Can the smell of rain or snow make you feel good?
Photo by lil artsy
We are in the middle of a major moisture event here in the Rocky Mountains right now, with almost 2 feet of snow expected from the storm!
Have you ever thought about the smell of snow and rain? How does it make you feel? How does it feel in your body?
Our sense of smell has a direct path to the portion of our brain that is responsible for emotion and memory. The smell of rain or snow can have an association with positive emotions and memories. These scents may trigger the release of feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin. For many people, the aroma of rain or snow is associated with a sense of calm or nostalgia. Cold or wet weather forces us to slow down and cozy-up, which makes us feel protected. These scents are also soothing and pleasant, evoking memories of fresh air and nature.
Snow can have a smell, although it's often very subtle and not always very noticeable. Aromas in the environment are absorbed by snow. So, snow in the mountain forests will smell more appealing than snow in the city. The smell of snow is often described as clean, fresh, or crisp. This “clean snow” scent is usually more apparent when the snow is freshly fallen and hasn't been contaminated by odors or pollutants.
The smell of rain is called “petrichor”. It is a combination of the smells of the water/rain, ozone from lightning, geosmin (secreted by bacteria found in soil), and plant oils.
Many plants produce aromatic essential oils. During dry spells, the oils build up on the plants, and surrounding rocks and soil. When it rains, it washes the oils off, and they become volatile and are released into the air. The different seasons highlight different plant essential oils. In the Springtime grasses, buds and leaves are predominant (think mints). In Summer it is flowers, like roses. Fall is the time for berries, seeds and spices, like fennel. Winter is the season of evergreens, for pine and juniper. It makes sense that those are the plant oils that we can smell during those seasons, when it rains, or when it snows.
Certain essential oils capture the earthy scent we smell after rain, essential oils like vetiver and patchouli. Like the Earth itself, earthy essential oils tend to be very grounding and calming.
Really, the simple action of taking a moment to breathe in an aroma and meditate on the scent and how it makes you feel, is an act in itself very quieting to the nervous system, promoting holistic, mind AND body health.