Smells and aromas: influence on humans. How do smells affect your psychological state? What smells affect a person?

Scientists have found that with the help of smell a person receives no more than 2 percent of information about the environment, while through vision - 85. Moreover, odors can act directly on the unconscious.

Sexual sphere

Smells play a special role in sexual relationships. Before puberty, both boys and girls prefer fruity, sweet smells. With the onset of puberty, both sexes prefer musky, floral and oily scents.

The reason for such changes lies in some similarity of these odors with pheromones - odorous substances secreted by humans. It is pheromones that cause unconscious sexual attraction of the opposite sex. Pheromones affect the vomeronasal organ in the nose, and through it, functions controlled by the hypothalamus, including sexual desire.

The famous English writer Herbert Wells had an ordinary appearance, but even before the advent of fame he was popular with ladies. When one of the women in love with him was asked what was so special about this man, she languidly remarked: “He smells like honey!..”. And Napoleon, returning from another campaign, wrote to Josephine: “I’m going, stop washing.” The Emperor adored the natural scent of the female body.

Aromatherapy

The smells of various essential oils make it possible not only to produce perfumes and cosmetics, but also to improve health. Since antiquity, there has been such a direction of alternative medicine as aromatherapy.

Essential oils are used in diluted or concentrated form. They are applied to the skin and hair and scent the premises. The effectiveness of essential oils lies in two principles. The first of them is that compositions of certain aromas allow a person to calm down, cheer up, relieve fatigue and get into a working mood. The second point is that essential oils are natural antibiotics and fungicides. For example, oregano and tea tree essential oils are the strongest antiseptics of plant origin. For chronic insomnia, it is recommended to use lemon balm, orange, and basil oils. If a person is haunted by nightmares, then aromatherapy experts advise placing rose oil in the bedroom.

"Purchase impulse"

It is hidden in the aromas of perfumes, cigarettes, and products. Unconscious craving for these smells is used in the work of shopping malls, restaurants and supermarkets. And once upon a time it all began with the experiments of the American psychiatrist Alan Hirsch. He noticed that certain scents trigger certain human actions.

Wanting to test his hypothesis, he distributed the specially created essence in several sections of various stores and found that sales levels there sharply increased compared to the “raw” departments. In grocery stores, the smell of fresh cucumber is very effective; in clothing stores, customers are “fascinated” by the aromas of mint and lavender. In leather goods stores, of course, the smell of leather is relevant. It is especially in demand if the assortment includes only leatherette products. It is believed that even car dealerships can increase car sales by 15% if they spray a special aromatic composition in their cars.

Labor productivity

Perfumer Heinrich Brocard, who founded his factory in Moscow in 1869 (now the Novaya Zarya company), was convinced that the smell in the workroom plays a big role in labor efficiency. “...The productivity of even a simple worker will immediately increase if there is no stench in the factory workshops, and the air is filled with the aroma of gillyflowers and wisteria,” noted Brocard.

One of the most interesting experiments on this topic took place in the USSR in 1983. It was described in his book “In the World of Smells and Sounds” by Doctor of Medical Sciences Sergei Ryazantsev. In the control room of the Kyiv Boryspil airport, a Fiton-1 odor dispenser was installed, created by the Institute of Botany of the USSR Academy of Sciences. The special composition of aromas passing through the dispenser significantly increased the performance of air traffic controllers.

Currently, the theory of the benefits of certain odors is taken seriously in Japan. According to a certain schedule, adjusted combinations of aromas are launched into the offices through the air conditioning system. It has been noticed that the number of errors among employees of such companies is on average 20% lower than that of their colleagues from ordinary offices. At the same time, labor productivity is generally 50% higher.

Our body's reactions
Choosing smells
The power of associations

The importance of our sense of smell is often undeservedly downplayed. However, the results of new research by scientists in this direction demonstrate that the influence of odors on humans is actually enormous. Moreover, smells can enhance concentration, memory and mental endurance.

More recently, the mechanism of how smells affect our brains was poorly understood. But today the minds of researchers are absorbed in the question of the influence of smell on our behavior and perception - it turns out that with the help of odors it is even possible to treat some diseases. Thus, in one of the French clinics, smells are used to help “reboot” the brains of patients in a coma and bring them out of this state. Smells have also found their place in the world of art, where they are used to create a special atmosphere. For example, the New York Children's Museum is filled with the aroma of fresh homemade bread just out of the oven.

At the same time, scientists have noticed that smells help to concentrate better, absorb information, increase performance, and therefore can be used to improve one’s own performance. But to understand how scents are linked to high grades and career success, let's understand the inner workings of our brains and how and why they respond to different olfactory stimuli.

Our body's reactions

Smell is made up of volatile molecules, and not the same ones at all. A single odor can consist of different molecules, and the olfactory environment in a room can consist of a number of odor sources. Molecules, entering the nose, affect certain receptors, and they transmit to the brain data about the concentration, nature and duration of exposure to this very smell.

First of all, information enters the olfactory bulb, then is transmitted to the cerebral hemispheres, and from there to the limbic system. It is precisely this that is associated with human emotions, memory, sleep and sexuality. The limbic system forms emotional reactions to odors, which is why they primarily affect our internal state - we feel cheerful and full of energy, or, conversely, we relax, feel peace and drowsiness.

In addition, odor molecules enter the pituitary gland, which produces hormones that are responsible for growth, metabolism and reproduction. The pituitary gland also produces hormones that connect it like bridges to the outside of the brain. This is where the most complex thinking processes take place.

Tomography played an important role in the development of olfactronics (the science of the effects of odors on the brain). Skeptics who believe that the sense of smell is not so important for us had to retreat under the pressure of visual experiments. Experiments have shown that under the influence of certain volatile molecules, various parts of the brain are activated, which means that aromas really affect its functioning.

For example, tomographic images clearly showed that the smell of lavender activates the hippocampus (emotions), thalamus (connection with the senses) and hypothalamus (it produces hormones that affect brain function). At the same time, the gyrus, which is responsible for touch and movement of the limbs, significantly reduced its activity under the influence of lavender - which means that this plant can be successfully used to relieve epilepsy attacks. Lavender inhibits the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during stress - that is, it can act as a sedative.

Moreover, lavender essential oil contains a very important substance for our life - serotonin. By the way, it is also found in hashish and our brain. Serotonin performs a large number of tasks. Its deficiency provokes an increase in pain sensitivity; serotonin is responsible for motor activity, improves mood and gives a feeling of joy. If there is too little or too much of it in the brain, it can cause mental disorders.

Choosing smells

Each smell has a specific effect on our nervous system and the body as a whole. Some help you collect your thoughts and increase your tone, others relax you, which means they interfere with hard work.

For example, lavender, lemon balm and thyme activate the sleep area in the brain, but eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, lemon, basil and mint relieve drowsiness, give vigor and the desire to work. The smell of wormwood and lemon makes a person more precise and quick in his activities.

Lavender, sage and eucalyptus improve memory, so they will be excellent helpers for students preparing for a session. Researchers found lemon, mint, rosemary and neroli oil, extracted from orange flowers, to be the best stimulating aromas.

For example, experiments were conducted in Sweden that showed that lemon essential oil, the vapors of which were in the office, helped secretaries make 54 percent fewer typos and errors in documents.

But the essential oil of calamus and the smell of valerian root, on the contrary, calm and relax, which can be used in cases where it is vital to get enough sleep before an important event.

The power of associations

In addition to the fact that smells trigger certain chemical reactions in the brain, aromas also have another effect - by sensing them, we fall under the power of associations. It all depends on what events, pictures, feelings and emotions were accompanied by this smell. Associations can be either national or individual.

For example, the smell of camphor (generally pleasant) causes negative associations with the disease for many, because camphor is included in rubbing ointments and other preparations. The smell of incense gives believers a feeling of holiness, joy, bliss - and all because churches are smoked with incense during services. For residents of eastern countries such as India and China, incense will not evoke such emotions - its role there is played by juniper, from which incense is made for temples.

The smell of wintergreen provokes completely different emotions among residents of the UK and the USA - in the United Kingdom this plant was previously used in the manufacture of medicines (therefore the associations are negative), and in the states they make sweets from it.

How to benefit from smells?

For smells to become our allies, we need to remember two main rules.

1. The aroma should not be too strong. This is exactly the case when it is better to underdo than to overdo. Too strong odors cause headaches - in this case, it is not just the result of long contact with a source of intense odor, but also a warning mechanism.

It works like this: there is a special nerve on the face that reacts to a strong concentration of volatile substances in the air. The nerve sends a danger signal to the brain, which spreads a feeling of discomfort throughout the body. In this way, the brain motivates a person to get away from the source of a strong odor that can be harmful to health (this could be smoke or toxic chemical compounds).

