Why Scent Matters
The Science Behind Smell, Memory, and Emotion
How Smell Relates to Memory and Emotion
We’re all about the smells here at Eden & Era. As a former winemaker, you could say I live for scent (and food, but that’s an aside). A waft of a freshly baked cookie, the subtle bloom of wild Nootka roses carried on a bit of Salish Sea air with the warmth of the sun on my face. Any of these smells, and I’m instantly taken back. I can feel that childhood moment of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven, excitement thrumming through my 6-year-old body; or walking down the hill into Langley past a brambly hedge of wild rose, the light bouncing off the water in a way I’ve seen a hundred times. For me, those smells = happy. What are your scent memories?
I’ve always been fascinated by how things work — not in a mechanical sense, but biologically. That’s part of why I went back to school for wine science. I had to know the why. Why does my Cabernet smell like green pepper? (It’s the methoxypyrazines, by the way. And yes, I actually like that smell.)
So when it came to creating scents for Eden & Era, I followed my nose—and my memories. I’ve set out to create nuanced 100% natural fragrance blends that I hope make you smile or tickle one of your happy scent memories, or to build new ones. I want you to know that I've also tried to be sensitive to scent saturation limits. I’m scent-sensitive, and I’ve always found a whisper more interesting than a wallop. You too?
Anyway, without further ado, here’s a quick dive into the science behind scent and memory — because it’s not just nostalgia. There’s real biology behind it.
The Unique Pathway of Scent in the Brain
Unlike our other senses, which route through the thalamus (the brain's relay station), smell takes a direct path to the brain's limbic system — the area responsible for emotion and memory. When we inhale a scent, odor molecules bind to receptors in the nose, sending signals to the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb then transmits these signals directly to the amygdala and hippocampus, key centers for processing emotions and forming memories. (Harvard Gazette)
Why Smells Evoke Strong Memories
This direct connection explains why scents can trigger vivid, emotional memories more effectively than other sensory cues. Research indicates that odors can elicit more emotionally potent memories compared to visual or verbal stimuli. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "Proustian effect," highlights how a simple scent can transport us back to a specific moment in time.(Discovery, PubMed Central)
Scent and Emotional Well-being
Beyond memory, scent also plays a role in our emotional health. Certain fragrances can influence mood, reduce stress, and even improve cognitive performance. This is due to the olfactory system's close ties with the brain's emotional centers, allowing scents to have immediate and profound effects on our feelings and behaviors (Harvard Medicine).
Discover Your Signature Scent
Ready to find your perfect match? Take our Scent Quiz Inspired by the Teen Magazine quizzes those of us born in the 80s and 90s might remember. Discover the fragrance that fits your scent story.