The Sense of Scents
Have you ever met someone and at first sight, really didn’t care for them but you couldn’t explain why? Or have you ever met someone and liked that person immediately but again couldn’t explain why? Researchers are saying that it is because of their scent. Humans are attracted to one another by scent however the experience is so deeply buried in their sub-conscious that they are unaware of the reason for their reactions.
Scientists have also discovered that scent has both a physiological and an emotional affect on people. It is the physiological affect that led to the development of the aromatherapy industry. For instance, it has been found that the aroma of lavender creates a pleasant feeling. If the lavender is blended with eucalyptus, sniffing it will actually increase a person’s respiratory rate and they become more alert.
Perfume manufacturers have used this information extensively in their marketing campaigns but scientists claim it is overkill and that the lure of perfume is merely an initial attraction or a pleasant experience. However, that does somewhat conflict with the science that supports aromatherapy.
So, for the young lady seeking Mr. Right, a dab or two of perfume certainly may not hurt her campaign unless he is allergic to perfume. Plus perfume feeds the soul and spirit. A little perfume can raise your spirits on a bad day and make you feel sexy. And if it is true that you become what you think, than perhaps perfume plays a more important role in sexual attraction than scientists would have us believe.
So what perfumes are attractive to men? Each of us is an individual so what pleases one person’s olfactory senses may score neutral with another however there are some scents that researchers have found appealing to men.
One of these is cinnamon. In biblical times cinnamon was thought to be an aphrodisiac. Researchers found that the odor of cinnamon in baked food was attractive to men.
Another pleaser is vanilla. Like cinnamon, vanilla is also associated with food. However, it is an old adage that “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Granted it really means he is attracted by eating the ladies cooking however smell is closely related to taste.
Lavender is also supposed to be attractive to men. And since the
aromatherapy industry uses lavender as a mood enhancer this should come as no surprise.
Two other scents that men like are frankincense and myrrh. Remember that in biblical times, both frankincense and myrrh were highly valued. These were the gifts of the Three Wise Men to the Baby Jesus. Frankincense particularly is thought to be a stimulant. While you don’t want to sprinkle yourself with cinnamon or rub vanilla on your wrists, all of these scents are available in perfumes.
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