2. To make the influence of smell on a person’s performance as effective as possible, use simultaneously its physiological effect on the body and associative memory. Accustom yourself to the same scent that you will use at the beginning of the work or educational process. Associations will be triggered, giving the brain the command: “Attention! You need to concentrate! The work will begin now!”

This could be an invigorating eau de toilette or essential oil, or maybe fresh herbs or a lemon cut in half. You can light an aroma lamp or spray perfume on your wrist and then smell it. The main thing is not to use odors with a sedative effect for this purpose, because in this case the associations will go against the natural reactions of the brain.

Perhaps the time is not far off when smells will be widely used to increase the efficiency of mental activity in schools, universities and offices. But now everyone can use this experience to achieve success in their career or study.

The ability to sense and distinguish smells plays a huge role in the lives of animals. For many of them, smell is a fairly important sense in hunting or escaping from predators. Thus, ungulates sense the smell of a sneaking enemy from afar, which allows them to escape from his fangs and claws in time. Representatives of felines find their prey by smell, and wolves and dogs can smell a scent. In many species, babies and mothers, as well as other members of the same group, recognize each other by smell. In general, animals cannot do without smell.

People are also animals, albeit highly organized ones. But at the same time, they stubbornly ignore the importance of smells, preferring to keep in touch with the outside world through touch, hearing and sight. Smells play more of an aesthetic role (it smells or stinks), and in some cases they can warn of danger (gas, rotten food, smoke, chemicals). We are able to distinguish the most intense and memorable smells - our favorite food, flowers, perfume; we can even remember what people dear to us smell like.

But if we talk about the impact of odors on human behavior and condition, the sense of smell in this case is significantly underestimated and is even treated with a degree of irony. But nevertheless, experiments conducted in America showed that odors affect not only our mood, but also behavior, as well as the general condition of the body. They can change blood pressure, heart rate, put a person into a state of excitement or put him to sleep. Experiments have also shown that some aromas can relieve depression and improve the emotional state of patients with mental disorders.

Natural aromas contained in herbs, fruits, berries or animals best influence a person. The odors contained in plant essential oils have a positive effect even at a small concentration.

Our ancestors have long thought about how smells affect people. The ancient sages knew very well about the magical properties of aromas, so they used them to enter various emotional states. Almost two millennia BC, myrrh and incense were placed in the walls of temples so that believers would experience certain states when visiting a sacred place. Five hundred years BC, the first incense factory appeared in Corinth.

In the Muslim holy book, incense is compared to food that awakens the spirit - and this is indeed true. The nerve responsible for transmitting olfactory signals is directly connected to the brain. The nose is the only human sense organ that does not have intermediaries. After all, vision, touch, taste and hearing are connected to the brain by a number of sequentially connected nerves, and only the nose can send information to our brain, bypassing long chains.

Due to the fact that the sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, odor molecules can have such a profound effect on our emotions, psyche, and consciousness. And, according to scientists, the effect is ensured even with a small, almost imperceptible concentration of the fragrant substance in the air.

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Introduction

smell well-being essential aerosol

Relevance

The perception of smells is closely related to the limbic system, which is directly involved in emotional perception and behavioral reactions. Smells affect not only our mood, but also behavior, as well as the general condition of the body. They can change blood pressure, heart rate, put a person into a state of excitement or put him to sleep. Some aromas can relieve depression and improve the emotional state of patients with mental disorders. Smells help you concentrate better, absorb information, increase your performance, which means they can be used to improve your own.

Purpose of the study

Find out the positive and negative effects of odors on the human body

Tasks

1. study the literature on the topic of the project;

2. conduct a sociological study (in class);

3. determine the influence of odors on a person’s well-being and mood.

Object of study

Zamp is a specific sensation of the presence of volatile odorous substances (VAS) in the air, detected by chemical olfactory receptors located in the nasal cavity of animals and humans.

Subject of study

The influence of odors on the human body.

Hypothesis- if odors affect human health, in a positive and negative way, by establishing which odors affect a person in one way or another, I can use this knowledge to protect my health from the harmful effects of some and improve it using knowledge about others

Research methods

· Questionnaire. Conducted a survey among 9-10 grades of MBOU Secondary School No. 25 on the topic of the use of aerosols and natural oils, awareness of their harmful and positive effects on the human body.

· Studying all possible sources for this research.

1. Degree of knowledge of the issue

The question of how a person smells and why we need this ability has long been of concern to the minds of scientists around the world. Quite a few theories have been put forward on this topic, but a complete solution to the mechanism of smell is still far away. The closest to it were scientists such as J. Eimour with his theory (key-lock) which says that if the molecule of a substance is round, then the corresponding nerve receptor has a concave shape for docking. But this theory has been questioned by Boston University scientist John Cauer. As a result of his experience, John found out that molecules with a similar structure can use different parts of the brain, which could disprove Eimour's theory. Not so long ago, the young scientist Luca Turn put forward a completely different hypothesis; he said that smell, like color or sound, is determined by the frequency of vibrations, and our olfactory system, in turn, is capable of capturing them. As a result of the experiment, his theory was confirmed. A new word on the issue of smells can be left by Linda Buck from the University of Washington. Using a method developed by Linda Buck's laboratory, the olfactory system was shown to use a combinatorial odor coding scheme. All this says only one thing: science does not stand still, and quite a lot of research is being and will be carried out on this issue, which means that perhaps in the near future we will be able to find all the answers to the questions that interest us.

2. Physiology of smell

Why do we smell?

I. P. Pavlov believed that the problem of smell and odor is one of the most difficult in physiology and general biology. A person perceives smells through the nose. It is capable of perceiving and recognizing 4,000 different odors, and a very sensitive nose - up to 10,000, and special signals are transmitted to the brain about each individual smell. The olfactory nerves are almost never wrong. They won't transmit a lily signal when the air smells like a rose. Animals distinguish odors even better than humans. Cats, dogs and horses have a developed sense of smell so strongly that, with a fair wind, they can distinguish the smell of a person they know from an entire block away. In wild animals, the sense of smell is even more developed. The numerical magnitude of the nose's sensitivity to odorants is simply incredible. For example, an ordinary person smells vanillin at a concentration of 1 gram in 10 million cubic meters of air.

Aromas from the air enter the nasal cavity to the olfactory cells (about 30 million neurons). There are receptors on the surface of these ciliated cells. An impulse in the cell occurs when 8-10 molecules of an aromatic substance hit the receptors of the cilia. The sensation of smell occurs if at least 40 neurons are simultaneously excited. Even to perform such a seemingly simple task: how we distinguish smell, more than 6 million neurons are involved, each of which receives perhaps 10,000 contacts of its comrades. The odor signal travels through special cells directly to the hypothalamus of the brain. This is very important because this tiny organ regulates dozens of body functions such as temperature, thirst, hunger, blood sugar, sleep, sexual arousal and emotions such as anger and joy. At the same time, the odor signal is sent to an area called the Hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and attention. For this reason, smells evoke memories in us. The world of smells surrounds us everywhere and continuously. Dozens of irritants penetrate the human nasal cavity every minute. However, we consciously distinguish only some of them. Most reactions to surrounding odors are subconscious in nature.

A person perceives only five main smells - mint, camphor, floral, ethereal, musky. All others are obtained by mixing the main ones.

Conscious reactions to smell are when the brain processes a numerous stream of information signals (highlighting the most vital), sends a return signal to which a person reacts (the smell of food or gas).

The mystery of the smell has not been completely solved, since scientists have not paid enough attention to it. Animals with a pair of ears can determine the direction of sound very accurately. Even with the help of one ear, the animal can determine which side the sound is louder. Hearing is directional, like vision, but smell, like the sense of taste, has no direction.

There were more than 30 theories of smell. The greatest debate was caused by the question of whether the aroma molecule should come into contact with receptorogens, or whether it emits waves that irritate the receptors.

Eymour's (key-lock) theory explains the smell as follows: “If the molecule is round, then the corresponding nerve receptor has a concavity into which the molecule fits.” However, Boston University neuroscientist John Cowhera discovered that this theory was flawed. In an experiment using a tomograph, Kauer discovered that three closely related chemicals - acetic acid esters, propyl acetate and amyl acetate, whose molecules have a similar shape, cause different activity in brain cells.

Recently, a young British biophysicist, Luca Turne, put forward a completely different concept of the mechanism of odor perception. According to this concept, smell, like color or sound, is determined by the frequency of vibrations, and the olfactory organ is like a device that is capable of recording these frequencies. Turn proved that different substances with different frequencies of interatomic vibrations have a similar odor. For the experiment, hydrogen sulfide and boron water were taken with an oscillation frequency of 2500 Hz. It turned out that boletus also smells of hydrogen sulfide, despite the fact that their molecules have different shapes. American microbiologist Linda Buck may write a new page in the theory of smells.

