Scents and sensibility
Skeptics may, um, turn up their noses at the claims. (Because really, wouldn't dogs prefer the odor of Alpo to a whiff of lavender?) But there is some science behind aromatherapy. The Sense of Smell Institute, which promotes the importance of smell through education, outreach, and research, has funded several studies. At Wesleyan University, for example, psychology Prof. Namni Goel tested the effects of lavender on sleep patterns and found that the smell can increase the amount of time both men and women spend in the most restorative stage of sleep. Other research has indicated that peppermint can invigorate exercisers and that various scents, including vanilla, can calm patients undergoing traumatic medical procedures. Then again, these studies have not been published and peer reviewed. "It's not a replacement for Prozac by any means," SOSI Executive Director Theresa Molnar notes. And even Molnar is dubious about lavender-enhanced dishwashing soap: "There's no way that could be a relaxing activity."
Homey whiff. But even if smells aren't scientifically proved to boost a bad day, lots of folks think they do. Melanie Porter puts Yankee Candle Housewarmer electric fragrancers in every room--Clean Cotton in her bedroom and Home Sweet Home everywhere else. "I like how it smells, and everybody who comes over says how great it smells," Porter says.
What happens when eau de cotton becomes commonplace? "We're looking at new olfactory ideas, like patchouli [a musky herb], that are more mysterious," says Veronique Ferval, chief fragrance evaluator for International Flavors & Fragrances. One of the firm's newest products is Liquid Karl, the unisex scent Karl Lagerfeld launched at H&M stores last week. Its dominant aroma? "Crispy bread." "It's comforting and addicting," Ferval says.
A yeasty perfume is only the beginning. IFF, for example, is now trying to create meteorite and body odors for exhibits at the New York Hall of Science. Ferval foresees fragrance as a key part of architecture and advertising.
And that's nothing to sniff at.
News your schnozzola can use
In the world of aroma-therapy, every smell casts a spell. Here's a rundown of the alleged benefits of popular oils--and products that use them.
Lemon. Associated with a spic-and-span home, the smell of lemon can spruce up cleaning products and household objects, like this "purifying" candle ($22, left) from L'Occitane en Provence, which is also infused with eucalyptus.
Eucalyptus. Aromatherapists believe eucalyptus can fix up the immune system. Bath & Body Works sells the oil in its cold and sinus therapy line, which includes a travel inhaler ($6) and "congestion ease" cubes ($15).
Peppermint. NordicTrack's RejuvenAire aromatherapy--on most of its top models--sends mint scent through the fan so exercisers can take advantage of its supposedly stimulating, pain-lessening properties.
Ylang-ylang. The smell derived from this flower can be found in "sensual" massage oil ($10, right) from the Body Shop, which plays off the scent's image as a muscle tension reliever.
Parsley. Putting it on a plate isn't just decorative if you believe it can live up to its rep for helping digestion. Williams-Sonoma sticks it into hand lotion for cooks ($12.50).
Lavender. Along with chamomile, it's used as an utterly relaxing sleep aid. Hammacher Schlemmer's Progression Wake Up Clock ($50, right) doesn't just awaken you--it lulls you to slumber with the fragrance of lavender. -Vicky Hallett
advertisement
