Sprinkle cinnamon into borax for this health benefit

When you think of fall, you likely conjure not only visual memories of falling leaves, but also olfactory nostalgia of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples. The warm feelings these smells represent have some surprising health benefits! Here's what science says:

Oysters tend to take first prize for most powerful aphrodisiac. However, ABC News reports a study by The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation of Chicago, which found the smell of pumpkin is among the most sexually arousing scents for men.

This warm spice can be used everywhere from coffee to pumpkin pie and from yogurt to chicken. It has long been lauded for its health benefits, including lowering blood sugar in diabetics, fighting bacterial and fungal infections, and even inhibiting Alzheimer's disease and HIV, according to Medical News Today. But you may be surprised to know that smelling cinnamon has a whole host of other health benefits, including boosting brain function, reports Huffington Post. The evidence comes from The Sense of Smell Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University, which found the scent of cinnamon can improve memory and visual-motor responses.

No apple pie is complete without nutmeg. The olfactory benefits of nutmeg have been long-known. The home remedy was even used in the fight against the plague, according to Dr. Mercola. It can be used as a natural sleep aid through relaxation-inducing properties, as well as a stimulant to enhance concentration and memory.

Apples. Baked, in a pie, sauce, or on their own, apples are a staple. We've all heard the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." It's true! Best Health Magazine Canada says that Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease prevention, decreased risk of diabetes and cancer, and improved heart health and immune system are among the benefits of eating apples. Huffington Post reports an added benefit of apples comes with smelling them. According to a 2008 study, the scent of apple can shorten the length of a migraine.

Instead of reaching for an artificially scented candle or room air freshener, try this for filling your home with the healing powers of fall:

1. Simmer Pot: About an hour before guests arrive, throw a cinnamon stick, sliced orange and a few cloves into a saucepan to simmer. Alternatively, you can put them into a slow cooker on the low setting and keep it going with the lid off. Be sure to check in and add water as needed. You can find some other fall recipes here.

2. Scented pine cones: Put a few drops of essential oils onto a pine cone. They make a great fall display while slowly diffusing the scent throughout the room.

3. DIY Scented carpet freshener: Try this recipe from One Good Thing by Jillee for a DIY carpet powder and leave behind just a hint of cinnamon scent. Just a little cinnamon, baking powder and borax and you are on your way to clean carpets, cozy scents and a health boost.

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