Though it may not smell as divine as Chanel No. 5, this particular perfume does contain a love potion that is naturally produced by the human body. The makers exaggeratedly extol the bewitching power of this fragrance, but scientists admit that the added pheromones may give the wearer an increased sense of wellbeing. We all have seen the affect of pheromones on animals. A dog that pees on a fire hydrant is leaving pheromones behind to claim territory. A female dog in heat releases pheromones that will attract all male dogs living within a radius of several miles.
Ants leave behind pheromones to mark a fast trail to an unsuspecting group of picnickers.
In our species, pheromones may be responsible for that 'physical chemistry' we experience with certain people. Pheromones are biochemicals that are secreted in our sweat and unconsciously perceived by tiny receptors in our nasal passages. These pheromones often 'carry' certain messages that elicit an unconscious response from others. Pheromones also deliver messages about a person's sexual state and general health. Studies have shown that pheromones play a role in helping us choose a mate whose genetic resistance to disease complements our own.