UNLOCKING MEMORIES: THE POWER OF SMELLS IN PTSD

In the labyrinth of your brain, nestled near your forehead, lies a powerful trigger waiting to be activated by the subtlest of senses: smell. The Olfactory bulb is a sensor detecting any potential threat and can quickly activate the Fight of Flight response when danger is detected.

Have you walked into a room and noticed a smell reminding you of your childhood? Maybe a scent like your grandmother’s perfume or the smell of pine taking you back to childhood Holiday memories.

This activation of a memory being triggered by a scent is called the Proustian Effect. Sometimes a scent pulls up fond memories of comfort and love, other times a scent might activate relaxation and peacefulness. One of my favorites is the smell of orange blossoms, taking me back to beautiful spring days of my University years.

Now, envision a scent triggering a traumatic memory, activating a panic state or flashback to a terrifying time of the past. For folks with PTSD, smells associated with past traumas can act as potent triggers, unleashing a cascade of emotions and physiological responses.

Research has shown that olfactory stimuli can directly activate the amygdala and hippocampus, the brain regions that process emotions and memories. In PTSD, the amygdala is heightened, always looking for signs of danger and the hippocampal function is altered, this contributes to intrusive memories and emotional dysregulation.

The mere presence of a triggering scent can elicit a visceral response, hijacking your sense of safety and self control.

By understanding the connection between smell and memory, you can harness the power of scent as a tool for emotion regulation and resilience-building.

examples of scents known for their calming effects on the autonomic nervous system (ANS):

1. Vetiver: With its earthy and grounding aroma, vetiver brigs up memories of fall walks deep in the woods. It’s a wonderful earthy scent for grounding.

2. Lavender: Well known for it’s power for grounding and relaxation, Lavender is a reliable ally for rejuvenation and calm. Its herbal and delicate floral aroma brings a sense of tranquility.

3. Rose: An ancient natural medicine, rose’s mature floral scent is uplifting and nurturing. Its gentle aroma brings out self compassion and self love.

Simmer pot. If you want your whole home to feel fresh & renewed, and minimize toxins or allergens a simmer pot (or potpourri) is your best ally. For a must-simmer springtime recipe simply simmer water rosemary & thyme, grapefruit slices, and cinnamon or vanilla.

• A handful of Rosemary

• A handful of Thyme

• A few grapefruit slices

• Cinnamon sticks or vanilla

• 1 small pot of water

Instructions:

1. Fill a small pot with water and place it on the stove.

2. Add the rosemary, thyme, grapefruit and cinnamon or vanilla

3. If using essential oils, add a few drops of each oil to the water.

4. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

5. Allow the potpourri to simmer, releasing its aromatic fragrance into the air.

6. Monitor the water level and replenish as needed to prevent it from drying out.

7. Enjoy the soothing scent of your simmer pot as it fills your home with warmth and tranquility.

Diffuser. Essential oils are an easy and effective way to work with different smells for different moods. For sleep and nighttime wind-down, put a few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser. For more active energy, vetiver, basil, or peppermint work.

By understanding the interplay between smell, memory, and emotion, you can reclaim agency over your sensory experiences and cultivate a sense of safety and comfort. Whether through the grounding embrace of vetiver, the soothing essence of lavender, or the nurturing scent of rose, smell is a potent ally in your healing journey.