The NOTEbook — science of scent

For troubled tummies or senses in need of invigoration, there’s nothing better than the scent of peppermint. As a cross between watermint and spearmint, this indigenous and highly aromatic herb to Europe and the Middle East is now widely spread and cultivated around the globe. The use of peppermint for medicinal and aromatic purposes dates back thousands of years - to 1,000 B.C. In fact, historical accounts dating back to ancient Chinese and Japanese folk medicine mention mint as a remedy in teas to soothe digestion and in the exploration of Egyptian pyramids, peppermint oil was found. Additionally, in Greek...

Our sense of smell is so important for telling and understand our own life stories. We use scent to build memories, recognize warning signs, and explore the world around us. But when it comes to the creation of new life, scent is an amazing component of birth and the bond between mother and baby. Every mother will claim that birth has a specific scent, but research into the scent of giving birth has been a challenge. While it’s hard to define that specific scent, which many describe as musky or potent, the hormonal effects are well-noted. Some medical professionals, birthing...