The physical effects of aromatherapy in alleviating work-related stress on elementary school teachers in taiwan

An Empirical Study on the Effect of Blended Scents in Driving Environments From a Neuro-Cognitive Perspective

BACKGROUND

An effective method that is easy to implement and widely applicable for improving driving performance and reducing driving risks remains a challenge. Although fragrances are widely used in daily driving, there is a gap between empirical research on everyday blended fragrances and functional fragrances clinical reports. In this study, a deliberately chosen blend of scent without overtly stimulating or functional proven evidence was tested for its potential to enhance performance in a driving environment.

METHOD

Thirty qualified young drivers were recruited to participate in the experiment. They were asked to watch a 15-min first-person perspective driving video to simulate a driving environment and then complete questionnaires and three sets of behavioral experiments while their brain activity was monitored by EEG.

RESULT

Participants in the scented environment exhibited statistically significant advantages in two cognitive tasks during behavioral measures. These findings were effectively supported by the EEG data, showing that beta waves exhibited more activity in the occipital and prefrontal cortex, enhanced theta waves were observed in the prefrontal cortex, and the TAB index characterizing driving fatigue was suppressed in the prefrontal cortex.

CONCLUSION

This empirical evidence highlights the potential of pleasant, natural, and blended scents in enhancing driving performance, suggesting that promoting the aromatherapy while driving as an easily applicable approach in daily life seems justified and expands the application of aromatherapy in daily life.

Assessing the Anxiolytic and Relaxation Effects of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oil in University Students: A Comparative Study of EEG, Physiological Measures, and Psychological Responses

Background

Cinnamomum camphora is a commercially important tree species in China, and it's also a common native tree in the forests of southern China. However, literature on the impact of Cinnamomum camphora essential oil (CCEO) on human psychophysiological activity is scarce. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of exposure to CCEO on the functioning of the human autonomic nervous system, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and emotional state.

Methods

Forty-three healthy university students participated. The data collected included heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and the results of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test.

Results

A drop in diastolic pressure (DBP) and pulse rate was also noticed after participants inhaled CCEO. Furthermore, EEG studies have demonstrated notable reductions in absolute beta (AB), absolute gamma (AG), absolute high beta (AHB), and relative gamma (RG) power spectra during exposure to CCEO. Conversely, the relative theta (RT) and power spectra values showed a significant increase. Additionally, the finding from POMS indicated that the fragrance evoked positive emotions and suppressed negative feelings.

Conclusion

The results suggest that exposure to CCEO may promote mental and physical relaxation, facilitate cognitive processes such as memory and attention, and enhance mood states.

Signal Quality Analysis of Single-Arm Electrocardiography

The number of people experiencing mental stress or emotional dysfunction has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many individuals have had to adapt their daily lives. Numerous studies have demonstrated that mental health disorders can pose a risk for certain diseases, and they are also closely associated with the problem of mental workload. Now, wearable devices and mobile health applications are being utilized to monitor and assess individuals' mental health conditions on a daily basis using heart rate variability (HRV), typically measured by the R-to-R wave interval (RRI) of an electrocardiogram (ECG). However, portable or wearable ECG devices generally require two electrodes to perform bipolar limb leads, such as the Einthoven triangle. This study aims to develop a single-arm ECG measurement method, with lead I ECG serving as the gold standard. We conducted static and dynamic experiments to analyze the morphological performance and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the single-arm ECG. Three morphological features were defined, RRI, the duration of the QRS complex wave, and the amplitude of the R wave. Thirty subjects participated in this study. The results indicated that RRI exhibited the highest cross-correlation (R = 0.9942) between the single-arm ECG and lead I ECG, while the duration of the QRS complex wave showed the weakest cross-correlation (R = 0.2201). The best SNR obtained was 26.1 ± 5.9 dB during the resting experiment, whereas the worst SNR was 12.5 ± 5.1 dB during the raising and lowering of the arm along the z-axis. This single-arm ECG measurement method offers easier operation compared to traditional ECG measurement techniques, making it applicable for HRV measurement and the detection of an irregular RRI.

