Why do certain scented candles I smell make me think of particular events?

Smell can bring on a flood of memories or a strong emotional reaction, but how is it able to do this?

To be able to smell anything airborne odorised chemical molecules must enter the nose through the nostrils. Molecules must be airborne for you to smell it – that is why you are able to smell the fragrance released by a burning fragrant candle rather than a piece of solid metal. Once in the nose the odorised molecules are perceived by specialised chemoreceptors in the nasal passages, which then transfer an electrical signal to the brain. The olfactory bulb in the brain then interprets patterns in electrical activity as specific odors. Smell, more so than any other sense, is intimately connected to the brain’s emotional centre because the olfactory bulb is part of the brain’s limbic system which is key to our mood and memory. A smell triggers a strong reaction if it has been conditioned to be associated with a particular event, person or experience, and because we are exposed to a number of new smells as children, these childhood memories are often very powerful. Humans have approximately 1000 chemoreceptors, which through various combinations allow us to detect approximately 10,000 different smells. Some animals (such as bears and dogs) have a sense of smell that is more sensitive than humans which allows them to smell food several kilometres away. Taste is also inextricably linked to smell and our nose enables us to interpret complex flavours. When chewing your food vaporised molecules drift to the top of the nasal passages. So this is why when you have a cold and your nose is blocked your food tastes bland.  

 

The beauty of understanding how the nose works, is that you can manipulate it to suit your needs. So, if you want to create a specific mood or evoke a feeling of comfort in your home you can light a fragrant candle, sit back, relax and enjoy!

 

Cheers,

Karin

xox