However there are commonly found degrees of sensitivity throughout all age groups.

Definite irregularities in the ability to function fully in olfactory sense include two conditions that are well documented.

Anosmia or the complete absence of the ability to smell and detect odours is a serious condition both for the enjoyments of the individual and in other ways for those who live in close association.

At present there is no remedy.  There are certain exercises that can be given to assess the intensity of the problem from a sensory functional point of view, by using samples in a scale of potency.  Aromatherapists and psychologists are working upon using different aromatics to stimulate or revive the sense of smell as the condition has serious consequences for the one who suffers anosmia, particularly when the associated sense of taste is affected also. It is hoped that the science will find a remedy.

Some modern medical drugs unfortunately have the side effect of affecting both smell and taste.

Agnosia is a general condition applied to the inability to co-ordinate information through the brain and senses, including the inability to distinguish different odours.

This is a field that promises application of aromatherapy and essential oils scents in fully activating Osmic function. As yet no information is available regarding results of research in this field as in the cases that involve extra-ordinary or extra-sensory perception  (ESP).

Tags: agnosia, anosmia, diminished enjoyment, limited olfactory sense

Buck went on to provide evidence for odour coding and they continue to work in the field of molecular biology.

How this work will reflect in the field of deliberate practical application of aromatics we have yet to observe but presumably it will be a direct reference for those in the field of therapies such as aromatherapy and psychotherapy.

Establishment of a Sense of Smell Institute creates a forum for many scientists now working in the perfumery, fragrance and essence sphere and helps to deepen exploration into the subtle energies of nature and the subtler but vital senses of humans. Contributing papers include a variety of approaches, including –

Psychiatric research, the diagnosis of the human breath, abnormal olfactory states, olfaction in pregnancy, olfaction and schizophrenia, the part that olfaction plays in depression, effects of chemical perfumes compared with essential oils and natural perfume, natural body perfumes, smell and taste sensory associations, olfaction in Alzheimer’s disease, olfaction involvement in Parkinson’s Disease, perfume sense in the elderly, odour and dementia, breath and olfaction and many other interesting potentials for application of the science.

Tags: healing through scents, importance of olfaction, scent and senses, science explores perfume

In modern life we are surrounded with scents and perfumes but not the natural ones that are so beneficial to use in reviving our energies and spirits as in the woodlands and outdoors in gardens and in natural surroundings.

The general use of perfumes in commerce, once an exciting new innovation, has now become a threatening influence, not only through volume but through the complex chemicals used, many of which are positively toxic to our health.

In the case of chemicals used in food production, some injurious substances have been identified. Health authorities for years have sought to determine carcinogenic material in particular and to restrict artificial colouring agents in food. But regulations have been shown to be difficult to put into practice and to police. The appearance of new substitute chemical agents is constantly increasing beyond the ability of the health authorities to keep pace with scientific proof of their safety.

Research into chemicals that are inhaled rather than ingested is taking longer. It is even more difficult a task to control the chemicals used in the perfume industry. Only recently has it become mandatory to list 26 of the presently identified carcinogenic or toxic chemicals used in commerce.

For our self protection, the message remains clear……

Avoid artificially produced scents and concentrate on conscious inhalation of the beneficial perfumes created by nature.

Tags: inhaled fumes danger, keep safe by breathing natural scents, simple scents are more attractive, stop harmful smells

However, as individuals we have developed each sense to serve us with differing degrees of development.  It is common that many of us would claim the sense of taste, for instance as more important to us than the sense of olfaction and many of us certainly tend to exercise it more than our sense of smell!

Human sense of smell is generally limited compared with the extremely acute sense in animals. Although it plays an important role in our lives in helping us discriminate in judging quality of things, we are not faced with self preservation or hunting for food as the animal but rather have developed our olfaction as a tool for our sensory enjoyment.

Yet our perception of perfume varies enormously. Some people have a fine perception of a wide range of perfumes from unpleasant to exquisite and others are limited, not only in registering a range of scents but in their ability to enjoy them. The most masterly development of the sense of olfaction is known in the perfume industry where specialist perfumers are known to be capable of distinguishing up to 700-2000 different perfumes – compared with an “average” range of about 200.

Our first interest is usually to extend our perception and this offers a fascinating exercise in becoming familiar with, and learning to identify the perfumes of essential oils.

Tags: breathe well, enjoying meditation, fragrance, healing, help brain and body, lift depression, nature's perfumes, Science Osmics, subtle senses

The olfactory cells in our noses register the size and shape of the molecules involved in each emanation of perfume. Camphor and musk for instance have round molecules and other such as lemon and peppermint have different cubic and square shapes  Our modern sciences have developed to the extent that even such a subtle substance can be measured and this opens a window upon new avenues of exploration and confirmation of this gentle art of aromatherapy.

Yogis look upon the nose as the chief organ of absorption of prana or vital force which is inhaled as subtle nourishment to the brain centres. Agreeable aromas induce deeper, slower inhalations which benefit the nervous system directly through relaxing the solar plexus, and reduce nervous tension. Offensive odours inhibit the depth and rate of breathing. Our brain cells are quickened according to the vibratory rate of the perfume we inhale. Aromatics used in incense assist in awakening all the brain centres to sensitivity.

It is best to be aware of some of the processes we now understand in olfaction and determine to experiment with techniques known to sharpen our sense of smell. The simplest is to practise washing the nostrils internally. This is usually done with the aid of a neti pot when it is easier to flush the water into one nostril and out the other. However it can be modified by using the hand and just drawing up water into the nose and expelling it through both nostrils.  Cold water is best, but not chlorinated or fluoridated water – be sure that any internal consumption or cleansing avoids these chemicals.

If internal water washing is not possible for some reason, then external cold compresses over the bridge of the nose can help relieve colds and sinus conditions.

An ideal method is the traditional yogic neti pot used as illustrated.

Tags: breathe well in your garden, enjoying your garden, fragrance, healing, mysteries of perfume, nature's perfumes, subtle senses