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Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|March 9, 1999
Summary
Aromatherapy with lavender oil enhanced mood and cognitive performance in adults, while rosemary oil boosted alertness and reduced anxiety. Both scents promoted relaxation, but with distinct effects on EEG activity and task accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Complementary Medicine
Background:
- Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy using essential oils.
- The effects of specific aromas on cognitive function and mood are of interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of lavender and rosemary aromatherapy on EEG activity, mood, and cognitive performance in adults.
Main Methods:
- 40 adults underwent 3-minute aromatherapy sessions with either lavender or rosemary oil.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) activity, mood (using POMS), and performance on simple math computations were assessed before and after aromatherapy.
Main Results:
- Lavender aromatherapy increased beta power (suggesting drowsiness), improved mood, reduced perceived stress, and enhanced speed and accuracy in math tasks.
- Rosemary aromatherapy decreased frontal alpha and beta power (suggesting alertness), reduced anxiety, and improved speed (but not accuracy) in math tasks.
Conclusions:
- Both lavender and rosemary aromatherapy can induce relaxation, but they have differential effects on physiological and cognitive measures.
- Lavender may promote relaxation and cognitive enhancement, while rosemary appears to enhance alertness and reduce anxiety.