Research has shown that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on our well-being by influencing emotions, thoughts, reducing stress, and improving physical health. Even brief exposure to nature, such as having a window view of a natural setting, can lead to faster recovery from illnesses. However, most studies on the benefits of contact with nature have focused on visual stimuli with less emphasis on the sense of smell. This is something that a group of researchers hopes to change by exploring how odors and scents from natural settings affect our health and well-being.
A diverse group of experts in olfaction, psychology, ecology, public health, and atmospheric science from around the world have come together to outline ways to expand research into the impacts of nature’s scents on humans. The human sense of smell, or olfaction, is a complex chemical detection system that is in constant operation. The nose contains hundreds of olfactory receptors that can detect more than one trillion scents, delivering information directly to the nervous system for interpretation. The natural world releases a variety of chemical compounds, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plants, which can have lasting effects on our olfactory system.
Research suggests that nature’s smell-mediated impacts can occur through different routes, with some chemical compounds having subconscious effects on our bodies. There are also scents that are consciously picked up by the olfactory system, but scientists still do not fully understand all their impacts on health and well-being. While some scents may have universal pleasant interpretations, others are tied to specific memories or have cultural and personal associations. The authors call for expanded research to explore how undetected biochemical processes related to natural VOCs may affect humans.
Studies have shown that the cultural significance of smells, including those from nature, can be passed down in communities to each new generation. Research into the associations people have with scents in built environments and urban gardens also plays a role in understanding the relationships between olfaction and positive experiences with nature. Additionally, research has shown that forests release a complex chemical mix into the air, with natural VOCs reacting and mixing in the atmosphere, leading to repercussions for olfactory environments. Human activity, including pollution and habitat destruction, can alter nature’s olfactory footprint, impacting the benefits we receive from the natural world.
As human activity continues to modify the environment, there is a need to better understand the impacts of nature’s volatile organic compounds on human well-being. Research in this area can inform decisions about our interactions with the natural world, as well as efforts to protect ecosystems and preserve essential scents. By deepening our understanding of the relationship between olfaction, nature, and human well-being, we can make more informed decisions to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for both people and the environment.