The Fragrant Hospital By John J. Steele
- Aromatika Magazine
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Pg. 122-131 9-minute read
Hospitals are often associated with unpleasant odors, but what if they could become more welcoming through scent? This idea of a "fragrant hospital" suggests that diffusing botanical aromatic oils in healthcare settings can create an atmosphere that is both aesthetically pleasing and stress-relieving. These scents may also help reduce airborne infections, offering a dual benefit. With the rise of aromatherapy, aromachology (the psychology of scent), and advanced diffuser technologies, hospitals could be transformed into more sensorially supportive environments for patients and staff alike.
My journey into aromatherapy began unexpectedly during my time as a lecturer in Megalithic Archaeology at the University of London. While presenting EEG brainwave research at a holistic health festival in 1979, I encountered essential oils for the first time at Robert Tisserand’s booth. Curious about their effects, I tested them with my Mind Mirror device and discovered that certain oils could cause immediate, measurable changes in brain activity and mood. This suggested a physiological basis for the psychological claims behind aromatherapy.
Inspired by these results, I hypothesized that altering a room’s aromatic environment could influence the emotions of those within it—a powerful idea in a hospital setting where stress levels are often high. Later experiments confirmed this, helping to lay the foundation for aromachology. The science of how scent influences human behavior has since become a growing area of interest, particularly in spaces like hospitals that impact well-being and recovery.
Today, healthcare design is undergoing a sensory renaissance, combining visual, auditory, and now olfactory elements to create healing environments. While scent was a later addition, it is gaining recognition. As medicine evolves to prioritize patient experience, more hospitals are exploring how fragrance can support emotional and physical healing. With growing interest from professionals in healthcare design, this field continues to expand—and for me, it’s a personal journey, made even more fitting by the fact that my father is a specialist in the sense of smell.
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