brain Function

Created By RISC | 9 months ago

Last modified date : 9 months ago

We all have favorite smells that make us feel good. But did you know that scents can also make your brain work better?​

A study on Olfactory Influences on Mood and Autonomic, Endocrine, and Immune Function in 2008 gave 56 volunteers 3 scents: lavender essential oil (Lavandula Angustifolia), lemon essential oil (Citrus Limonum), and distilled water. The experimental group was separated into 2 groups: a primed group that was told in advance about the odors and a blind group that wasn’t.​

Lemon gave the greatest emotional boost according to the test results of Positive And Negative Affect Schedule: PANAS. Participants were tested with color words written in a conflicting color (Stroop test), the number of captions with positive meanings after smelling (Thought-Listing), and results from a visual test measuring emotion and interest (International Affective Picture System: IAPS).

Lemon brings a positive mood and raises alertness with a chemical called norepinephrine, raising the speed of response and speeding up heart rate. Lavender gave a positive mood and brought relaxation from lower norepinephrine levels and reduced heart rate. The primed group also had a higher heart rate than the blind group.​
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Fragrances have different effects on our moods and responses. They can make us more alert or relaxed. Scented products are also a good option for anyone looking for a gift for someone special this holiday season. Just make sure the recipients aren't allergic.​

Story by: Chirapa Horbanluekit, Communication Researcher, RISC​

Reference: Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Graham JE, Malarkey WB, Porter K, Lemeshow S, Glaser R. Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008 Apr;33(3):328-39. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.11.015. PMID: 18178322; PMCID: PMC2278291.