Aromatherapy Positively Affects Mood, Eeg Patterns of Alertness and Math Computations

Abstract

EEG activity, alertness, and mood were assessed in 40 adults given 3 minutes of aromatherapy using two aromas, lavender (considered a relaxing odor) or rosemary (considered a stimulating odor). Participants were also given simple math computations before and after the therapy. The lavender group showed increased beta power, suggesting increased drowsiness, they had less depressed mood (POMS) and reported feeling more relaxed and performed the math computations faster and more accurately following aromatherapy. The rosemary group, on the other hand, showed decreased frontal alpha and beta power, suggesting increased alertness. They also had lower state anxiety scores, reported feeling more relaxed and alert and they were only faster, not more accurate, at completing the math computations after the aromatherapy session.

Any Sense in Classroom Scents? Aroma of Rosemary Essential Oil Significantly Improves Cognition in Young School Children

“…Previous studies that have employed healthy adults as the participant sample have reported smaller effect sizes than those observed here [9] [10]. This differential in effects may be the consequence of general age-related changes in physiological and pharmacological sensitivity that have been reported for a range of drugs and toxins [40].…”

“…With a reputation for its beneficial effects on memory [8] it is perhaps not surprising that interest has gathered on the potential for Rosemary aroma to enhance cognition. An early investigation reported that Rosemary not only improved cognition-as assessed through mathematical calculations-but also impacted on subjective reports of mood that were further reflected in EEG waveform measurements [9]. A subsequent computerised cognitive assessment of the effects of exposure to Rosemary aroma identified positive effects on long term memory [10], a finding later supported by investigations into prospective memory [11].…”

Biosynthesis and Therapeutic Properties ofLavandulaEssential Oil Constituents

“…Fernandez et al [31] showed that infants of depressed mothers had increased left frontal EEG asymmetry (a characteristic response to positive stimuli) after they were exposed to lavender odors. In another study using EEG, Diego et al [32] found that individuals who received lavender odors during aromatherapy showed increased alpha power in their EEG readings, which is a signature indicator of increased drowsiness. Shiina et al [33] showed that lavender in aromatherapy resulted in significant increases in test subjectsʼ CFVR, in addition to a decrease in serum cortisol levels, which is indicative of improvement of coronary vessel function and decreased stress, respectively.…”

Modulation of Cognitive Performance and Mood by Aromas of Peppermint and Ylang-Ylang

“…Employing more objective dependent measures, Diego et al (1998) found electroencephalogram (EEG) readings to show increased beta-power following lavender inhalation, implying neurological sedation and corroborating subjective reports of calmness, while jasmine has been demonstrated to produce increased alpha-power in the frontal cortices, indicative of increased arousal (Wartik, 1995). Furthermore, peppermint appears capable of reliably producing small EEG and electromyogram (EMG) or muscular-conductance fluctuations during REM and NREM sleep (Badia et al, 1990).…”