Essential oils

Essential oils are highly volatile oily liquids extracted from flowers (rose, jasmine, etc.), flower buds (cloves), fruits (anise), fruit peel (lemon, orange), leaves (mint), wood (sandalwood) and etc. Essential oils are obtained from fresh or dried essential oil plants by steam distillation (for example, rose, geranium, mint and some others), by squeezing them from the peel (citrus), by extraction with volatile solvents.

The practical application of recommendations for the use of essential oils will significantly reduce the consumption of chemicals - expensive and harmful. My task is to help introduce essential oils to the most ancient methods of preventing and treating diseases. They heal a person’s body and soul, help them endure the hardships of modern life, especially in old age.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful, natural method of calming many physical and mental ailments. Its main goal is to restore balance in body and spirit, as well as support and stimulate the body's natural defense reactions.

Vegetable oils

In aromatherapy they are called transport or carrier oils. Essential oils, which, as you know, are not consumed in their pure form, are perfectly soluble in these oils. In addition, these oils themselves have healing properties, so for many thousands of years people have been using them externally and internally. The human body is designed in such a way that it completely absorbs the substances contained in vegetable oils that have a beneficial effect on the skin, hair and nails. Vegetable oils, along with essential oils, are an essential component in various perfumes and cosmetics. To create your own creams and massage oils.

PUMPKIN OIL. It is otherwise called a “pharmacy in miniature”. Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes bile secretion. Useful in the treatment of kidney, heart, vision, prostatitis and adenoma diseases

Methods of using essential oils

1.INHALATION.

Aromas, falling on the reflexogenic points of the nose, massaging them, causing impulses projected to certain areas of the brain, at the same time have a direct effect on the respiratory system and eliminate congestive and inflammatory reactions.

2. INHALATIONS COLD.

The aroma of the oil is inhaled either directly from the bottle or after application to the fabric. Breathing should be even and deep. Inhalation time is 3-10 minutes. It is advisable to close your eyes. The most effective inhalations are using the Machold inhaler.

Aroma substances come into contact with the entire surface of the skin. Due to their high penetrating ability, they are quickly absorbed by the skin, entering the lymphatic network, washing all organs along with the lymph. In addition to the strong effect on the skin, essential oils have an effect on the lungs, intestines, kidneys, central and peripheral nervous systems. Baths can be hot, cool, sitz, foot, hand and foot baths. The required amount of essential oil is added to a filled container with water at the desired temperature, which is pre-mixed with an emulsifier. Emulsifiers are substances that allow oil to mix more easily with water: sea or table salt, bubble bath, cream, whey, bran. The procedure time is 5-30 minutes. The increase in the time of taking an aromatic bath should be gradual.

4.COMPRESSES.

Substances in essential oils penetrate through the area of the skin located in direct projection to the diseased organ; enter the lymph and have anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, analgesic, antispasmodic effects. Add essential oil to the water, then immerse a cotton cloth in this water, squeeze lightly, apply to the projection area of the diseased organ and secure with a dry thin cloth. The procedure time is 5-40 minutes.

5.RUBBING.

The technique perfectly helps with inflammatory phenomena in muscle, nervous, and connective tissue, affecting the lymphatic system, spinal trunk, respiratory and blood circulation systems. Add the required amount of essential oil to 10 g of massage oil, apply to the sore spot and rub in with strong, vigorous movements.

It is one of the most active methods of influencing the body. Provides rapid penetration of aromatic substances into the lymph and bloodstream, which gives a comprehensive effect on the body. In addition to the positive effect on the respiratory system, blood circulation, central and peripheral nervous systems, the liver, intestines and endocrine glands are healed. Mix essential oil with 10 g of vegetable oil and apply to skin. After which a massage is performed according to the system that corresponds to your state of health.

Internal use of essential oils

The active components of essential oils affect the digestive organs, enter the bloodstream, normalizing the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and have a powerful effect on the genitourinary system and nervous tissue. For internal use of essential oil, a solvent is required! The recommended amount of essential oil should be added to 1 tablespoon of edible vegetable oil, or 1 teaspoon of honey or jam, on dried fruit or a piece of biscuit, used as a salad dressing, mixed with mayonnaise. For hot oils, there is an encapsulation method: apply the appropriate dosage of oil to a small piece of black bread. Mash another piece of bread between your fingers so that you get a thin plate. Next, wrap the bread soaked in aroma essence in this plate and seal it tightly. Take as pills with plenty of liquid. Aromatization of tea: drop 7-10 drops of essential oil into a hermetically sealed container (200 g), then pour tea into this container, close tightly and do not open for 3-5 days, shaking occasionally.

Properties of essential oils

ORANGE.

It has long been known as a good remedy for fever. It is antipyretic, treats urolithiasis, improves the functions of digestion, gall bladder, kidneys, is a hemostatic agent, and has a beneficial effect on the skin of the face. It is used to aromatize the air in rooms, which significantly improves the mood and performance of the people in them. It is used in aromatics, added to cosmetic creams and ointments, and used as an additive to liqueurs and vodka to taste.

GRAPEFRUIT.

It is used in the treatment of pulmonary failure, arrhythmia, arthritis, hepatitis, and asthenic syndromes. Treats hypertension, helps prevent atherosclerosis. Grapefruit oil is given to patients who have undergone major surgery or a debilitating illness. It stimulates the appetite.

Tones the autonomic nervous system, an effective remedy against vegetative-vascular dystonia. Whitens and smoothes the skin; reduces freckles and age spots, eliminates visible vascular patterns, an excellent dandruff remedy, a natural hair lightener, and eliminates brittle nails. Eliminates rashes of various origins, boils, lichens, warts, cracks on the palms and soles, eczema, bleeding gums. A good antiviral agent is effective against influenza, herpes, chickenpox, viral hepatitis, measles, and mumps. Has antibacterial, antiseptic, bactericidal effects. Relieves fever, helps normalize body temperature. Remedy for headaches, nausea, dizziness caused by cerebral vascular spasms or caffeine overdose. Normalizes metabolism and fat utilization, an anti-obesity remedy, eliminates cellulite. Dissolves gall bladder and kidney stones. Rejuvenates the walls of blood vessels and has an anti-sclerotic effect. Prevents varicose veins and the development of hemorrhoids. Participates in cleansing the body of toxins, has an anti-anemic effect, activates leukocytes in the body's defense system, and normalizes the blood formula. The use of this oil is incompatible with sunbathing

MELISSA OFFICINAL (LEMONTH)

Melissa oil is one of the most effective and valuable essential oils offered by aromatherapy. Classical aromatherapy points to the following main properties of lemon balm essential oil: tonic effect on the brain, heart, uterus, digestive tract, antispasmodic, physical and mental stimulant (“patent for longevity”), choleretic, improves stomach function, carminative, diaphoretic, anthelmintic. Indications for internal use of lemon balm; migraine, indigestion, neuralgia (facial, dental, ear, head), increased excitability, insomnia, convulsions, epilepsy, fainting, dizziness, tinnitus, spasms (digestive, cardiac asthma), vomiting during pregnancy, intellectual impairment (memory), melancholy , painful menstruation, anemia. For external use - insect bites (wasps, etc.), repelling insects, as well as treating wounds, cuts, rheumatism, swollen mammary glands, bruises. Scientists have confirmed that lemon balm has antiviral properties.

Fragrances in business

Businesses were also interested in the influence of odors, discovering that workers’ productivity increased when they smelled aromatically. There are examples of some companies in Japan that have successfully used this method. They introduce certain aromas into the air conditioning system in buildings so that everyone in their place can smell a particular smell. One construction corporation even uses a computer system to distribute odors throughout its buildings. This aromatization increases the productivity of workers usually engaged in routine work.

For this purpose, the Japanese company Sumitsu organized special rest rooms if people felt the need for energy replenishment. Directors of large enterprises were advised to spray “aroma activators” before calling employees to important meetings. The Sumitsu company has developed more than 20 variants of phytocompositions - aromas, flowers and plants - to improve the quality of work of programmers and typists. The number of errors among programmers decreased when inhaling the scent of jasmine by 3%, lavender by 20%, and lemon by 54%.

3. When odors can be deadly

Perfumes, dishwashing detergents, household gas, fragrances - a variety of odors surround us everywhere. Every day we inhale them, almost without thinking about whether they are harmful, whether dangerous odors exist and how to recognize them.

