Why do scents affect my mood?
You enter the room, and something shifts. A gentle scent fills the air. Not overpowering, but noticeable. Scents can stir something within us that words cannot reach. But why is this? And what does it mean for how we live and feel?
When plants become tangible.
Since ancient civilizations, people have harnessed the power of fragrant plants – in ceremonies, for care, and to alleviate ailments. Whether in ancient Egypt, in Ayurvedic teachings, or in monastic medicine, the power of fragrant plants has always been a part of life.
Aromatherapy draws on this knowledge and brings it into our time – gently, calmly, effectively. It works with 100% pure essential oils, which have a more subtle effect than many other things: not loud, but deep. Extracted from blossoms, needles, roots, or peels, they carry not just scent, but the essence of the plant. Concentrated. Unadulterated. Alive. Only pure natural oils have an aromatherapy effect. Artificially produced scents may smell nice, but they don't resonate.
You can read about what makes them special – and how to distinguish them from other oils and fragrances here.
From scent to feeling: why scents work.
Smell is our most primal sense. Long before we could consciously see or speak, we perceived scents – and with them, the world. Even newborns recognize their mother's scent before sight even comes into play.
Our brains still work this way today: a scent doesn’t take a detour through the intellect. It reaches our brain directly, before we even comprehend it. As soon as the olfactory cells perceive a scent, it becomes an electrical impulse. It enters the limbic system – the part of our brain responsible for emotions, memories and instincts – triggering physical and emotional responses.
Scents can influence how we feel. For example, the scent of orange or lemon can encourage the release of serotonin – a neurotransmitter associated with well-being. Lavender is calming. Peppermint is invigorating. Not because we believe it, but because our bodies react. This close connection between the sense of smell, the limbic system, and emotional response is the foundation of aromatherapy.
Scents that touch the past.
And sometimes scents do even more: they unlock memories. Suddenly. Unexpectedly. But often very vividly. This phenomenon is called the Proust Effect – named after the French writer Marcel Proust.
In his novel "In Search of Lost Time," he describes how the scent of tea instantly transports him back to his childhood:
“…and with one sip, the old grey house was before me again. The city. The paths of my childhood – everything came to light. Everything from my cup of tea.”
This effect shows that scents do more than simply affect the moment. They touch memories – and sometimes even what has long been dormant within us.
Five directions. Five moods.
What we know now: not all scents have the same effect. Some ground you. Others relax. Some give you energy. At Looops, we focus on five effect categories – a subtle guide to what feels good for you right now. Because not every day feels the same. And not every mood needs the same thing.
Lean back. Let go. In your own rhythm.
When the day becomes too loud. When your mind won't quiet down, or everything just feels like too much – sometimes you need less, not more. Less stimulation. Fewer obligations. A moment that creates space.
Mußezeit – with lavender and juniper berries
Rosenrot – with rose geranium and palmarosa
Abendgold – with orange and vanilla
Feel refreshed. Vitality. Ready for something new.
Sometimes, movement is needed. Not outside – inside. Energy doesn’t always come on its own. But it can be invited. Gently. Awake. At the right moment.
Blütezeit – with clary sage and bergamot
Gebirgsbach – with peppermint and lemon
Wildkräuter – with sage and rosemary
Deeply connected. To nature and the moment. Still. With yourself.
Be in the moment. Feel your center. Calm. Connected.
Some days, you feel pulled in every direction. Thoughts race, to-dos pile up, and nothing feels balanced. That’s when it helps to find something that brings you back to center. It might not change everything – but it will help you find clarity.
Bergluft – with Swiss pine and juniper
Einklang – with sandalwood and lime
Heimkehr – with rosemary and lavender
Winterzeit – with blood orange and cinnamon
Be light. See the beauty. A smile that lingers.
Sometimes you don’t need a reason. Just a moment that feels bright. If the day starts heavy, something light can join in.
Sonnenstund – with blood orange and grapefruit
Almwiese – with lavender and clary sage
Sternenzelt – with orange and star anise
Wohlmut – with cardamom and blood orange
You can't grasp aromatherapy – but you can feel it.
All it takes is the right moment.
And a delicate scent to accompany it.
Not sure which one is right for you?
Just get in touch. We're here to help.