Our sense of smell is closely connected to the part of the brain that processes memory. In ancient times, rosemary was thought to strengthen memory.
It is believed that the herb was worn as a crown by students in ancient Greece to improve performance when taking exams.
Fragrance assists learning process
This link between smell and memory has fascinated scientists and driven research to clarify the connection between smell, memory and learning.
Using fragrance to assist in the learning process is an interesting and attractive idea!
Memory during sleep
Current research has focused on a specific aspect. Can a scent impact the consolidation of memory during sleep? From the experimental data, evidence is growing that this is the case. A recent study examines the targeted use of scent and memory recall. Students who were exposed to a particular aroma while learning English vocabulary and then again when sleeping, performed better on a vocabulary test than those who did not receive any olfactory cues or those who did not receive the cues during sleep.
The results from this study are important. While there is no suggestion that sleep replaces studying, there do appear to be ways to assist memory formation and optimize learning during sleep.
This concept is supported by another study conducted with older adults. Exposure to essential oils over time indicated improved cognitive ability.
Positive learning environment
The use of scent to create a positive learning environment is nothing new. However, the direct correlations now revealed are exciting. Some of the plant extracts of particular interest include rosemary, peppermint, lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, frankincense and orange.
Practical tips
Are you interested in a personal application of this research? Here are some practical tips:
- Study Time: While studying, use a diffuser with your chosen essential oil to create an association between the scent and the material.
- Sleep Consolidation: Place a sachet of the scent near your pillow or use a diffuser in your bedroom to reinforce memory consolidation during sleep.
- Classroom Connection: Teachers can enhance the classroom environment with mild scents to boost concentration and memory retention.
The results from lab studies are promising and we are excited to learn what the future holds! Broader applications could extend to enhancing productivity and maintaining cognitive health in older adults.
Let’s harness the power of scent to make learning more effective and enjoyable!