Has it ever happened to you that there are smells that remind you of places or people?

Smell is the most highly developed sense of the 5 and can distinguish between thousands of different smells.

However, many times we pass its power unnoticed until we face the difficult situation in which food tastes like nothing and it is difficult for us to breathe due to causes such as allergies, colds or flu.

Its operation requires 4 elements: odor particles, smell receptor cells, olfactory bulbs and the brain. It all starts with an aroma; its particles travel to our nose and the receptor cells identify if it is a succulent pizza or the stinky garbage bag. These cells transmit that message to the olfactory bulbs and these are responsible for sending signals to the brain about the situation. Finally, the brain searches its corners and can remember that the smell of pizza is similar to what you smelled in that new restaurant that was recommended to you, or even “give the order” that it is time to take out the garbage.

Putting it in simple terms, smell would be our machine for traveling through time, for the memories and emotions it evokes us.

Although it is true that day-to-day and situations that are beyond our control (such as the present pandemic) cause stress and anxiety, there are alternatives to deal with and clear the mind of these problems.

Aromatherapy is based on the use of essential oils from plants or natural elements to promote physical and psychological well-being, which makes a lot of sense because as we saw earlier, smell connects directly with our brain.

In general, there are smells that can provide calm and calm when inhaled, such as lavender and jasmine. Others are associated with focusing concentration like lemon oil.

This is why we invite you to spend a few minutes for yourself, to clear yourself of the bad news that abounds these days. Or if you are one of those people who has the measured time, you can try essential oils that are placed on the skin or in a diffuser to breathe the aroma and give you the calm you need.

Reference:
Neuro RHB. (2016). El sentido del olfato y las emociones. Recuperado de: https://neurorhb.com/blog-dano-cerebral/el-sentido-del-olfato-y-las-emociones/

Rodriguez-Gil, G. (2010). The Sense of Smell: A Powerful Sense. Recuperado de: http://www.tsbvi.edu/seehear/summer05/smell-span.htm