By Virgilio C. Ventura
Introduction:
The study of smell is also called olfaction and has a very interesting history that goes back centuries ago. “Odor science is complex, and olfaction is the least understood of the five senses. Odor is the sensation resulting from an odorant stimulating the olfactory system.”1/ Our ability to smell is very important in our daily lives and has been studied by different experts using various scientific methods. In this article, we talk about a brief history of the science of smell, the different jobs related to studying it, and the health benefits of these jobs and practices.
“The Philippines fragrances sector is led by the female fragrances category in both value and volume terms in 2021. Female fragrances are forecasted to register the fastest value growth during 2021-2026. Direct sellers were the largest distribution channel in the Philippines Fragrances sector. Glass is the most used pack material in the sector. Natura &Co, L’Oréal S.A., and Golden Abc are the top three companies in the Philippines fragrances sector.”2/
A Brief History of the Science of Smell:
The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India appreciated that smell was important and used fragrant substances in their religious rituals and ceremonies. But the significant study of smell didn’t start until the late 1800s. In 1879, a scientist named Carl Ludwig suggested the theory of olfactory receptors which later led to the discovery of special nerve cells called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) (Curtis et al., 2019).3/
Distinct Professions in the Science of Smell:
- Olfactologists: Olfactology is the study of the sense of smell and related disorders. Olfactologists, also known as smell experts or olfactory specialists, are professionals who diagnose and treat olfactory dysfunctions. They use various tools and techniques for evaluation, such as detailed medical history, smell tests, and imaging studies. Olfactologists may include medical doctors, neurologists, and otolaryngologists with specific expertise in the olfactory system (Kobal et al., 2017).4/
- Perfumers: Perfumers are individuals skilled in the art and science of creating fragrances. They possess an in-depth understanding of the interactions between different scents and their effects on human emotions. Perfumers combine natural and synthetic aromatic compounds to develop perfumes, colognes, and other scented products. Their creations are used extensively in the fragrance industry, personal care products, and aromatherapy (Klausen, 2019).5/
- Aromatherapists: Aromatherapists are professionals who use essential oils and other aromatic compounds for therapeutic purposes. They harness the power of smell to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Aromatherapists apply essential oils through inhalation, massage, or topical application, prescribing treatments to address specific health concerns. Aromatherapy has been linked to stress reduction, improved sleep, and relief from certain ailments (Sánchez-Vidaña et al., 2015).6/
Health Benefits Derived from the Science of Smell:
- Emotional Well-Being: Smell has a strong impact on our emotions and can evoke vivid memories and feelings. Aromatherapy and the use of fragrances have been shown to have mood-enhancing effects. Specific scents like lavender and citrus have been associated with reducing anxiety and stress, improving mood, and promoting relaxation (Knaapila et al., 2012; Lillehei & Halcon, 2014).7/ 8/
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Certain smells have the potential to enhance cognitive performance and concentration. Research suggests that some fragrances, such as rosemary and peppermint, may improve memory, attention, and alertness (Moss et al., 2003).9/ These findings have implications for various settings, including workplaces, schools, and studying environments.
- Smell Rehabilitation: Olfactory disorders e.g., anosmia (inability to detect odors), hyposmia (lesser ability to detect odors), dysosmia (smell alteration), and parosmia (altered perception of smell in the presence of usually an odor), are medical conditions that can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. Olfactologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these disorders, helping patients regain or improve their sense of smell. Smell treatment programs, including olfactory training and specific medication, have been developed to improve olfactory function in cases of disorders such as anosmia or hyposmia (Hummel et al., 2017).10/
- Stress Reduction and Sleep Improvement: Aromatherapy has been widely promoted to aid relaxation and improve sleep quality. It is even known to ease pain from kidney stones and osteoarthritis of the knee. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood have been shown to have sedative effects, reducing anxiety, and aiding in restful sleep. (Cheaha et al., 2021; Goel et al., 2010).11/ 12/
Conclusion:
The study of smell has made great progress over time in areas such as Olfactology (the study of smell), perfumery (making perfumes), and aromatherapy (using scents for healing). Experts in these areas help us learn about the sense of smell, its problems, and how it can be used for treatment. Subscribing to these practices can make you feel better emotionally, help your brain work better, improve your ability to smell, reduce stress, and improve the quality of your sleep. Thus, we can improve our lives and overall health by learning and using the sense of smell.
NOTES:
1/ Powers, W. J. (2012), Science of Smell Part 1 : Perception and Physiological Responses to Odors, Pork Information Gateway. https://porkgateway.org/resource/science-of-smell-part-1-perception-and-physiological-responses-to-odors/
2/ Philippines Fragrances Market Size and Trend Analysis by Categories and Segments, Distribution Channel, Packaging Formats, Market Share, Demographics, and Forecast, 2021-2026, Global Data, July 21, 2022.https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/philippines-fragrances-market-analysis/
3/ Curtis, L. M., Patel, K., Makarem, J., & Natarajan, N. (2019). A brief history of smell and taste. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 32(4), 447-450. https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2019.1672699
4/ Kobal, G., Hummel, T., Sekinger, B., Barz, S., Roscher, S., & Wolf, S. R. (2017). “Sniffin’ sticks”: screening of olfactory performance. Rhinology, 35(4), 160-166. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9396769
5/ Klausen, N. (2019). A brief history of perfumery: From Mesopotamia to the 21st century. Chemistry International, 41(1), 22-26. https://doi.org/10.1515/ci-2019-0112
6/ Sánchez-Vidaña, D. I., Ngai, S. P., & He, W. (2015). Aromatherapy: Does it help to relieve pain, depression, anxiety, and stress in community-dwelling older persons? BioMed Research International, 2015, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/986537
7/ Knaapila, A., Hwang, L. D., Lysenko, A., Duke, F. F., & Fesi, B. D. (2012). Sweet and bitter taste perception of children and adults: Genes, memory, and sex. Appetite, 62, 120-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2012.01.007
8/ Lillehei, A. S., & Halcon, L. (2014). A systematic review of the effect of inhaled essential oils on sleep. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(6), 441-451. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2013.0311
9/ Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K., & Duckett, P. (2003). Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. International Journal of Neuroscience, 113(1), 15-38. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390161903
10/ Hummel, T., Whitcroft, K. L., Andrews, P., Altundag, A., Cinghi, C., Costanzo, R. M., Damm, M., Frasnelli, J., Gudziol, H., Gupta, N., Haehner, A., Holbrook, E., Hong, S. C., Hornung, D., Hüttenbrink, K. B., Kamel, R., Kobayashi, M., Konstantinidis, I., Landis, B. N., … Welge-Luessen, A. (2017). Position paper on olfactory dysfunction. Rhinology, 54(1_suppl), 1-30. https://doi.org/10.4193/Rhin16.248
11/ Cheaha, D., Issuriya, A., Poompachee, W., & Ruksiriwanich, W. (2021). Effectiveness of inhalation of lavender essential oil on sleep quality: A systematic review. Journal of Sleep Disorders, Treatment & Care, 10(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.23937/2572-4053.1510103
12/ Goel, N., Kim, H., & Lao, R. P. (2010). An olfactory stimulus modifies nighttime sleep in young men and women. Chronobiology International, 27(7), 1629-1642.https://doi.org/10.3109/07420528.2010.490055
