Gettin' Into Christmas: The Olfactory System
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Gettin' Into Christmas: The Olfactory System

So that's why we love the "smell of Christmas."

28
Gettin' Into Christmas: The Olfactory System
Bloomberg.com

Just in time for Christmas, I decided to try a new fad and evaluate its merit.

I tried a new type of e-cig, a vape pen that uses essential oils instead of vape fluid.

The vape fluid, typically called E-liquid, consists of propylene glycol, glycerin, water, nicotine, and flavorings. Whereas in this type of vape pen, the only ingredients are water and the essential oil blend: consisting of three different plant extracts.


The effects of vaping are not extensively known due to it being a fairly new practice; however, it is known that nicotine does affect the nervous system as a stimulant, meaning vaping is not entirely for flavor.


Consequently, with there being no nicotine in this new essential oil vape pen; how does it affect you?

So… I did what any good scientist does and conducted an experiment. (This could NEVER be published since there was no control, I was the only subject, and it is based on opinion… so this was a Layman’s terms experiment.)

For one week, I released the vapor entirely out of my mouth. The next week I released the vapor entirely out of my nose. I did this twice. I noticed, the I had a higher mental effect when I released the vapor out of my nose… hmmm…

When it hit me: the olfactory system!


As you may have guessed… the olfactory system is the scientific way to say “how you smell.” However, what people don’t know is how much an effect scents have on you mentally.

In fact, about 5% of the human genome is dedicated to olfaction (that’s quite a bit). One’s main sensor being the nose, but having multiple receptors i.e., peripheral and central nervous system.

This is the reason why aromatherapy (the burning of scented objects; primarily candles) has such a relaxing sensation. Breathing the vapor out of the nose mimics this same phenomenon.

So… the case here is that do you believe in olfaction effecting moods or not?

I could argue that it does: this being the reason as to when you smell a Christmas tree you are suddenly in a good mood. Your brain has tied the smell along with the memory together; therefore, when one is triggered… the other comes along.

This same communicative process can be used in alleviating anxiety and depression.

I am a firm believer in essential oils benefitting health through the olfactory system… and mighty science is on my side so YEAH!

But food for thought… if you’re having a hard time getting into that jolly ole’ spirit; light a few Christmas candles. Or if you’re family gives you migraines… maybe light up something else.

JUST KIDDING smoking kills please don’t :)

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71303
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133419
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments