Page 62 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2025

HEALTHY LIVING
Many cartoons or old-time movies often show a character seemingly smitten by another character, and the infatuation seems to cast a spell. Especially in cartoons, there appears to be a lingering odor whenever the love interest walks by, sometimes even lifting the love-struck person off the ground. Are these actions purely fictional, or does love linger and leave a trail? There is actually a term for this and it is real.
There is a substance produced by animals and insects called pheromones. The pheromones literally attract the opposite sex. According to Harvard Health, experts are still searching to see if pheromones distinctively exist in humans
and how they influence behavior. However, studies do back up
information that certain chemical smells can stimulate sexual
responses in the opposite sex. The exact chemical makeup and actions of the hundreds
of potential pheromones in the body have yet to be
determined.
Recalling a smell is usually
challenging. But, when reintroduced to a scent, people
can suddenly remember
a memory in detailed
richness. These smells can
even lead to a physiological
response. Psychology Today
tells us that this has led to the
development and popularity
of the aromatherapy
industry. Humans are
plentiful in smell-producing
entities, with sweat, saliva,
breath, body oils, and
more containing scent-
communicating chemical compounds. The magazine
also tells us that humans have denser concentrations of scent glands than most other mammals. While you may not consciously identify the history of the smell, it can immediately evoke a sudden response in mood and pursuit.
So, if there is someone you just can’t get enough of or someone you consciously cannot stand but are inexplicably drawn to, it could be their smell. Pheromones can play a crucial role in attraction and mate selection. They may spark infatuation or lead to long-term love, often without your conscious awareness. This complex interplay can leave you both enchanted and confused, illuminating the powerful, frequently mysterious connections shared with others.
story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray
62 | February 2025
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