Have you ever wondered how our sense of smell actually works, or why a certain smell can trigger memories?
I'm asked this question often at my candle-making workshops, or somebody might comment that rose geranium reminds them of their Grandmother or that cinnamon reminds them of Christmas baking.
Our sense of smell (or olfaction), works through a process that begins when odour molecules enter our nose. These tiny molecules travel through the nasal passages and bind to receptors located on our olfactory sensory neurons in a small patch of tissue at the back of the nasal cavity (the olfactory epithelium). Each receptor is designed to detect specific types of molecules, and when activated, they send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb, located at the base of our brain.
This olfactory bulb processes these signals and relays them to other parts of the brain, including the limbic system and the cerebral cortex. The limbic system is closely tied to emotions and memory, which is why certain smells can instantly trigger powerful memories or feelings. The cerebral cortex helps interpret and recognise the smell, allowing us to identify and react to different scents.
This direct connection between smell and emotion explains why essential oils like frankincense or lavender can have such a profound effect on mood, stress levels, and overall emotional well-being.
