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Healing essences
sensorial and spiritual wholeness
For me, scented essence is a holistic dialogue with the person who wears it and with those who choose to dress their home with fragrance. Perfume and person speak a subtle language, often unconscious: a presence that accompanies the individual in their sensory and spiritual wholeness.
Shamanic traditions have told for millennia of the ritual of inhalation — vapours, smoke, oils — as an ancient and archetypal human gesture. The healing power of essences spans centuries and today continues to be observed and studied even within the field of neuroscience.
SCIENCE AND FRAGRANCE
a neuro-sensorial olfactory map
Alongside the more symbolic and ritual dimension of perfume, I am also interested in its scientific reading: how an essence can dialogue with perception, influence mood, and accompany states of attention and well-being.
Neuro-perfumery explores this shared territory between neuroscience and perfumery through a methodical approach, applying scientific evidence in different contexts: personal and professional, as well as social and collective.
Within this path fits the work of Prof. Joachim Mensing, PhD (University of Freiburg), one of the most relevant researchers and innovators in the field, who analysed the psychoactive properties of selected Maria Candida Gentile fragrances. He described the effect of the olfactory experience on specific areas of the brain, the centres that are activated, and the possible relationship with personality traits and mood, creating a neuro-sensory olfactory map available to everyone.
The four Eaux de Parfum below are those analysed: today they form the first bouquet translated into a neuro-olfactory key by Prof. Joachim Mensing.
Gershwin’s neuroactive qualities
“The lively, spicy blend of citrus top notes stimulates the prefrontal cortex, particularly the orbitofrontal cortex, an area where a dimension of personality known as extraversion resides.
Extraversion is associated with openness toward others and the world, dynamism, and a natural inclination toward action.
Neuroscience and neuro-perfumery today confirm what the history of perfumery has always suggested: those who wish to feel more extroverted tend to choose essences characterised by citrus notes, consciously wrapping themselves in Sicilian lemon and bergamot.”
Primary brain area involved: prefrontal cortex (orbitofrontal cortex)
Joachim Mensing, PhD
Anime Sante’s neuroactive qualities
“This gourmand fragrance directly stimulates the brain’s reward system, in particular the hypothalamus, a centre involved in the regulation of happiness and joy.
Activation of this area is especially relevant in moments when emotional states such as sadness, melancholy, or depression are experienced.
The edible notes of melon and almond milk make Anime Sante an experience of authentic olfactory happiness for the brain, capable of bringing back a smile every day. The base notes give the fragrance a delicate, sacred connotation.”
Primary brain area involved: hypothalamus (reward system)
Joachim Mensing, PhD
Syconium’s neuroactive qualities
“The amygdala is the centre of our deepest emotional Self: it regulates fear but also trust. In the earliest bonds of life, such as that between mother and child, trust is built also through the scent of skin and milk.
Syconium, with its notes of honey and fig milk, recalls this primary dimension of trust and well-being. It is a fragrance that deeply affects the feeling of being well and supports a sense of self-esteem.
The perfume stimulates a positive emotional attitude and a perception of safety, appreciation, and trust in life.”
Primary brain area involved: amygdala
Joachim Mensing, PhD
Leucò’s neuroactive qualities
“Some flowers possess properties that go beyond olfactory pleasure, acting on the relaxation of the hippocampus, a brain area particularly vulnerable to stress. Aromatherapy has long highlighted the soothing effect of certain varieties of rose and white flowers.
Neuro-perfumery research confirms that these notes relax the hippocampus and the neural network connected to memory and concentration.
Within the Maria Candida Gentile Collection, Leucò represents the most deeply relaxing expression, promoting a state of inner quiet and intimacy with oneself.”
Primary brain area involved: hippocampus
Joachim Mensing, PhD
