Olfactory remediation: current evidence and possible applications

A number of recent psychological investigations has suggested a significant role for olfactory stimulation in the alteration of cognition, mood and social behaviour. These orthodox investigations have a common, if uneasy, relationship with the holistic practice of so-called aromatherapy. This paper reviews the therapeutic effects of odour on health-related behaviour. It distinguishes two types of research activity, one which is quantitative and science- and medicine-based, the other which is qualitative and anecdote-and experience-based. Both of these endeavours are critically assessed and suggestions are made for improvement in methodology and experimental design.