Chemodetection

— detecting chemicals related to smell or taste —

is the most ancient sense.

Even a single cell animal has ways to detect the chemical composition of the environment.

Upon detecting a smell, the olfactory neurons in the upper part of the nose generate an impulse which is passed to the brain along the olfactory nerve. The part of the brain this arrives at first is called the olfactory bulb, which processes the signal and then passes information about the smell to other areas closely connected to it, collectively known as the limbic system.

Lavendar

Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia), originating from the Mediterranean basin, has been used since ancient times as an herbal remedy and in aromatherapy. Easily recognized by its long stem and purple flowers, lavender is an aromatic clean note, ranging in scent from medicinal to licorice-sweet. It is often used as a top note to musk or citrus bases in fresh, floral perfumes. Lavender calms a stressed-out mind.

sandalwood

Sandalwood (Santalum album), a symbol of vitality, has been used in religious and spiritual traditions of India for the last 4,000 years. It is a sweet and woody fragrance, a classic Asian note—milky, soft, sturdy, and rich. A common base note with a scent that lingers, sandalwood is good for focus and meditation.

rose

Rose (Rosa centifolia) oil has been used in perfumes and skin care across Europe and Asia for centuries. Roses smell clean, fresh, and intensely romantic, with nuances of powder, wood, and fruit. The beauty of the flower expresses promise, hope, and new beginnings. Contrast this with the thorns, symbols of defense, loss, and thoughtlessness. Thus, the rose stands for balance.