The most dangerous air fresheners are in the form of sprays. They contain toxic volatile substances that easily penetrate the body through the lungs and even the skin. Many manufacturers also add sodium benzoate and sodium nitrite to their products. Both substances are considered powerful poisons and cause mutations in human DNA, which provokes the development of diseases such as Parkinson's disease and cirrhosis of the liver. In addition, after regular use of an air freshener in the form of an aerosol, a person gradually begins to develop anemia (anemia). However, the harm of air fresheners in the form of gels is not much less, since they contain polymer gel, artificial fragrances and dyes that can cause severe allergies. American scientists conducted research in 2008, during which they found that people who often use air fresheners in their homes develop cancer 130% more often than those who prefer natural air fresheners. Modern technologies make it possible to recreate any smell in the laboratory. Whether it's fragrant lilacs, freshly cut grass or a delicious dessert. This is possible due to the combination of various chemicals. Air fresheners contain so-called fragrances or perfume compositions - synthetic flavors. Of course, there are natural ones, but their use on a production scale would be too expensive, and the smell would not be as lasting. Manufacturers usually do not indicate on the label what these compounds are, thereby reserving the right to disguise any elements under this name. However, even without fragrance, air fresheners are full of various chemicals.

The sprays contain propane and butane; in large quantities, these substances cause suffocation; linalool and solvent, which are potential allergens, are dangerous; formaldehyde depresses the central nervous system; limonin and pinin can cause cancer. According to Rospotrebnadzor, the permissible standard for air fresheners is hazard class 3-4 in terms of the degree of impact on the human body, these are moderate and low-hazard substances, their coefficient of possibility of inhalation poisoning is up to 29. Almost all household chemicals belong to these classes.

The ingredients stated on the labels do not always correspond to the real ones. In addition, many manufacturers, in an effort to attract more consumers of their products, position the air fresheners they produce as “destroying odor rather than masking it.”

Air fresheners contain a lot of toxins that easily penetrate the human body, but are much more difficult to remove from it. Air fresheners irritate mucous membranes, cause headaches and nausea, and provoke asthma and allergy attacks. Constant use of these drugs increases the risk of cancer! The following components of the refreshing mixture contribute to the development of asthma, breathing problems, leukemia, and bone diseases: benzene, petroleum distillates, formaldehyde, limonene. The negative effects of these substances have been proven by scientists. If air freshener cans state that they contain only natural ingredients, they also contain phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals, salts and esters of phthalic acid, which are widely used in industry. In cosmetics, phthalates are used as a binder (solvent and binding of other ingredients) component, as well as to ensure softness and impart an oily film.

Once in the human body, phthalic acid esters are transformed and split into monoesters. The next step is to oxidize the remaining monoester alcohol. At the same time, corresponding products are detected in the urine and removed from the body. Phthalates, especially those with a short alcohol chain, can be absorbed through the skin. Twenty-four hours after skin contact with radioactive diethyl phthalate (DEP), 9% of the radioactivity was detected in the urine, and after 3 days, radioactive material was detected in various organs. There appears to be some relationship between the metabolism and toxicity of phthalates, since short alcohol chain phthalates, which are highly toxic, are actually broken down into monoesters very quickly, and in animal studies, most of the toxic effects of phthalates were caused by the monoesters. Target organs for phthalates are the liver, kidneys and testicles. Phthalates accumulate in the human body, which negatively affects its hormonal levels, as well as the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Once in the human body, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) rearranges fat metabolism, slowing down the breakdown and increasing the formation of fats. Such chemicals are deposited in fatty tissue and liver, which leads to disruption of various functions of our body. They have a particularly strong negative effect on the reproductive system. This is not the whole range of dangerous chemicals in air fresheners. A number of compounds are detected: phenol, dichlorobenzene, camphor, naphthalene, benzyl alcohol, ethanol, pinene, etc. Each of them has a certain negative effect on our body.

However, petroleum distillates, benzene and formaldehyde, which are part of many air fresheners, can not only cause the development of asthma and allergies, but also disrupt the entire metabolism, up to a disorder in the absorption of calcium (and impaired bone density) and even leukemia

Aerosols, in addition to having a detrimental mechanical effect on the respiratory system, also have a chemical effect. Prolonged contact with aerosols is fraught with the development of bronchial asthma. The smallest particles, passing through the small-caliber airways (bronchioles), irritate the nerve endings located in them. This, in turn, causes a spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchioles. Also, aerosols, being a foreign substance and passing through the respiratory tract, trigger an allergic reaction in them, which contributes to swelling of the bronchial wall and the production of thick, viscous sputum. All these mechanisms lead to a decrease in the lumen of the airways and are a key link in the formation of suffocation.

But this is not the only danger of chronic inhalation of aerosols. Due to the negligible size of the particles contained in it, they can also have a chemical effect on the body. Systematic inhalation of dust rich in various metals or silicon oxide, over the years, leads to diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, and pulmonary metallosis.

As you can see, in this case the respiratory system is mainly affected. More severe consequences occur when aerosols containing suspended liquid particles are inhaled. Once they enter the respiratory tract, they penetrate the blood vessels and spread throughout the body. In such situations, the liver and kidneys will suffer. They, being natural blood purifiers, retain all toxic and poisonous substances that enter the blood.

The liver, like any other organ, has enormous reserve capacity and copes with “its job” for many years (here we are talking about long-term human contact with small doses of aerosols). However, there comes a time when the liver fails and it cannot cope with the increased load. Then all foreign substances pass through the blood to other organs.

Behind the liver, as a rule, the functioning of the kidneys is disrupted, and then the brain is damaged. Efficiency and memory decrease, fatigue increases, and headaches occur more often. Trouble does not bypass the heart either: the rhythm is disrupted, blood pressure changes.

If the damaging factor is not removed, then all of the above pathological processes become irreversible, with a disastrous outcome. Timely identification and restriction of oneself from dust and aerosols promotes rapid recovery and restoration of previous performance. headache. Trouble does not bypass the heart either: the rhythm is disrupted, blood pressure changes.

4. Study

As a result of a survey I conducted among grades 9-10 of MBOU Secondary School No. 25 in Khimki, questions were asked on the topic of awareness of the influence of odors on the human body.

1. Do you use aerosols? (deodorants, air fresheners)

2.Do you use natural oils?

· Sometimes 4%

3. How do you think aerosols affect the body?

Positive 10%

· Negative 40%

· Didn’t think about it 50%

4.How often do you use aerosols? (deodorants, air fresheners)

· Several times a day 59%

· Several times a week 23%

Rarely 10%

· I don’t use 8%

5. How do you think natural oils affect the human body?

Positive 67%

· Negative 4%

· Haven’t thought about it 29%

6.How often do you use natural oils?

· Several times a day 10%

· Several times a week 5%

Rarely 50%

· I don’t use 35%

7.Have you noticed a deterioration in your health with prolonged use of aerosols?

· I don’t use 10%

8.Have you noticed improvements in your well-being when using oils?

· I don’t use 24%

9.Are you ready to give up aerosols and replace them with natural oils?

· Didn’t think about it 38%

10.Are there any symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion?

· Observed 14%

· Not observed 57%

· Didn’t pay attention 29%

11.Why don’t you use aerosols?

Allergic reactions 0%

· I don’t think 30% is necessary

· I use 70%

12.Are you allergic to aerosols?

· Didn’t notice 14%

The result of the study

As a result of a survey of 9-10 grades of MBOU Secondary School No. 25, I concluded: the majority of respondents use aerosols several times a day, without thinking about their harmful effects on the body, but about 15% noted the presence of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion. More than 50% are not ready to give up aerosols.

The study revealed the following positive results: about 65% of respondents use natural oils as medicines, aromatherapy and perfumes; another 25% of respondents noticed an improvement in their well-being when using natural oils; and 30% of those diagnosed are ready to give up aerosols in exchange for natural oils. And the most interesting result can be to cancel the desire of a third of respondents to use natural oils to improve health and quality of life.

Conclusion

Through the olfactory organs one can influence the mental and physical state of a person.

The use of essential oils has a beneficial effect on the body. Many essential oils have a healing effect on humans and help improve mood and well-being.

Aerosols - in addition to the detrimental mechanical effect on the respiratory system, also have a chemical effect.

Of course, air fresheners are very common nowadays and are in great demand in stores. But people who buy these air fresheners don't realize the damage they're doing to their health. Under the most pleasant and varied aromas, there are many chemical compounds that are hazardous to health.

It is naive to think that air fresheners eliminate unpleasant odors; in other words, they even mask poorly, if we take, for example, unpleasant-smelling substances such as ammonia or hydrogen sulfide.

As mentioned above, smell is a property of certain molecules of a certain structure that move in space. We perceive aroma when these molecules interact with our olfactory receptors, and the signal is transmitted to the brain. To destroy a smell, you need to destroy its molecules, but the ingredients included in aerosols cannot do this. As a result, it is up to us to decide whether to spoil our health by using chemical aerosols or try to at least partially switch to natural remedies, thereby supporting it during this time of overstrain and mental exhaustion.

List of sources and literature used

1. "Chemist's Handbook" vol. 2, L.-M.: Chemistry, 1964.

