Fall is here, and with it comes the cozy aroma of pumpkin spice. But did you know that the scent of pumpkin pie can also make you more attractive to your potential partner?
Scent, or olfaction, has a unique pathway to the brain. According to Jason Fischer, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Sarah Cormiea, a doctoral candidate, it is this connection that evokes the comforting emotions associated with pumpkin spice. All of our autumn-related memories – warm beverages, cozy sweaters, falling leaves, and reuniting with school friends – are closely intertwined with the aroma.
During an interview with The News-Letter, Fischer emphasized the significance of smell when it comes to memory.
Smell not only evokes memories and emotions but also plays a crucial role in the taste experience. This is because, when we consume food, minuscule food particles travel up the throat and stimulate our smell receptors.
Fischer claims we tend to underestimate the importance of our sense of smell despite its numerous roles in sensing and memory.
In the Journal of Neurological and Orthopaedic Medicine and Surgery, Alan Hirsch and Jason Gruss wrote a paper in 1999 that investigated the connection between sex and smell. Fundamental to the impact of their research was the long-standing correlation between the two.
“Historically, certain smells have been considered aphrodisiacs, a subject of much folklore and pseudoscience. In the volcanic remnants of Pompeii, perfume jars were preserved in the chambers designed for sexual relations. Ancient Egyptians bathed with essential oils in preparation for assignations; Sumarians seduced their women with perfumes. A relationship between smell and sexual attraction is emphasized in traditional Chinese rituals, and virtually all cultures have used perfume in their marriage rites. In mythology, rose petals symbolized scent, and the word ‘deflowering’ describes the initial act of sex … Dramatic literature abounds with sly references to nasal size as symbolic of phallic size, as in the famous play Cyrano De Bergerac …
Psychoanalysis has made much of these associations. Fliess, in his concept of the phallic nose, formally described an underlying link between the nose and the phallus. Jungian psychology also connects odors and sex.”
So how can you use this knowledge to spice up your love life? Here are some tips from experts on how to use scents for romance:
- Choose a scent that suits your personality and mood. Don’t just follow the trends or copy what others are wearing. “The best scent for you is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable,” says Dr. Alan Hirsch, the director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation.
- Apply your scent strategically. Don’t overdo it or spray it all over your body. Instead, focus on the pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, behind the ears, and inside the elbows. These areas emit more heat and help diffuse the scent better.
- Experiment with different combinations. You can mix and match different scents to create your own unique blend. For example, you can layer a lavender perfume with a pumpkin spice lotion, or a cucumber cologne with a licorice candy. Be creative and have fun with it!
- Use natural sources. You don’t have to rely on artificial products to smell good. You can also use natural ingredients, such as fresh flowers, herbs, fruits, spices, or essential oils. You can even bake a pumpkin pie or light a lavender candle to fill your home with a cozy and inviting aroma.
Remember, scents are not magic potions that can make anyone fall in love with you. They are just one of the many factors that influence attraction and intimacy. The most important thing is to be yourself and communicate honestly with your partner.
Relevant articles:
- The Science of Sex and Smell, Psychology Today, October 3, 2019
- How to Use Lavender and Pumpkin Pie to Spice Up Your Love Life, The Healthy, October 19, 2023
- The Best Scents for Romance, According to Science, Reader’s Digest, October 18, 2023
- Why You Should Smell Like a Pumpkin Pie This Fall, Bustle, October 17, 2023