The Influence of Essential Oils on Human Attention. I: Alertness

Abstract

Scientific research on the effects of essential oils on human behavior lags behind the promises made by popular aromatherapy. Nearly all aspects of human behavior are closely linked to processes of attention, the basic level being that of alertness, which ranges from sleep to wakefulness. In our study we measured the influence of essential oils and components of essential oils [peppermint, jasmine, ylang-ylang, 1,8-cineole (in two different dosages) and menthol] on this core attentional function, which can be experimentally defined as speed of information processing. Substances were administered by inhalation; levels of alertness were assessed by measuring motor and reaction times in a reaction time paradigm. The performances of the six experimental groups receiving substances (n = 20 in four groups, n = 30 in two groups) were compared with those of corresponding control groups receiving water. Between-group analysis, i.e. comparisons between experimental groups and their respective control groups, mainly did not reach statistical significance. However, within-group analysis showed complex correlations between subjective evaluations of substances and objective performance, indicating that effects of essentials oils or their components on basic forms of attentional behavior are mainly psychological.

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

“…Warm et al (1991) reported both peppermint and muguet essences increased performance on a sustained visual attention task. Ilmberger et al (2001) explored the psychological component of performance effects and ventured interlinked correlations between subjective evaluation of substances and corresponding expectations, relative to task performance. The authors contend that their results clearly assign a high psychological component to the effects of essential oil aromas.…”

Attentional control in the attentional blink is modulated by odor

“…The testing room was the same for all participants, and they all underwent the exact same procedure. Peppermint and lavender odors were selected given their opposite effects on attentional state (Barker et al, 2003;Basevitch et al, 2011;Ho & Spence, 2005;Ilmberger et al, 2001;Moss et al, 2003). "De Tuinen" pure essential oils (De Tuinen Aromatherapie) of peppermint and lavender were used to generate the ambient aromas.…”

“…The stimulating aroma peppermint is supposed to increase arousal and induce a more focused attentional state, while lavender, a calming olfactory fragrance, is considered to induce relaxation and a broader attentional state (Barker et al, 2003;Basevitch et al, 2011;Ho & Spence, 2005;Ilmberger et al, 2001;Moss, Cook, Wesnes, & Duckett, 2003). Previous studies have looked into the allocation of attention in space, assuming (and showing) that a more focused or distributed state is associated with a smaller and broader spatial focus of attention, respectively (Dale & Arnell, 2010).…”

Aromatik Kokuların Bilişsel ve Duygusal Etkileri Üzerine Bir İnceleme

“…Ilmberger, Heuberger, Mahrhofer, Dessovic, Kowarik and Buchbauer (2001) found that odors have no effect on attention and reaction time. Nevertheless, participants received odor evaluated themselves more successful.…”