I tried using the search function, so forgive me if this was covered elsewhere – I couldn’t find it.
Do 'nones work on a target with a cold? I’ve seen several different discussions that go down the path of 'I don’t like the smell of (insert product name) but (the opposite sex) seems to have a different reaction to the smell.
The question is – is it the smell – or is it triggering something else that is absorbed by the VNO, that is still active when someone is stuffed up?
first of all, theres no scientific proof that the vno in humans is still functional. also, its not even known how the brain converts chemical stimuli (taste or smell) into sensations.
that said, id assume the only factor is the pheromones reaching the activation site. so as long as air can get through to the vno, or where ever theyre senced, they should work.
This has been discussed a lot on the Love-Scent forum and here as well, I believe. I don’t think there’s a definitive (scientifically verified) answer, though everyone has their theories.
Seems to me that pheromones need to be received somehow, whether it’s the normal olfactory route or VNO (according to some experts, notably JV Kohl, the VNO is not necessary for pheromones to have their effects). If the nose is so congested that air isn’t passing through it normally, I don’t see how you can expect pheromones to have an effect.
and then there’s the fact that when you’re ill you don’t feel that sexy anyway …
The problem is much early pheromone research was conducted on rodents and extended to humans. Unlike lower mammals such as rats, the lastest research seems to indicate the human VNO lacks a nerve pathway to the brain and is nonfunctional. Like Carrie said, the normal olfactory system–your snout–is used for reception of pheromones.
Personally I’d avoid a “target” with a cold. Not attractive at all and, besides, you might catch it.
Of course there is. However, evidence of a fully functional human VNO is becoming increasingly frail. Nevertheless it’s all a moot point to most end users. I don’t give rat’s tail if we draw in pheromones through our arses or tear ducts. All I care about is the dad burn pheromone products work for me.
I’ve noticed this: I don’t seem to get the same “effects on self” as some others have reported like with Shine. I’m not entirely certain pheromone products have much of an effect on me personally at all (but there may be…). Jury is still out. Now here’s the thing. I have a pretty constant case of stuffy sinuses. Not sure why. Doesn’t seem to be an allergy as it’s 24/7/365 no matter where I am, what I do, what I eat, etc. Sometimes the only way I can get “free breathing” is through my mouth. I can detect odors/smells and am actually somewhat sensitive to some. But is there a possibility that whatever triggers reactions to pheromones is somehow blocked in my nasal passages? (Assuming that is where the receptors are.)
When I can find the money I’m planning a visit to an Ear/Nose/Throat specialist to see if they can find something, but in the meantime…
I second LaurieNY. If is a true allergy, quercetin + vitamin C might help… but there are other kinds of environmental sensitivities that are not true allergies. You might look into provocation-neutralisation vaccination, but that’s not cheap or so straightforward a solution.
You might also have a google round on various kinds of bacteria that like to colonise the sinuses - long time since I looked at it, but I think one of them is coagulase negative staph so that might lead you to some of the relevant sites.
Not sure if problem is allergy as there are no other “common” allergy symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, etc. Do have headaches and occasional drippy nose. Feel some pressure in sinuses (especially around eyes) almost all the time.
One other aside is that when I got sick a few years ago thanks to my infected gall bladder I spent a 5 days in hospital on IV antibiotics. Many skin problems (sores): gone. A bleeding gums problem: gone. Some other problems: gone. Sometimes “Western medicine” does work…