What is the brain’s response to smells?

What is the brain’s response to smells? It is undeniable that your brain responds to outside stimuli, but how precisely does your brain react to scents? There are numerous ways in which we see, remember, and recall the world, and scent is among the most powerful external cues. Fragrances can have a profound effect on our mood and behavior. Our sense of smell, and consequently a great portion of our ability to sense taste additionally, is strongly linked to emotions and memories.

Define a scent

A fragrance, sometimes referred to as a fragrance or scent, is an amalgam of aromatic substances that come together to produce a particular, unique smell. In addition to synthetic molecules manufactured in a lab, natural sources including plant life, flowers, and fruits can be used to create fragrances. Usually, they are used to improve personal hygiene, provide nice environments, or bring back memories and feelings. Colognes, body sprays, perfumes, candles, and air purifiers are just a few products that contain fragrances. A fragrance’s aroma can differ greatly based on the components and formulation, and it can have a significant impact on our feelings and mood.

What is our response to scents?

Odour molecules go from our noses to the brain’s olfactory bulb when we inhale a certain fragrance, setting off a series of neurological reactions. The majority of us, if not all of us, undoubtedly have certain scents that we connect to particular moments in our life. For instance, the scent of rose hip blooms on a hot summer’s day transports me back to my early years.

Numerous scents can affect our moods, feelings and behaviour by activating our cognitive systems in different ways, according to studies. For instance, studies have demonstrated that the aroma of lavender helps people relax and feel less anxious (1), and that the perfume of rosemary enhances cognitive performance (2). And if you’re in need of a little pick-me-up, go sniff some fresh basil. I promise you won’t regret it. In fact, you should read this piece to learn more. 

The olfactory bulb and the amygdala, sometimes known as the emotional centre of the brain, are closely related. It is believed that smells have a direct effect on our emotional state through activating the amygdala. This explains how and why specific scents have the ability to arouse strong emotions and revive vivid recollections from our past.

Additionally, scents can influence neurotransmitter levels in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine. For example, it has been demonstrated that the aroma of vanilla raises dopamine levels in the accumbens nucleus, a region linked to emotions of reward and pleasure (3). Scents like vanilla have the power to lift people’s spirits, which may be why scented candles and potpourri—made of paraffin wax, aroma oils, and dried flowers—are so popular.