<h1>Discover </h1><h1>Aromachology</h1>
<h1>Discover </h1><h1>Aromachology</h1>

SCENT SCIENCE

Discover 

Aromachology

The study of scent and its influence on mood and emotion.

Our sense of smell is the most undervalued of the five senses.

Even though it is, by far, our most sophisticated sense

"A startling superpower"

- 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 or 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, or evoke 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 like bergamot and pink grapefruit elevate beta waves, linked with alertness and focus.

Aromachology is the study of scent and its influence on mood and emotion

You've heard of aromatherapy, but at Appellation we are guided by aromachology - the study of how scent shapes mood and emotion.

APPELLATION

Our Calm and Focus scents are informed by the chemistry of essential oils and their impact on the brain and mood.
For Focus

Our revitalising scents for focus include refreshing blends of citrus, basil and rosemary essential oils.

These invigorating scents are known to enhance cognitive function, sharpen memory and improve mental clarity.

The Salutation | Essential Oil Blend, 10ml The Salutation | Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

The Salutation | Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

Dhs. 119.00
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For Calm

Our scents for calm soothe away tension with ylang-ylang frankincense, patchouli, and bergamot essential oils.

Soft, grounding and deeply comforting. Scents to slow the heart and the breath, and calm the body and mind.

The Night Journey | Essential Oil Blend, 10ml The Night Journey | Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

The Night Journey | Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

Dhs. 119.00
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Scent is a natural intervention

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of aromachology?

Aromachology is the scientific study of how scents influence human emotions, mood, behavior and psychological state. It explores how different fragrances - natural or synthetic - affect the brain via the olfactory system, triggering emotional or cognitive responses (calm, focus, comfort, memory, motivation, etc.)

Core ideas behind Aromachology

  • It is not primarily about healing or physical therapy. Instead, it focuses on how scent affects mood and mind.
  • It is driven by an understanding of scent chemistry and neuroscience / psychology: how volatile aromatic compounds travel via the olfactory system to the brain and influence emotional states.
  • Its goal is to use fragrance (in diffusers, perfumes, candles etc.) with intention - for example, to soothe the senses, enhance focus, induce relaxation, uplift mood, or influence ambiance and behaviour.

At Appellation we are guided by aromachology, using scent to stimulate or soothe the senses and enhance emotional wellbeing.

What is the difference between aromachology and aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy focuses on using essential oils for physical and emotional healing, while aromachology studies how scents affect mood and mind through any fragrances.

How can I use aromachology in my daily life?

You can use scents mindfully to boost your mood, improve focus, reduce stress, or enhance relaxation, through candles, diffusers, or personal fragrances.

Scent is a simple way to feel better naturally

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

START WITH SCENT

RESEARCH

Scent nerds read scientific journals

Our library is open to all.

View research