Can Bees Smell? Have you ever wondered if bees have a sense of smell? In fact, these small creatures possess an intricate and sophisticated sense of smell! Their olfactory prowess is crucial to their survival and success as a species. As vital and tiny pollinators, bees engage in complex communication, foraging, and even in the detection of diseases within their colonies, through their sense of smell. The Power of Pheromones Bees have specialized odor receptors located in their antennae, called sensilla, that help them detect and interpret chemical signals. This chemical signaling is essential for them to...
A Love Letter to Lavender: The Science Behind Why Lavender is so Soothing Lavender. The mere mention of this flower conjures up images of rolling hills and a sweet floral fragrance that evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. A sea of purple flowers sway in the gentle breeze, and bathed in golden sunlight they stretch across the horizon and invite us to fill our senses with a warm and sweet floral aroma. Breathe in. Breathe out. The scent of lavender is a tonic, soothing salve that eases the stresses of the everyday. Lavender is a beloved and iconic...
What is olfactory wellness? Olfactory wellness is learning about how your olfactory system works, and how nurturing and being aware of your sense of smell can contribute to a healthier body and mind. Our olfactory system serves as the only direct link between our environment and the central nervous system, so the aromas you surround yourself with matter. Not only does our sense of smell help us identify things, but it also serves as a conduit to memories, emotions and places – it is holistic and all-encompassing, involving your physical, mental and spiritual well being. To learn...
“We need the tonic of the wilderness... We can never have enough of nature.” - Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods. When you have been busy at work all week, it can be difficult to slow down. You may have been rushing around so much you no longer know how to sit still. The stress of a hectic life wears on more than our psyche. As we know, stress has a profound impact on our overall physical health, from decreasing our productivity at work to preventing us from getting a good night’s sleep - stress can...
5 Candles to Elevate Your Self-Care Rituals Few things exist that feel as good as a walk in the woods. The trees cast dancing shadows as their limbs sway far above the lush earth under our feet. The aromas of the forest envelop our senses and we take special notice of the buoyant song of the birds, the shifting sunlight on our skin. Our worldly problems ease, and our hearts expand to fill the world around us - we connect with the smallest details, taking special interest in the patterns of a snail shell, or a particularly attractive leaf. There...
Commonly referred to as basil, this extraordinary herb has been revered throughout the ages for its intoxicating aroma and potent medicinal benefits. You may have had the experience of rubbing just-plucked basil leaves between your fingers, inhaling its majestic panoply of intertwining scents and feeling instantly refreshed. It is no wonder that basil’s common name is derived from the Greek βασιλεύς (basileus), meaning "king." At once sweet and fresh, spicy and herbaceous, the mention alone of its name evokes precious memories of hand torn leaves destined for a fresh salad or pasta sauce, of timeless summer days and clear blue skies that seem to last forever.
