Evidence Certain Scents Can Reduce Stress
July 22, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
Enjoying the scent of lemon, mango, lavender and other fragrant plants can reduce stress levels.
Scientists in Japan have reported the very first scientific evidence that inhaling certain fragrances can alter gene activity and blood chemistry, resulting in stress reduction. The study appears in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a publication of the American Chemical Society.
The researchers noted that people have breathed in the scent of certain plants since ancient times to help reduce stress, conquer depression or induce sleep. Linalool is one of the most widely used substances to soothe away stress, but its effects on the body have never before been studied. The extract naturally occurs in plants and spices.
Experiment:
Akio Nakamura and his colleagues exposed lab rats to stressful conditions while inhaling and not inhaling linalool.
Results:
Inhaling linalool reduced the activity of more than 100 genes that are known to ramp up in stressful situations. Linalool returned stress levels to near-normal levels.
Value:
These new findings could provide a basis for blood tests that identify fragrances that can soothe stress. And it gives those who believe in the power of aromatherapy something to brag about!
(Image via flickr)
