23/10/2026
Fact Friday
Have you ever caught a familiar smell and suddenly been transported back to a moment in your life?
Freshly cut grass, a favourite perfume, woodsmoke on an autumn evening, coal fire in the winter, or something yummy baking in the kitchen…
And just like that, a memory that hasn't surfaced in years comes back in.
It's all thanks to our olfactory system, the part of our sensory system responsible for our sense of smell.
When we breathe in, tiny airborne molecules enter our nose and stimulate specialised smell receptors. These send signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain, where the information begins to be processed.
Our olfactory system has particularly close connections with the limbic system, including the amygdala and hippocampus, areas involved in emotions and memory.
This helps explain why a familiar scent can bring back such memories, sometimes before we've even consciously recognised what we're smelling!
It's one of the things I find so fascinating about aromatherapy.
A scent that one person finds comforting and relaxing might bring back completely different memories or feelings for someone else.
Aromas are incredibly personal, which is why I like taking the time to find out what scents you enjoy and then include them in your massage or aromatherapy session rather than assuming everyone finds the same things relaxing........not everyone likes lavender😆
For me, it's the unmistakable smell of the poplar trees where I used to live.
One little whiff and I'm transported back there. It's amazing how a scent can bring back memories of a place so vividly, even after years have passed.
Our noses really are rather clever little things, aren't they?! 😂
So here's a little question for you this Friday…
What smell instantly takes you back to a particular place or happy memory?
I'd love to hear your answers!
lu 💚
