10/09/2025
Nothing more enchanting than the smell of roses, maybe jasmine!
In a brand new study, researchers found that women who wore rose essential oil on their clothing for just 30 days had significant increases in gray matter volume across the whole brain on MRI scans.
When the aromatic molecules of rose essential oil are inhaled, they travel through the olfactory system to the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions and memories.
The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is particularly responsive to the rose scent. The researchers suggest that the sustained exposure of the PCC to the rose scent leads to continuous processing and memory storage related to the scent, leading to an increase in gray matter volume.
This process of sustained scent exposure also appears to engage and stimulate memory-related neural pathways, driving neuroplasticity and positive structural brain changes.
Increased gray matter is associated with enhanced cognitive function (memory, learning and executive functions), better emotional regulation, reduced stress and anxiety and improved overall mental health.
PMID: 38331299