2. Belikov V.G. "Tutorial on pharmaceutical chemistry" M.: Medicine, 1979.

3. Devyatkin V.V., Lyakhova Yu.M. “Chemistry for the curious, or what you won’t learn about in class” Yaroslavl: Academy Holding, 2000.

4. Irisova O.A. Aromatherapy. Practical guide (edited by A.D. Kozhevnikova). - M.: Moscow State University Publishing House, 2002.

5. Kim A.M. Organic chemistry. Tutorial. Novosibirsk, 2002.

6. Kozhevnikova A.D. “Emergency aromatherapy help” Aroma-Azbuka, Moscow-2006.

7. Miller Light, Miller Brian. Aromatherapy from the perspective of Ayurveda. Per. from English - M.: Sattva, 2004.

8. Ovchinnikov Yu.A. Bioorganic chemistry, Moscow, “Enlightenment”, 1987.

9. Plemenkov V.V. Introduction to the chemistry of natural compounds, Kazan, 2001.

10. Soldatchenko S.S. Kashchenko G.F., Pidaev A.V., et al. Essential oils - the aroma of health: Ancient and modern prevention and treatment of diseases with essential oils. - Simferopol: “Tavrida”, 2003.

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Aspect of the impact of odors on brain centers

It has been scientifically proven that aromatic substances - components of essential oils - act specifically on the deep limbic system as a structure directly related to the olfactory system.

The limbic system, in response to the influence of odors, ensures normal self-regulation at all levels and in all systems of the body, i.e., we can say that

aromatic substances help the body cope with the disease itself.

Thanks to the close connection of the “olfactory brain” with the neuroimmune-endocrine system, odors can influence the functions of many organs, and from here, through the olfactory system, the functions of the body can be corrected through odors!

Smells can restore the harmony of the limbic system, which leads to the normalization of physiological functions, improved well-being, and maintenance of health. Therefore, in no case should you deprive yourself of natural smells; you need to spend more time in nature, walk in the forest, park, etc.

But odors can also disrupt the harmony of the limbic system, thereby causing a number of deviations in our well-being and even lead to health problems. With deep disturbances in the functioning of the limbic system, deviations occur in the emotional-volitional sphere (hence - antisocial behavior, aggression, eating and sexual behavior disorders, various phobias, indifference, etc.), severe memory impairment, disturbances of consciousness, dysfunction of the endocrine, immune and nervous systems , sleep disorders, etc. So it’s not recommended to joke with smells.

The ability to influence important brain centers through the olfactory system opens up broad prospects for medicine in the prevention and treatment of many functional abnormalities and diseases.

Recently, our domestic scientists from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Cytology and Genetics, G.K. Boreskov Institute of Catalysis and International Tomography Center) made an important discovery: they identified a new channel for the delivery of drugs to the human brain - through the fibers of the olfactory nerves. This opens up completely new possibilities for diagnostics, as well as for direct delivery of drugs directly to the brain, to vital brain centers!

By the way, intranasal (into the nasal cavity) use of drugs has long been known and is currently a widely used route for administering a number of drugs. It is used for vaccine prevention, treatment of migraines, osteoporosis, adenomyosis, sexual dysfunction, immunodeficiencies (Thymogen) and even insulin replacement therapy. The most important feature of intranasal administration of drugs is the possibility of their penetration directly into the centers of the brain, which, as is known, are associated with many of the most important systems of the body.

Up to two hundred types of olfactory receptors have been found outside the nose: in the prostate, intestines, skin and even in sperm. In sperm they provide chemotaxis - movement towards the egg following the “smell” of the chemicals it secretes; in the intestines - they help release serotonin. The OR2AT4 olfactory receptors located in keratinocytes (cells of the outer layer of skin) (they were discovered and studied by German scientists) react to sandalwood odorant by increasing the concentration of calcium ions in them, which causes keratinocytes to divide, migrate and regenerate, and this helps restore damaged skin!

Scientists have discovered other olfactory receptors in skin cells that synthesize the pigment melanin and in fibroblasts. But what they are responsible for remains to be seen.

How do scents affect us?

Through the olfactory organs, plant aromatic substances act in ultra-small doses, only 1012 -1010, but, regardless of whether we feel them in the atmosphere or not, they have a positive bioregulatory effect on us.

Lromatherapy is considered as a kind of pharmacotherapy. Through the olfactory system, the components of essential oils affect various organs and systems. In addition, molecules of essential oils penetrate with inhaled air into the alveoli of the lungs, from where, through their membrane and the membrane of the capillaries surrounding them, they enter the bloodstream and then, as already indicated, into all organs and tissues (A.T. Bykov, T. N. Malyarenko, 2009).

To date, many effects of olfactory signals on the central nervous, neurohumoral and endocrine systems have been shown, which are described as changes in physiological state and behavior.

Thanks to plant aromatic substances, our body is able to constantly navigate its environment. The long-term absence of aromatic substances in the atmosphere (for example, in the confined space of offices and apartments, in space flight, their pronounced deficiency in the asphalt world of cities) separates a person from the biosphere. As a result, the natural bioregulation of all body functions breaks down, which can cause the development of diseases.

In addition, sensory inputs (sounds, smells, tactile sensations) are extremely important for the brain, since they largely provide its energy potential, activate the growth of nerve cells, accelerate the processing of information in the central nervous system, stimulate cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, psychomotor coordination, speech, counting, thinking, orientation, etc., optimize the functions of the autonomic nervous system. The absence of aromatic substances in the environment or a significant decrease in the sensitivity of olfactory receptors (damage to the nasal mucosa by infection, trauma, chronic runny nose) creates conditions for dysregulation of central and autonomic mechanisms, which is the cause of diseases, and in this regard, additional olfactory sensory influx (odors) does not seem to be possible only desirable, but also necessary, especially among elderly and old people (Bykov, Malyarenko, 2003; Bykov et al., 2006).

Smells have an impact on our “physiology” and emotional state. They can stimulate appetite, improve mood and well-being or worsen them, can increase or decrease performance and even force you to buy something you don’t really need, have anti-stress, sedative and relaxing, tonic and stimulating, antiseptic, warming, hormone-like, vasodilating and other effects.

Sensitivity to odors varies from person to person.

The perception of odors depends on the individual characteristics of each person (his emotional state, hormonal levels, age, condition of the nasal mucosa), as well as on the external environment (olfactory sensations become more acute in spring and summer, i.e. in warm and humid weather) and the temperature of the essential oils used oils (the smells of warm essential oils heated to 37-38°C are best felt).

The sense of smell is very sensitive in children and pregnant women.

In women, sensitivity to olfactory signals may vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. For most, the sense of smell becomes acute during the periovulatory (before and immediately after ovulation) phase, which is confirmed by laboratory tests. Reduced olfactory sensitivity in women taking hormonal contraceptives.

According to experts, neurasthenics experience painful sensitivity to aromas.

The ability to perceive odors changes throughout life. The acuity of smell reaches its maximum by the age of 20 and remains at the same level until approximately 50-60 years of age, and then begins to decline. The sense of smell is especially noticeably reduced in older people (senile hyposmia or presbiosmia). Although - everything is very individual, especially since in our time there are enough reasons for a disorder of smell at any age.

Experts note that over the past few decades, the percentage of people suffering from loss of smell has increased significantly (according to the US National Institutes of Health, eight times over twenty years!), with young people significantly predominating. The reason is believed to be the poor environmental situation in the world.

Intracranial pressure, blood and lymph circulation, the functioning of the heart and nervous system depend on what we inhale.

Aromas have a positive effect on the functioning of the central nervous system: they have a sedative and antidepressant effect (lavender, mint, orange), relieve stress, increase attention and reaction, performance and mental activity, improve memory.

Smells are processed in the same area of the brain that is responsible for memory. The famous neurophysiologist academician Natalya Petrovna Bekhtereva advised that in case of memory impairment, slowing down of associative processes in the brain, along with the use of pharmacological drugs that improve brain activity, be sure to use the no less effective beneficial effect of natural recreation in nature - walks in the forest, because the smells accompanying them are very beneficial impact on complex memory mechanisms. It is known that coniferous species produce from 4 to 30 kg of phytoncides per 1 hectare of planting; juniper, for example, - more than 30 kg!

Aromatic substances affect the functional state and physiological activity of the brain (which, it must be said, has a huge impact on how we think, feel and behave at one time or another). Thus, the aroma of rosemary has a powerful activating effect on brain structures and improves the functioning of the visual analyzer.

Some plant aromas stimulate the body's production of essential biologically active substances. The smell of lavender, for example, is a very important hormone and mediator of serotonin - the oldest of all hormones on Earth (serotonin participated in the photosynthesis of the first plants and controlled the nerve centers of ancient cephalopods and prevertebrate animals!). During the development of the human embryo, serotonin is formed as one of the very first hormones. It is present in the brain, digestive tract, pineal gland and platelets.

