Aromachology

SCENT SCIENCE

Discover aromachology, a science-backed way to boost your mood and de-stress your mind

Our sense of smell is the most undervalued of the five senses, even though it is, by far, our most sophisticated sense

It is a "startling superpower", according to the New York Times

A mysterious yet elegant neurological process that colours our lives and shapes our experiences, each and every day.⁠

Nothing has a stronger and more immediate effect on your state of mind than scent

That’s because unlike other senses, the olfactory system has a direct connection to the limbic system, the oldest area of the human brain, where emotions and memories are formed.

It's why a particular scent can profoundly affect your mood, evoking powerful emotions and memories, a phenomenon known as The Proust Effect.

You’re not just smelling a beautiful scent

Simply by inhalation, volatile aromatic compounds in essential oils travel to the brain via the olfactory nerve, triggering neural activity.

Your brain is releasing “feel-good” neurochemicals like dopamine, which is linked to pleasure and motivation, and serotonin, which stablises mood.

Chemical constituents found in oils, such as bergamot, bind to GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Electroencephalograms (EEGs) tests have also shown that essential oils alter brain wave activity.

Lavender and sandalwood, for example, stimulate theta and delta waves, which are associated with a more relaxed state, while rosemary or citruses elevate beta waves, linked with alertness and focus.

Aromachology is the use of aroma to influence mood and emotion

You've heard of aromatherapy, but at Appellation we are guided by aromachology, using scent to stimulate or soothe the senses and enhance emotional wellbeing.

Our formulations are informed by the chemistry of essential oils and their impact on the brain and mood.

FOR FOCUS

In The Focus Series, a series of blends designed for vitality and energy, we formulated with 1.8-cineole and eugenol, found in eucalyptus, basil and rosemary.

These naturally occurring chemicals have been extensively studied, and are known to enhance cognitive function, sharpen memory and improve mental clarity.

FOR CALM

In The Calm Series, a series of blends to soothe away evening tension, we formulated with linalool and linalyl acetate, found in lavender, ylang-ylang and bergamot.

These constituents stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin, which turn down the dial on your body's fight-or-flight response, slowing the heart and the breath, and calming the body and mind.

A natural intervention

With the World Health Organisation defining stress as “the health epidemic of the 21st century”, it’s never been as important to prioritise self-care.

Aromachology is a natural and effective intervention to modern-day malaise. A tool to leverage to enhance the quality of our lives. A simple, low-cost way to feel better, naturally.

Less stressed out, overwhelmed and fatigued. More calm, balanced and restored. Put simply, a better version of you.