Scientific evaluation of aromatherapy is finally being approached with some degree of sophistication. This is highlighted by a recent study in Neuroscience Letters (2011) that showed aromatherapy can lower activity in the area of the brain associated with stress and decrease the production of excess sebum (oil) in stressed adults. The beneficial effects of certain aromas on the mental outlook of humans have been touted for centuries, and most of us are aware that simply talking about an aroma can bring up memories of the past. The human olfactory system is intricately tied to the limbic system, the area of the brain that is a busy hub and the control center of emotional communication.
A number of recent studies have shown that essential oils can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance cognitive function. Based on the research, we can make some generalizations about aromas. For example, lavender and rosemary may lower Cortisol in adults under stress. However, stress reduction in the real world depends on the oil itself and personal preferences. For example, Japanese researchers showed that jasmine can reduce experimental stress in most young adults who volunteered for a study. But jasmine increased anxiety in those who said before the experiment that they did not like that floral smell.
Based on your personal preferences, you might try one of these:
- Improve positive emotions with the smell of lemon oil.
- Reduce daytime sleepiness with peppermint oil.
- Promote sleep quality and increase alertness the following day with jasmine.
- Reduce road rage with peppermint and cinnamon.
In an interesting study from Wheeling Jesuit University, researchers looked at the effects of jasmine, lavender, or no scent for three nights. The aromatherapy was infused into the rooms at such low levels that many sleepers were not even aware of any aroma at all.
Not only did the jasmine sleepers toss and turn less frequently, but they woke up feeling less anxiety the next day. The jasmine sleepers also performed better on cognitive testing the next day. Lavender was good, too, but it couldn’t match the effects of jasmine.
The same group from Wheeling recently showed that peppermint and cinnamon aromatherapy may quell road rage. They showed that prolonged driving led to the expected increased anger, fatigue, and physical demand, as well as decreased energy. Peppermint and cinnamon both decreased driving frustration and increased alertness while driving. Interestingly, the aroma of fast food made things worse! Peppermint was specifically shown to lower levels of anxiety related to the extended driving. Keep a bottle of your favorite aromatherapy on hand in the center console of your car. You never know when you may need it.
