Bad memory? Try rose oil/ scent

A new study found that women who wore rose essential oil on their clothing for just 30 days showed significant increases in gray matter volume across the entire brain on MRI scans. When we inhale the aromatic molecules from rose oil, they travel through the olfactory system and reach the brain’s limbic system, which plays a key role in emotions and memory.

The researchers noticed that the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) was especially responsive to the rose scent. They believe that continuous exposure to the scent keeps the PCC active in processing and storing scent-related memories, which may lead to the observed increase in gray matter.

This ongoing stimulation appears to activate memory-related neural pathways and encourage neuroplasticity, resulting in positive structural changes in the brain. Increased gray matter is linked to better memory, learning, emotional balance, reduced stress, and overall improved mental health.