The Relationship Between Scent and Memory
Have you ever smelled something and then instantly recalled a fond memory? Or maybe you walked past someone on the street and caught a whiff of their perfume only to think of someone special? This type of thing is very common actually! Believe it or not, scent has a powerful impact on memory. Besides memories, certain scents can also conjure up various emotions.
How Smells Trigger Strong Memories
It’s all about brain anatomy. Your brain’s olfactory bulb is what processes incoming smells. It starts right inside your nose and then goes all the way up to the bottom of your brain. But there’s more! The olfactory bulb is then connected to two other parts of the brain that are related to memory and emotion, the hippocampus and amygdala. Your sense of smell is the only one that passes through these parts of the brain, which is why smell triggers memories and emotions. Tactile, auditory and visual senses don’t go anywhere near these parts of the brain, which is why they don’t do the same.
When you first smell a scent, your brain creates a link with a person, event, thing or moment. It’s this link that will stir up emotions or memories when it’s smelled again. The smell of chlorine might bring up a memory of a fund day at the pool, while the smell of cotton candy could conjure up a distant memory of a day at the fair. This is what makes scents subjective. Everyone has his/her own scent and memory link!
Scent and Childhood Experiences
As children, we experience all sorts of new odors and smells. This is why we conjure childhood memories with certain scents. This is sometimes called “The Proust Effect“, referring to author Marcel Proust who wrote about memory recall as having a strong unconscious connection to distinctive smells.
Research has shown that we actually start to make associations with emotions and smells even before we’re born!? Babies who were exposed to garlic in the womb actually have a preference for the smell, finding it comforting instead of upsetting. So the next time you smell fresh baked apple pie and it makes you remember your grandmother’s homemade pies or you smell plumeria and it takes you straight to Hawaii, you know why those memories popped up!
The Power of Scent
The power of different scents is one reason why aromatherapy is so effective and popular. Scents can trigger both fond memories and traumatic experiences depending on what emotion or memory is associated with it. Research has also proven that there are even some scents that seem to be associated with certain emotions and memories. This is why you do a double take when you pass some random person on the street smelling like your mom. You’ve associated her go-to fragrance with her essence.
Here are some common fragrances and various moods they conjure up:
- Lily of the Valley – This pleasant scent is associated with helping during a sad time and giving some sense of security. Floral notes similar to this can also promote well-being and relieve stress.
- Vanilla – The scent of vanilla is very nostalgic for many and its sweet odor provides a sense of contentment and comfort.
- Hibiscus – If you need confidence and a pick-me-up, a fragrance with Hibiscus is what you need! It’s a mood refresher and will give you a boost in confidence.
- Grapefruit – This common aroma is zesty and will help amp up your energy and clear your mind.
- Sandalwood – if you need a sultry fragrance to match your sultry mood, find one with hints of sandalwood! It helps tap into your sensual part of the brain.
- Bergamot – This citrus note is known for its happiness inducing abilities. You’ll feel uplifted and happy after one whiff!
- Jasmine – Relaxation in a bottle is what you get with a scent that contains jasmine. It can be very sedating to your central nervous system, which is what helps you feel relaxed.
So now that you know why scents bring about certain memories and emotions, what’s your favorite?!
