The Science Of Scent: How Fragrance Affects The Brain, Mood and Wellbeing.
The Science Of Scent: How Fragrance Affects The Brain, Mood and Wellbeing.
2 Aug
Written By Jacky Turner
Welcome
I’m so glad you’re here!
As the founder of Mamo’s Candle Co., I started my small business with a simple intention: to create clean, sustainable, and affordable home fragrances that do more than just smell good — they help you feel something.
What began as a creative outlet quickly became a deeper passion. I started to truly understand the emotional power of scent. A single fragrance can calm anxiety, spark a memory, or completely shift the energy of a space.
Your home is your sanctuary, and scent is one of the simplest ways to shape its atmosphere.
The Power of Scent
Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt calmer, nostalgic, or more energised? That’s the power of scent at work. Home fragrance and aromatherapy isn’t just about a pleasant aroma — it’s about creating spaces that support your emotional wellbeing.
But how does scent actually influence the brain?
The Brain’s Shortcut to Emotion
This scent-memory connection is called the Proust Effect — when a smell triggers vivid and emotionally powerful memories, often more effectively than sights or sounds.
When we smell something, that scent travels through the nose to the olfactory bulb, which is directly connected to the amygdala (emotion) and hippocampus (memory). This is unique among the senses — and it’s why certain scents can instantly trigger memories, emotions, or even physical responses, often without us realising it.
I’m sure, like me, you’ve had a whiff of something that instantly transported you — maybe even back to childhood. These scent-memory connections can be deeply comforting and even therapeutic.
Scent and Mood Regulation
Seeing the therapeutic benefits of essential oils inspired me to explore aromatherapy. Let’s just say I’m at an age where I struggle with sleep and occasionally feel anxious — so I wanted to see if there was a natural way to support myself.
I’ve found the world of scent absolutely fascinating and incredibly helpful. Using essential oils has become part of my self-care, and I’ve noticed a shift: what was once seen as “alternative” is now part of mainstream wellness.
From energising your morning to grounding you at midday, to winding down in the evening — creating scent-based rituals is a beautiful way to support your emotional and mental wellbeing.
“If you’ve ever paused to breathe in the calming scent of a forest or the brightness of citrus peel, you’ve already tapped into the world of aromatherapy”
What Happens to the Brain Under Stress?
When you’re stressed, the amygdala senses a threat and triggers your fight or flight response. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis signals the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to tension, a racing heart, anxious thoughts, and difficulty sleeping.
Sound familiar?
How Scent Calms the Stress Response
Certain scent molecules can:
- Lower cortisol levels
- Slow heart rate and breathing
- Boost serotonin and dopamine
Take lavender, for example — well-known for its calming, sleep-inducing properties. That’s thanks to a naturally occurring compound called linalool, which has sedative effects backed by numerous studies.
There’s also something called associative calming: if your brain links a scent with safety or comfort (even subconsciously), smelling it again can recreate that same calming effect.
What I’ve Learnt
Scent is emotional: It’s directly linked to the limbic system — the brain’s emotional centre.
Scent supports wellness: The right fragrance can calm, uplift, or focus the mind.
Scent is personal: Genetics, culture, and life experience shape how we react to smells.
Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils
There’s space for both in home fragrance — and I use both! To me, it’s all about how the scent makes you feel.
While fragrance oils often contain synthetic components, they’re specifically made for candles and still evoke deep emotional responses. Some of my happiest moments have been enriched by the glow — and aroma — of a candle.
Clean Ingredients Matter
What I burn in my home matters to me — which is why I use 100% plant-based waxes (coconut, rapeseed, and GMO-free soy) that are sustainably sourced.
Not all fragrance oils are created equal, so I carefully choose suppliers who are transparent about their ingredients and offer clean, non-toxic blends.
If I wouldn’t burn it in my own home, I wouldn’t create it for yours.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for reading. I hope this exploration of scent and its impact on the brain has sparked your curiosity — or perhaps inspired you to be more intentional with how you use fragrance in your own self-care.
This is my very first blog, and it’s been a joy to put pen to paper (well, fingers to keyboard!).
I’d love to hear from you:
Has scent played a role in your life?
Is there a fragrance that calms you, a memory tied to a certain smell, or a ritual that helps you reset?
Please share your experiences in the comments — I’d genuinely love to hear them.
Warmly,
Jacky
Founder of Mamo’s Candle Co.
