Can wearing a gajra, the traditional floral garland commonly made with jasmine, have a positive effect on mental well-being? The question gained attention after yoga instructor and content creator Manisha Yadav advocated bringing the traditional practice back in an Instagram post on August 2. Yadav linked the fragrance of flowers with mental health and argued that traditional Indian practices can have a role in emotional well-being.

Dr Sharadhi C, consultant psychiatrist at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, said there is some scientific basis for the idea that pleasant fragrances can influence mood, but the benefits should not be overstated. The brain's olfactory system is closely connected with regions involved in emotions and memory, meaning certain scents can trigger feelings, memories and associations. Jasmine and other pleasant floral fragrances have been linked in some studies with relaxation, reduced stress and improved emotional well-being.

The psychological benefits may also come from the ritual itself rather than the fragrance alone. Wearing a gajra can be associated with cultural traditions, personal memories and a sense of familiarity or belonging. Such positive associations may provide comfort and help a person feel relaxed. However, these effects can vary from one individual to another, depending on personal experiences and associations with the practice.

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Dr Sharadhi cautioned that wearing a gajra should not be considered a treatment for mental health conditions. There is no strong scientific evidence that the practice alone can prevent or treat anxiety, depression or other psychiatric disorders. Mental health is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, lifestyle, sleep, physical health, relationships and stress, making it important to distinguish a comforting wellness ritual from clinical treatment.

For improving overall mental well-being, the psychiatrist pointed to habits with stronger evidence behind them. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, mindfulness or meditation, spending time in nature and maintaining social connections can all contribute to emotional health. People experiencing persistent low mood, excessive anxiety, panic attacks or difficulty functioning in everyday life should seek assessment and appropriate professional support rather than relying solely on traditional wellness practices.

The gajra, therefore, can have a place in a person's personal wellness routine if its fragrance or cultural significance brings comfort and enjoyment. Traditional practices and modern mental healthcare do not necessarily have to be viewed as opposing approaches. A floral ritual may complement healthy habits and provide sensory or emotional comfort, but it should not be treated as a substitute for evidence-based mental healthcare when professional treatment is needed.

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