Impact of Aromas on Brain Function
By: Aruzhan Mnaidar (Zaman School)
Summary
This project explores the neuroscientific effects of aromatherapy, focusing on how essential oils influence brain function, particularly stress, mood, and memory. Aromatherapy involves the use of volatile plant-based oils that reach the hippocampus—a brain region central to emotion and memory—via olfactory sensory neurons. Through EEG studies, lavender and jasmine oils were shown to alter brainwave activity: lavender increased alpha waves (relaxation), while jasmine boosted beta waves (alertness), supporting the therapeutic potential of scents.In futurethis project also proposes future research directions involving multisensory integration—pairing aromas with artworks to enhance emotional engagement and memory. The vision includes therapeutic environments such as scent-enhanced art galleries.
Impact Statement
Aruzhan Mnaidar
Hi! I’m Aruzhan, a student from Almaty, Kazakhstan. I had a fantastic experience researching the neuroscientific effects of aromatherapy, focusing on how aromas, scents and especially essential oils affect brain regions such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. I explored how exactly essences reach our brain and why it may directly affect our mood, appetite and hormonal balance. This program helped me develop skills in thoroughly analyzing and deeply reading scientific studies, analyzing EEG and fMRI data, and creating a scientific poster . It also sparked a deeper interest in me to study multisensory stimulation—especially how combining scents with visual art could enhance emotional and cognitive responses of the human brain. As someone passionate about art, neuroscience, and wellness, this experience was both inspiring and empowering. Despite time zone challenges, the support I received made the process smooth and rewarding. I’m excited to keep exploring creative research at the intersection of science and sensory design.
Student Reflection
By: Aruzhan Mnaidar. The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Elio Academy.