May 20, 2025
Smell Your Way to Joy: The Science Behind How Plants and Aromatherapy Enhance Memory and Emotion
Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant CareAbout this episode
Did you know the scent of plants can do more than just make your garden smell good? It can actually improve your mood, your memory, and your overall health. I’ve always thought of plant scents as just a lovely bonus in the garden, but I didn’t know there’s some wild science behind how smell connects to our emotions and even our brains. And to help me with that is Dr. Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist and expert on the psychology of scent. She explains how the smells from our plants can shape how we feel, what we remember, and how we heal. In this episode, we learn: [03:06] How did Dr. Herz start her career in the science of scents? [06:18] Why smell is tied to memories and emotions [09:01] Aromatherapy and emotional associations [10:28] Ingesting rosemary vs. smelling rosemary [12:27] Why do people like or dislike different smells? [14:30] How does the human olfactory system detect and process scents? [15:32] Wind River Chimes [17:20] Coolibar [21:43] What’s the role of the olfactory bulbs? [22:36] Why is the nose a significant entry point for substances entering the body? [25:12] Why do people often think smell is the least important sense? [27:25] Losing sight vs smell [30:20] Gardeners Supply Company’s [32:48] The perception of a smell as "good" or "bad" [35:08] Can our sense of smell be cultivated? [36:30] Where can you find Dr. Herz and her works online? Mentioned in our conversation: Rachel Herz: Smell, Your Least Appreciated Sense | TED Talk Rachel Herz: Smell Can Change the World: Health, Technology, and the Future | TED Talk International Flavors & Fragrances Monell Chemical Senses Center Trygg Engen Dr. Rachel Herz’s books: The Scent of Desire Why You Eat What You Eat That's Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion Ready to explore the healing wonders of natural fragrances? Check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Dr Rachel: Website LinkedIn X Academic Work Consulting Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes. Coolibar Protect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25. Gardener's Supply Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping. Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here ! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.