Serotonin affects appetite, sleep, mood and emotions, vascular tone (a decrease in the level of serotonin in the brain is one of the factors in the formation of depressive states and severe forms of migraine), plays a role in the regulation of contractility of the uterus and fallopian tubes and in the coordination of childbirth (production of serotonin in the muscle the uterus increases several hours or days before birth and increases even more directly during childbirth), is necessary for the normal process of ovulation in women, which ensures the release of a full-fledged egg and the possibility of fertilization.

Our body produces the amount of serotonin necessary for life every day. But this requires ultraviolet light. Lack of sunlight during the winter season is a common cause of widespread seasonal depression.

With a sufficient level of serotonin, a person is in mental balance, controls his actions, becomes more tolerant, balanced in communication with others (therefore, serotonin is also called the “hormone of mental balance” and “social hormone”), and is optimally prepared for physical, mental, and mental stress. Serotonin relieves hunger, increases morale and concentration, makes falling asleep quick and easy, and deep sleep, reduces sensitivity to temperature and its changes, to pain, strengthens memory and improves learning ability, creates mental stability, peace of mind, tolerance towards others, self-confidence. It drives away melancholy and restores the joy of life.

When there is not enough serotonin in the body, a person is constantly dissatisfied with something, experiences a feeling of anxiety, even when there is no real reason for this, becomes depressed, his sleep is often disturbed, irritability, anger, conflict in relationships with others, touchiness appear, behavioral disinhibition, a tendency to addictive behavior (alcoholism, gambling), increased aggression, high impulsivity, neuroses and their various manifestations are observed.

Stimulates the production of serotonin by aromatic substances of lavender, neroli, marjoram, incense, vanilla, rose, jasmine, citrus fruits (the latter contain indole, which is associated with the production of serotonin through tryptophan), as well as the smell of coffee.

The aroma of jasmine stimulates the release of endorphins ("hormones of happiness"), which improve mood, act as an antidepressant, and are the body's natural painkillers; and geranium acts on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which controls muscle and organ systems, memory, thinking, and concentration.

Mint aromas reduce the amount of catecholamines (adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine) - chemical mediators in interactions between cells that affect metabolic activity, the combustion of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids, increasing the sensitivity of cell membranes to sex hormones and growth hormone, direct or indirect increase in activity endocrine glands, stimulation of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and through them - hormonal function. The more actively catecholamines are produced, the better our body adapts to the environment. By the way, dopamine is an antagonist of serotonin, so an increase in dopamine levels leads to a decrease in serotonin levels (and depression), and vice versa.

A person's sense of smell affects health

In addition to the reflex mechanism, there is an associative mechanism for the perception of odors, which mainly affects the psycho-emotional sphere of a person. Our mood is influenced by aromas no less than our physiology. An example of this is the effect of the smells of lavender, camphor, orange, neroli, geranium, which invigorate, inspire optimism, relieve depression, depression, and irritability. Some smells put us in a sentimental mood, others have a stimulating effect, smells can evoke slight sadness and evoke a desire for active activity.

Most people's mood improves from the smells of pine needles and citrus fruits; the smells of roses, lily of the valley, and jasmine evoke positive emotions. But the aroma of bird cherry or wild rosemary causes anxiety, irritation and headaches.

The smells of nutmeg, valerian, and mint have an anti-stress effect, relieve depression, have a relaxing effect, and increase feelings of happiness and calm.

The olfactory tract fibers carry impulses to two small but significant areas of the brain responsible for mood: the locus ceruleus ("blue spot"), which contains norepinephrine, and the raphe nucleus ("raphe nuclei"), which contains serotonin.

Essential oils of rosemary, lemon, basil, peppermint have a stimulating effect on the “blue spot”, as a result of which norepinephrine is released (and therefore their effect on the body is stimulating), but lavender, neroli, marjoram act on the “suture nuclei”, resulting in the release "hormone of joy" and antidepressant serotonin. (This is why these essential oils have a sedative effect).

The improvement in mood noted during aromatherapy is associated with the nootropic activity of some essential oils: as already mentioned, the smell of jasmine stimulates the release of endorphins, geranium - acetylcholine, lavender - serotonin, mint - helps reduce the increased amount of catecholamines.

In turn, the “emotional” structures of the brain that respond to odors are closely connected with areas of the brain that regulate vital physiological functions of the body: heart rate, blood pressure, rhythm and depth of breathing.

Smells have a powerful motivational effect. Even without being felt, they control our consciousness, help us choose friends and partners, inform us about danger, change our mood, can attract or repel people from each other, and influence behavior, including sexual behavior. In this case, the so-called sex attractants or pheromones, which are necessary to attract individuals of the opposite sex, are especially powerful.

There is even such a thing as chemical communication, or the exchange of information through smells.

Later, evidence appeared that male odors also affect menstrual cycles and the time of ovulation in women. And scientists from Philadelphia have discovered the possibility of pheromones influencing the normalization and stabilization of a person’s weight and even his rejuvenation.

So, there is an additional olfactory system that allows us to unconsciously sense certain chemical signals given by people near us, controls our neuroendocrine and behavioral reactions, plays a key role in the regulation of reproductive and maternal behavior, and is directly connected to brain structures that regulate the production of hormones (in women, as already mentioned, hormonal cycles can change under the influence of such signals).

The separation of the layers of the main and additional olfactory bulbs begins after the 8th week of development and is completed by the 20-22nd. As studies have shown, the nerve fibers of the main and additional olfactory systems form a single nerve bundle on the way to the forebrain; the additional olfactory bulb does not degenerate in the fetus and persists until the 35th week, which does not exclude the existence of the vomeronasal olfactory system in the later stages of intrauterine development, as well as in newborns and adults.

In humans, the vomeronasal organ is represented by a small depression (vomeronasal fossa) - a tiny formation located 1.5-2 cm from the edge of the nostril, in the wall of the nasal septum at the border of its cartilaginous and bone sections, which is quite far from the olfactory epithelium. It is clearly observed in almost 70% of adults on both sides; in approximately 8-19% it is found only on one side of the nasal cavity. Interestingly, in people with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (Kalman syndrome), the characteristic symptom of which is anosmia (lack of smell), the vomeronasal organ is absent.

The vomeronasal organ has entrances to some areas of the hypothalamus, which are involved in the regulation of reproductive, protective, eating behavior, and neurohumoral secretion (primarily gonadotropic, i.e., hormones that affect the genital organs).

The additional path of smell perception runs parallel to the main one, without intersecting with it. It bypasses the main olfactory bulbs and the cerebral cortex - into additional ones located in the forebrain, and from them - to the structures that manage reproductive and maternal behavior: the hypothalamus - the main regulator of the endocrine system and many body functions, closely related to the limbic system and the cerebral cortex (the hypothalamus contains centers for regulating emotions and behavior), and from it - to the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which produces hormones that affect the functioning of the gonads, and to the structure of the limbic system - the already mentioned amygdala, which is responsible for emotions: emotional perception , emotional memory and emotion control.

And if the main olfactory system has a representation in the cerebral cortex, thanks to which we perceive and remember odors, then the projection of the vomeronasal organ in the cerebral cortex has not been found to date (electroencephalographic studies, for example, have shown that when exposed to pheromones, not cortical, but anterior thalamic structures involved in the analysis of olfactory signals; the thalamus - the structure of the diencephalon - is a subcortical "station" for all types of sensitivity), which suggests that the additional olfactory system is implemented at a more primitive, subconscious level and smells clearly “does not hear”, and is also not associated with the cognitive functions of the brain - memory, attention, speech, counting, thinking, orientation, etc.

According to the modern concept of “dual olfaction”, we have two olfactory systems - the main and the additional.

The main olfactory system begins in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity and projects to the cerebral cortex (“olfactory brain”). Thanks to it, we feel, remember, distinguish smells, they affect the cognitive functions of our brain (memory, speech, counting, thinking, attention, etc.) and the functioning of body systems.

The additional olfactory system begins in a special vomeronasal organ located in the nose and runs parallel to the main path to the areas of the brain that control reproductive and maternal behavior (hypothalamus-pituitary gland and amygdala). Having no projection in the cerebral cortex, it realizes its effects at a more primitive, subconscious level, being responsible for sexual behavior, and pheromones “do not smell” to us.

Memory is a complex mental activity. The main processes in its structure are memorization, preservation, recollection, restoration (recognition, reproduction), as well as forgetting.

Scientists have proven that nothing is more connected with memory than smell. Familiar smells trigger old memories more readily than familiar sights or sounds.

In the brain, the areas responsible for the perception of smells are closely connected with the areas responsible for the occurrence of emotions. Therefore, all smells are emotionally colored and can remain in emotional memory for a long time and activate it (“a smell gives rise to an image”), which causes certain emotional experiences in us. The emotions experienced - both positive and negative - are remembered and subsequently appear in the form of signals that encourage us to act or deter us from action.

