Did you know the scent of plants can do more than just make your garden smell good? It can actually improve your mood, your memory, and your overall health. I’ve always thought of plant scents as just a lovely bonus in the garden, but I didn’t know there’s some wild science behind how smell connects to our emotions and even our brains. And to help me with that is Dr. Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist and expert on the psychology of scent. She explains how the smells from our plants can shape how we feel, what we remember, and how we heal.

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:00] What benefits does the scent of plants have on your overall health?
• [03:06] How did Dr. Herz start her career in the science of scents (+ food, emotions, etc.)?
• [06:18] Why is our sense of smell strongly tied to memories and emotions?
• [09:01] Aromatherapy and emotional associations
• [10:28] Ingesting rosemary vs. smelling rosemary
• [12:27] Why do people like or dislike different smells?
• [14:30] How does the human olfactory system detect and process scents?
• [15:32] Bring peace and personalized joy to your loved ones with Wind River Chimes!
• [17:20] Protect your skin while gardening with stylish UPF 50+ clothing from Coolibar!
• [21:43] What’s the role of the olfactory bulbs?
• [22:36] Why is the nose a significant entry point for substances entering the body?
• [25:12] Why do people often think smell is the least important sense?
• [27:25] Losing sight vs smell
• [30:20] Create your own beautiful garden this summer with Gardeners Supply Company’s garden essentials!
• [32:48] Is the perception of a smell as “good” or “bad” an innate human characteristic?
• [35:08] Can our sense of smell be cultivated?
• [36:30] Where can you find Dr. Herz and her works online?

 

 

 

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Why Smell Is So Powerful (and Underrated)

I like that some scents can bring you back to a memory in an instant. Like when I smell geraniums, I feel like I’m suddenly at my grandma’s house. Or if I smell that Coco Mademoiselle perfume, I’m right back in my college dorm with my girlfriends!

It’s because the part of our brain responsible for smell, the olfactory cortex, is directly connected to the amygdala and hippocampus. That’s basically emotion and memory central.

None of our other senses has that direct link. So when you smell something, it’s not just “Oh, that smells nice.” It’s “Oh, that reminds me of…” and it brings up feelings too.

 

 

The Truth About Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is not magic. Smelling lavender isn’t going to knock you out like a sedative. Scent rather works through association.

Take my coconut-scented lotion. I only ever use it on vacation. So now, whenever I smell it, my brain immediately becomes relaxed.

It’s like a DIY aromatherapy. You can create those associations yourself. Rachel even suggested getting a special perfume for vacations. Only wear it on that trip so that later, when you want to relive those memories, you can sniff it again and you’re right back there.

 

 

Does Rosemary Work for Memory? Sort Of

You’ve probably heard that rosemary helps with memory. The truth is it’s not some magical plant scent on its own. It’s all about what you associate with it.

The studies that showed rosemary “stimulates the brain” actually found it’s the context and expectation that matter. Smell is personal. What’s energizing for one person might not be for another.

So while plants do have medicinal properties when ingested, when it comes to scent, it’s all about your unique experiences.

 

 

How to Cultivate Your Sense of Smell

This summer, I want you to really cultivate your sense of smell in the garden. Rachel said that just like mindfulness, simply paying attention when you smell your plants can improve your sense of smell!

When you’re pruning, stop. Smell. Notice.

And there’s actual brain science behind this. intentionally sniffing every day is good for your brain health, especially as we get older. With smell training, you can train your nose to be more sensitive, more aware, and in the process, give your brain a little workout too.

 

 

Nature, Pollution, and Your Nose

I was particularly struck by how a healthy sense of smell is supported by living in a clean, natural setting. When I moved from New York City to five acres in the mountains, I thought I was just reconnecting with nature. But breathing cleaner air literally allowed me to notice scents more.

On the flip side, though, pollution can damage your sense of smell over time. So being in your garden, breathing in all those planty scents is a form of self-care.

 

 

No Such Thing as a “Good” or “Bad” Smell

Another thing Rachel: smells aren’t inherently good or bad. We learn what smells are pleasant or unpleasant based on experience. I love the petrichor smell after rain. But even things like gasoline, fried food, or even sewage can be perceived differently depending on your personal associations and cultural context.

Our sense of smell is flexible because humans are generalists. We can live anywhere, eat anything, so we have to learn what’s safe and good in our specific environment.

 

 

Let’s Smell More This Summer

So plant friends, here’s your gentle nudge to smell your way to more joy this gardening season. Pay attention. Be in the moment. I’ll be doing it too! Let me know what scents spark joy for you this season.

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Rachel Herz: Smell, Your Least Appreciated Sense | TED Talk
• Rachel Herz: Smell Can Change the World: Health, Technology, and the Future | TED Talk
•  International Flavors & Fragrances
• Monell Chemical Senses Center
• Trygg Engen
• Dr. Rachel Herz’s books:
  • The Scent of Desire
  • Why You Eat What You Eat
  • That's Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion

 

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

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Coolibar

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