From pumpkin spice candles to citrus simmer pots, WVU aromatherapist says smells evoke memories

Seasonal scents from candles and diffusers don't just create an inviting home atmosphere. They also affect people's brains, bodies, emotions and overall well-being, according to a West Virginia University expert. (WVU Photo/Linda Howell Skidmore) Download full-size As autumn begins, a West Virginia University expert is focused on the scents of the season - first pumpkin spice, then cranberry, pine and gingerbread. These aromas, popular in the form of candles, diffusers and simmer pots, trigger our emotions and memories through our limbic systems, according to Marian Reven, clinical assistant professor at the WVU School of Nursing and a registered aromatherapist. At a time of seasonal change, Reven is available to discuss how to identify natural and synthetic scents when shopping for candles and why it's important to avoid too much fragrance exposure indoors. Quotes: "It's not clear to scientists whether fall scents like pumpkin and winter scents like pine have specific therapeutic value beyond the general benefits of aromatherapy. That's a difficult question because perception of smell is highly subjective, and smells are more difficult to describe or quantify than visual or auditory sensations. But we know the power and mystery of fragrance drive a multimillion-dollar industry that spans sectors from wellness to home aesthetics. "No matter where we live, we love scents that comfort and soothe us. Americans living in warmer climates are enamored by the fall scents of pumpkin spice and cinnamon just like their northern neighbors. Even if it is 85 degrees outside, most people want to experience that holiday feeling. "Some holiday scents, like 'sugar cookie' and 'hot cocoa' are likely to be synthetic, and that's a concern for savvy consumers aware that repeated exposure to fragrance molecules at home or work can trigger some acute or chronic conditions. Other scents, like peppermint or cinnamon, can be distilled from a single plant, and while that distillation results in a complex mix of chemicals, it's still 'natural' and believed to be better for the human body than synthetic fragrances. "Even those using natural scents should take precautions when using scents indoors. If you use essential oils, make sure they come from reputable sources and practice moderation. 'Natural' does not automatically mean safe. According to one study, long-term exposure to essential oils in the home for more than an hour a day can affect cardiopulmonary health. But many experts say that short, intermittent diffusion is safe and effective and can allow for diffusion of amazing aromas throughout the day. "People respond so strongly to smells like pumpkin spice because smell is one of the most primitive and powerful human senses. When we smell something we like, our body language tells the story. We often smile, breathe deeply and sigh. The aromas evoke vivid emotional responses linked to our memories. That is sometimes called 'the Proust phenomenon,' and it occurs because essential oils and their aromas affect our bodies on a molecular level, triggering signals that reach our limbic system, which plays a vital part in emotional response." - Marian Reven, clinical assistant professor, WVU School of Nursing West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, area of expertise or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVUToday. -WVU- ls/9/22/25 MEDIA CONTACT: Linda SkidmoreHealth Research WriterWVU Research [email protected] Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday. Expert Pitches School of Nursing