The North American Indians had a unique way of recording dear and important events and experiences in their memory. They carried with them (attached to their legs) special bottles with compositions with strong and characteristic aromas - “smells of events”, and in those moments, the memory of which they wanted to retain in their memory, they opened one of them and inhaled from it smell. The smell was associated with the event, and then, even after many years, it could awaken unusually vivid and vivid memories and even restore the visual picture of the event.

It is no secret to everyone that the health and mood of any person can be influenced by a certain aroma or smell. And this fact has been known since ancient times.

Already in the modern world, scientists have developed tables by which you can find out for sure which aroma can lift your mood and relieve a headache.

This was noticed many centuries ago. Individuals who had a more sensitive sense of smell were considered more sensitive.

Since the first days of mankind, knowledge on aromatherapy has accumulated over the centuries. Even then, the medicinal properties of strong-smelling plants and their mixtures were noticed. And the healers of that time had knowledge that could help a person, and these people were considered wizards.

The sense of smell plays a very important role in human life. It is expressed both in the protective function of the human body, and in his emotions and impressions. Sometimes one particular smell can benefit both the body as a whole and the psyche, raising vitality.

Fragrant substances can be obtained either naturally, by isolating odors from aromatic plants, or artificially, through chemical experiments. An example of such a path is perfumery.

If we analyze the interpretation of the word “perfumery” literally, we can get the following: the use of various aromatic substances to aromatize the air, by burning these substances in a bowl over open coals and saturating the premises with aromatic smoke.

This method has been used since very ancient times, and this method was especially popular in worship services, including magical rituals.

If you consider the history of aromatherapy, you will find out that such therapy has been used for many centuries in a row. Even in ancient times, healers learned to get rid of many ailments with the help of aromatic essential oils.

This treatment was widely used by Hippocrates, Galen and many other healers of those centuries.

Each person inhales thousands of odors per day, half of which are inaccessible to the human sense of smell. Of course, there are smells that are favorite for a person, and there are, on the contrary, unpleasant.

Some aromas are perceived by humanity at the subconscious level, and they bring certain emotions and memories to a person.

Conscious reactions to different odors can be divided into different groups. Some that are perceived by humans as a threat, for example, the smell of smoke during a fire, or the smell of gas during a leak. Others can bring positive emotions, such as the aroma of a delicious dish or the aroma of a loved one's eau de toilette.

Of the five human senses, smell is the most sensitive and fastest sense, transmitting information to the brain at high speed, almost instantly. The nose is highly sensitive, especially to strong smelling odors.

There are great hopes for aromatherapy. This is due to the fact that aromatherapy is already used not only in medicine and industry, but also in other areas of human life, while helping a person improve his well-being in many ways.

Using the example of educational institutions, their benefits can be shown. At the beginning of classes, a mixture of essential oils is sprayed into the premises, the smell of which helps to increase mental activity, and at the end of the school day, you can fill the classroom or auditorium with an aroma that will help children relax.

In this way, children will be able to better master the school curriculum, they will not be so tired, and there is an opportunity to relieve most children of the stress that so often arises during the learning process.

Aromatherapy

Scientists have proven a very important fact that a certain aroma, obtained from natural raw materials or by a synthetic method, will seem the same to our sense of smell, but this is not true, they will always be different. The whole point is that both scents can have the same aroma, but the difference between them is that in perfumes with a synthetic scent, only the aroma is.

And in addition to the smell, there is also a therapeutic effect that has a beneficial effect on the human body.

Currently, our studio has developed a training course “”, which anyone who wants and prefers everything natural can study and apply.

To understand the whole mystery of aromatherapy, it is worth familiarizing yourself with and studying its centuries-old history. After all, all these centuries, aromatherapy was practically in the main place in human life, and was connected with all the sacraments that took place among them.

But for some time, aromatic oils were forgotten and only at the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to the French chemist R. Gattefosse, who was involved in the perfume business at that time, aromatic oils were revived.

Once, during laboratory experiments, Gattefosse had an explosion, after which he severely burned his hand, and in order to somehow relieve the pain, he put his hand in a container with lavender essence.

To his surprise, his hand healed very quickly after the burn, and no scars even formed. After this incident, Gattefosse began to conduct research on the medicinal properties of essential oils.

When the First World War began in the world, Gattefosse tried to use various essential oils in the treatment of the wounded and sick. The results were amazing; almost all patients survived and recovered without complications.

To treat the wounded, he used aromatic oils of thyme, chamomile and lemon. It is from Gattefosse that the word aromatherapy comes - treatment using aromatic oils.

The second researcher in this area was Professor P. Rovesti. Through his research, he was able to prove that using inhalations with various herbs can relieve depression and also anxiety.

According to the professor, aromatic smells help a person release various emotions, which in turn could provoke a number of different diseases.

Already in those days when humanity worshiped fire, various aromatic substances were actively used. Every grain of knowledge gained as a result of the use of incense in various spheres of human life was accumulated and passed on by word of mouth, then these recipes began to be written down and passed on to the younger generation.

In these recordings you can learn all the secrets of the healing magic of all the aromatic plants from which essential oils are obtained. It is not for nothing that certain incense is still used in worship, folk medicine and magical rituals.

Smell

If we consider all of a person’s senses, we can come to the conclusion that smell is the fastest in terms of the speed of information transfer to the brain. This happens instantly, on a subconscious level. And if you measure the numerical value of the sensitivity of the nose, you can get very large numbers.
When scientists studied the structure and functions of the brain, a very important discovery was made.

This discovery is that the region that is responsible for conscious thought originates from the region that is responsible for the human sense of smell.

Also in this area all the emotional processes that happen to a person take place. Even in the ancient teachings of Thoth, this area was called the “center of the brain.” In connection with everything said above, the nose can safely be called a real nasal brain. This is because the cerebral centers of the brain are interconnected with the sinuses, hence we can say that there is a connection with a person’s sense of smell.

When a person inhales air with a certain smell, the following happens inside the nose. First, the process of dissolving aromas in the nasal mucosa occurs, and then the nerve endings of the olfactory nerve are irritated, and from it information about the smell that was inhaled is transmitted through certain cells to the hypothalamus.

A very important fact is that almost all information about the smell passes directly to the hypothalamus. This is due to the fact that this part of the brain is responsible for a lot of things that can happen in the human body.

These functions include temperature, hunger, growth, awakening, thirst, blood sugar, sleep and sexual arousal. The hypothalamus is also responsible for angry and joyful emotions.

In parallel to the hypothalamus, odor information is transmitted to the hippocampus, this area is responsible for functions such as memory, attention and imagery. Therefore, for each person, a specific aroma has an association with a certain event that once happened to him.

In this regard, we can say with confidence that when a person inhales a smell, a certain signal is sent to the brain, which then spreads throughout the body.

Smells affect people's mood and health

Humanity lives in a world that is filled with various smells that we inhale constantly. But a person simply does not feel most of the irritants, but the brain distinguishes them, so the smell of a large number of odors occurs on a subconscious level.
If we consider the conscious reaction to odors, we can imagine the human brain as a computer that processes all information received from the outside.

At the same time, he needs to reconsider each impulse and assign it to a certain group, which can relate to threats and dangers to a person, or, on the contrary, bring pleasant sensations. For example, the aroma of cooked food will only cause pleasant sensations in a person. But smoke from a fire will create concern.

As everyone knows, a person is a spiritual person, for whom pleasure and joy are not in last place, striving to get as much of them as possible in life. But we must remember that any smell, in addition to positive emotions, can also bring negative feelings.

In this regard, each of us strives to make everything around us smell fragrant, and we try to remove or avoid everything that smells bad. Therefore, each of us has a favorite scent of eau de toilette, which lifts our spirits and creates a pleasant space around us.

It has already been proven that by using certain scents you can achieve a lot in trade on the part of buyers. Also, with the help of a certain smell, you can activate mental activity, and, consequently, performance.

English poet D.J. Byron noted that the muse visited him only if his room was smoky with the smell of truffle. And at one time, Avicenna proved that it was rose essential oil that promotes better thinking, increasing speed.

In 1939, physiologist D.I. Shatenstein scientifically substantiated and proved that in nature there are irritants that affect the body, as well as its functions and performance.

In business, you can use various aromatic scents that help increase productivity and the quality of any work. This is especially practiced in many companies in Japan.

With the help of an air conditioning system throughout all rooms, each workplace is supplied with a certain smell, which helps workers get into the mood of work and increase their productivity. Some enterprises distribute certain fragrances through a computer system.

The Japanese company Sumitsa created a special rest room for this effect, and if an employee thinks that work is becoming a burden for him, he can come and receive a charge of positive energy.

