Scents alter the brain, and work like inhaled medicine
The nerves in the nose connect directly to the brain’s memory and emotion centers, the hippocampus and amygdala. That is why familiar scents cause us to reminisce, like the aroma of antique wood that sets off memories of grandmother’s house.
Scents also change brain chemistry, altering neurotransmitters. They can stimulate energy and concentration, or induce relaxation and sleep.
Morning Scents
Top energizing scents: mint, lemon, geranium, juniper, rosemary, and sage.
- Use an aromatherapy diffuser. These can be connected to a plug-in timer so it turns on before they wake up.
- Use scented oils, sprays, candles, or bath products.
- Grow some potted mint in the kitchen.
- Infuse water with mint leaves, orange, or lemon peel.
- Eat fresh oranges or grapefruit in the morning. These fruits contain flavanols that improve brain health and reduce depression.
- Make a morning cup of mint or citrus tea.
Evening Scents
Top sleep-inducing scents: lavender, bergamot, chamomile, and cypress.
Other scents are sometimes mixed into those evening oils, including geranium, mandarin, sweet marjoram, clary, sage, ylang, eucalyptus, frankincense, rose, orange, jasmine, and rosemary.
- Use them before bed or throughout the night with an oil diffuser.
- Rotating the scent each night improves memory, particularly in older adults.
—Chris Aiken, MD
Director, Psych Partners
Editor in Chief, Carlat Psychiatry Report
