It’s well known that whiffing a familiar scent can evoke nostalgic memories, but the effects of scent transcend much further. A recent study conducted with 26 Japanese males subjects explored the physiological and psychological effects produced by exposure to a Japanese plum blossom fragrance.
In order to better reflect how people experience scents in daily life, the floral scent was naturally diffused from the plant. Exposure to the scent activated the sympathetic nervous system and the cerebral areas relating to movement, speech and memory. According to the semantic differential scale and the Profile of Mood States, exposure to the floral scent induced cheerful, exciting, and active images. The floral scent enhanced vigor and suppressed depressive feelings.
Scents have been known to trigger moods and memory formation due to the relationship between the olfactory system and the brain; the results of this study suggest that simple fragrances may also be used in order to improve emotional health and possibly alleviate mental disorders such as depression.
Source:
Jo, H., Rodiek, S., Fujii, E., Miyazaki, Y., Park, B. J., & Ann, S. W. (2013). Physiological and Psychological Response to Floral Scent. HortScience, 48(1), 82-88.