Also, many directors, before convening a meeting, spray a special mixture of “aromatic activator” in the room where the event will be held. Employees of the company Sumitsu developed aromatic mixtures of strong-smelling plants and flowers that promote better work by specialists such as programmers and typists.

It has already been proven that when programmers inhale a certain smell, the number of errors decreases: when inhaling the aroma of jasmine, the number of errors becomes lower than usual by 3%, with the aroma of lavender - by about 20%, and with the smell of lemon, this figure is 54%.
It has also been proven that the aroma of essential oils from plants such as musk, eucalyptus and lemon has a beneficial effect on mental work, stimulates the nervous system, relieves fatigue and improves performance.

If we consider the effect of rosemary on a person, we can confidently say that this aroma will help make the learning process more enjoyable, as it helps stimulate memory.

The smell of a rose will be useful if a person needs to concentrate on something and quickly and efficiently complete a number of tasks. Essential oils of orange, rose, sandalwood, lavender and rosemary are perfect for this.

When conducting clinical and laboratory studies, it was established that a certain smell has the ability to reduce stress and relax. Over the course of 18 years of research, patients of different age groups were given a specific smell, apricot, to smell while relaxing.

The essence of this experiment was to present a certain aroma to a person when he is completely relaxed. As a result, those patients who participated in the study learned to relax as soon as they heard a familiar smell.

This relaxation option will be very useful for older people, who are most susceptible to various stressful situations. For this generation of people, stress can arise even from the slightest trouble, not to mention the fact that they most often lose someone close to them, cannot take care of themselves, and are very worried about crisis situations in the country. Any situation can unsettle older people and put them into a state of stress.

An electroencephalograph was also connected to the study, which monitors the brain activity of patients. After the person was seated in a chair and everything necessary was secured on it, the patient was allowed to smell a certain smell.

The study was aimed at studying mental activity under the influence of specific aromas. For this purpose we used the aroma of rosemary, peppermint and basil.

Based on the results of the examination, it was found that there was more beta radiation in the encephalogram, which indicates increased mental activity, and the patient completed the proposed tasks much earlier than a person who did not inhale the aroma of these plants did.

It has also been proven that during sleep a person also senses all smells. And this fact can be used to correct any restless sleep.

After conducting electroencephalograph studies among two groups, one of which included healthy people, and the other - patients suffering from psychosis, it was proven that the aroma of rose and jasmine stabilizes the nervous system and also improves sleep. In folk medicine, hop cones are used to improve sleep, which are sewn into pillows.

Odor associations

British scientists conducted a study on human reactions to certain aromas. After conducting tests, scientists came to the conclusion that for any person, each smell evokes certain associations, that is, every smell in the world is associative. From this we can conclude that every event that happened in a person’s life was accompanied by a certain aroma.

As a result, a certain event is remembered with a specific smell.
As a result, throughout our lives we can remember at any moment, any moment that once happened in your life, be it positive or negative. And often this happens at the most inopportune moments.

Let's imagine that once in his youth a man had a fight with one of his relatives, and at that moment the room smelled of lilacs that were on the table. And years later, having felt the painfully familiar smell of lilac, this person’s mood will deteriorate, he will become irritable and touchy. The thing is that a person has already forgotten what happened then, but the subconscious mind remembers that in the presence of the smell of lilac the person was in a bad mood.

If done correctly, you can use certain aromas to help a person get rid of emotions that are very deeply hidden. This fact is important for those people who have diseases associated with the suppression of emotions. And when they are released, the person usually begins the healing process.

With the help of rosemary aromas, you can not only perfectly stimulate memory, but also get rid of this kind of stress. And this important fact can help anyone throughout their life.

Scientists have proven that processes such as neurological and hormonal are interconnected with the sense of smell. And, in their opinion, in the near future, using various aromas, it will be possible to adjust a person’s performance, mood, behavior and emotions.

And this is not science fiction, this is already a proven fact, which has already begun to be applied worldwide in various spheres of human life. Therefore, make it a rule to never part with fragrances that are pleasant to you.

Human body odor

When discussing the topic of smells and aromas, one cannot help but recall the smell of the human body. After all, each person is individual in himself, which means his smell is also unique. After all, animals find their owner by his unique smell.
Of course, the main human odor is sweat. But a newborn baby recognizes his mother only by the smell that she exudes along with sweat; he does not see or hear yet, but the child’s sense of smell is already developed, even more than that of an adult.

Human sweat and its smell are still little studied, but many scientists are striving to study it. If you believe Agni Yoga, then the human excretory system has a direct connection with the person’s aura and his mental reactions.

Therefore, the concept of this connection, a complete study of sweat and human smell could help to understand the unity and mutual understanding of the two worlds of humanity - the spiritual and the physical.

It has already been proven that during certain emotional outbursts, a chemical reaction occurs in the human body, which can be felt in the form of a certain odor in sweat. The differences can be found in the simplest things.

For example, sweat that comes from hard work, and sweat that comes from eating delicious food.

The sweat when reading a prayer will also be different from the sweat of self-interest and wind. Just like the sweat of an athlete while jogging is different from the sweat of a running hooligan. And this is because each of these people had their own emotional state.

During times of strong excitement or sudden fear, a person suddenly begins to sweat, this is due to the fact that during this a certain reaction occurs in the body - the transformation of energy, which in turn causes sweat with a certain odor.

When a person's mental state changes, the color of his aura also changes. This relationship will always be interesting, and every scientist wants to unravel this mystery, to find the thread that connects a certain smell of sweat with its effect on others.

There is one fact in history that demonstrates the influence of a person’s smell on others in a closed room. This happened on the first spaceships, when the crew was overcome by general fear and depression, all people became aggressive.

This is due to the fact that the air in the cabin was not completely purified, and the smell of panicking people remained present on the ship - the smell of panic and fear. This is where the phrase “smell of fear” comes from, which gives confidence that there is the smell of other human emotions - love, hatred, resentment, etc.

This is confirmed by dogs that have a highly developed sense of smell. In different situations, they will react differently to a person: they may start to rush, or, on the contrary, come up to be petted, or begin to growl in defense of their offspring. They feel human emotions with their nose.

But sometimes a person can detect unusual aromas that cannot be explained in any way. These two unusual aromas are reminiscent of the smell of flowers and the smell of burning and sulfur. It is difficult to say where this or that aroma came from, especially if the person in the room is in the room himself and did not spray anything.

For an explanation, you can turn to Agni Yoga. In addition to the physical world in which a person lives, there is also a Subtle World, which is full of various aromas that are inaudible in our world.

When a person begins to feel the subtle aroma of flowers, it can be argued that the subtle energy of the Good Beginning is nearby, which is transformed in the form of the aroma of violets or freesia.

It’s not without reason that we feel a floral aroma near icons and relics of saints. There is a belief that when a light aura returns a particular person to the bloodless kingdom, he is given the pleasant smell of flowers.

And the Evil Origin can be recognized by the unpleasant smell of sulfur or burning. According to Agni Yogi, people possessed by evil spirits can be recognized precisely by this unpleasant odor, which is released along with a person’s sweat.

Create a good mood!

Nothing can help lift your spirits like the right essential oils. They influence the hidden facets of human perception, so they quickly find “small holes” that prevent people from being happy and cheerful.

What is most interesting and amazing is that essential oils, with their invisible blanket of scents, can create real miracles that can only be felt, but not seen.

If you have problems with mental stress, you often feel tired, although the working day has only recently begun, then essential oils such as mint and sage will come to the rescue; eucalyptus and lavender oils will be an excellent addition to this duet.

To help people with the help of essential oils, science has introduced a new branch of psychology, which is called aroma psychology. It is not aimed at convincing people that aromatic oils can help them, but rather encourages them to try and feel the effect that can be used to achieve those sensations that a person lacks. You can learn more about this area on our website.
Everyone has the power to change what gives them anxiety and worry.

This is not the time to give up!

A person may well be able to help himself on his own, because the mood has always been under the control of the person himself, and not the doctor to whom many turn. Willpower and fortitude do not play a special role here; the most important thing here is to understand what is happening in the general state and how to help it, to tune in.

Help is always closer than it seems, and much more accessible than expected.
The ability to control oneself is an opportunity that is given only to man. Sometimes you just need to let everything go and think, is it worth holding back?

Maybe, on the contrary, you need to open up and allow yourself to be helped in ways that were not previously understood by consciousness.

Learn to control your mood - it's a completely easy process!

Memories have quite a lot of positive energy, which can cope with various worries and experiences.

It’s enough to remember the spring smell of a first date with your loved one and your mood immediately lifts.
Be happy!

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Smells and aromas: influence on humans. How do smells affect your psychological state? What smells affect a person?

Sexual sphere

Aromatherapy

"Purchase impulse"

Labor productivity

Our body's reactions

Choosing smells

The power of associations

How to benefit from smells?

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