Plant Essential Oils as Healthy Functional Ingredients of Nutraceuticals and Diet Supplements: A Review

Essential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile molecules endowed with health-promoting biological activities that go beyond their role as aromas and natural preservatives and can be exploited to develop functional foods and diet supplements. Their composition is briefly addressed along with regulatory aspects. The potential health benefit of human diet supplementation with EOs is outlined through a review of the recent literature on available clinical trials and preclinical research concerning EOs activity towards: (1) irritable bowel syndrome; (2) inflammatory bowel disease; (3) regulation of microbiota; (4) gastroprotection; (5) hepatoprotection; (6) protection of the urinary tract and diuresis; (7) management of metabolic disorders including hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia; (8) anti-inflammatory and pain control; (9) immunomodulation and protection from influenza; and (10) neuroprotection and modulation of mood and cognitive performance. The emerging potential in such activities of selected EOs is given focus, particularly green and black cumin, bergamot, orange, myrtle, peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, lemon balm, ginger, and garlic.

Efficacy of Aromatherapy at Relieving the Work-Related Stress of Nursing Staff from Various Hospital Departments during COVID-19

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy in relieving the stress of nursing staff working in different departments during COVID-19. A total of 26 nursing staff from Taiwan were recruited for this study. Bergamot essential oil was diffused for over a four-week period in four different hospital departments. We assessed heart rate variability indicators, Nurse Stress Checklist, and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory before and after the intervention. The results of the analysis showed that during a high workload period, aromatherapy had no significant effect on regulating physical stress. Subjective measurements showed a significant impact on work concern and personal fatigue. Moreover, there were large differences among the four departments; the aromatherapy treatment had a weak effect on those with a heavy workload, whereas those with a lighter workload showed a stronger effect. Finally, this study provides practical results about aromatherapy stress reduction applied during the pandemic on first-line medical staff.

Lavender aromatherapy on anxiety and depression in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: a single-blind randomized clinical trial

Objective

In cardiovascular disease, a patient's anxiety and depression can increase cardiac rehabilitation duration and recovery. Lavender aromatherapy as a non-pharmacological intervention effective in other contexts may be an efficient intervention to alleviating anxiety and depression in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).

Methods

In this study, 110 ACS patients were randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups. Inhalation of the lavender fragrance was prescribed for the intervention group and the drop of aromatic almond for the control group for 3 days.

Results

The first-day anxiety and depression were significantly different in the two groups at 1 h and 9 h after the intervention. The ’morning's difference before the intervention was not significant, but it was substantial 1 h after the intervention. On the third morning of the intervention, this difference was confirmed.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in reducing anxiety and depression in ACS patients. This ‘study's results enable intensive care nurses to use aromatherapy with lavender oil as a non-pharmacological and cost-effective intervention to reduce their psychological tensions and increase patient satisfaction during hospitalization in the cardiac care units (CCU).

Effect of aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system regulation with treadmill exercise-induced stress among adolescents

Introduction

Stress is a major health issue in adolescents owing to the important transitions experienced during this period. Aromatherapy is an effective method for the reduction of stress in adolescents.

Purpose

The aims of this study were to examine the effect of aromatherapy on the regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) along with stress relief and to explore the effect of aromatherapy on adolescents with different levels of stress.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study comprised three types of treatments: control (no essential oil), pure essential oil therapy (sandalwood), and blended essential oil therapy (sandalwood-lavender). The heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated to evaluate the post-exercise recovery of the ANS to the baseline level in the recruited adolescents. To examine the efficiency of aromatherapy, Friedman test was used to assess the significance of difference in all parameters (i.e., mean heart rate, SDNN, normalized LF, normalized HF, and LF/HF) between baseline and after exercise among the three treatment conditions.

Results

The participants comprised 43 junior college students (8 males and 35 females) with a mean age of 18.21 ± 0.99. Significant differences in changes of two HRV parameters (normalized LF and LF/HF) were associated with both essential oil therapies compared to those in the control group (p<0.05), and one more HRV parameter (normalized HF) exhibited significant difference related to blended essential oil therapy compared to that of the control group. Besides, changes in two HRV parameters (mean heart rate and normalized HF) of both essential oil therapies in the low level stress subgroup showed significant differences compared to those of the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that aromatherapy could be used for ANS regulation with stress-relieving effects in adolescents. The participants with a low stress level appeared to respond better to the blended essential oil therapy, whereas those with medium to high levels of stress appeared to respond poorly to aromatherapy compared to the control.

Effects of diffused essential oils for reducing stress and improving mood for clinical nurses: An interventional time series study

PURPOSE

This study examined the effect of EO diffusion in the clinical setting on nurses' mood.

DESIGN

Interventional interrupted time series study with two data collection points: prior to, and in the second week of diffusion.

METHODS

Self-report questionnaires measured the impact of EO diffusion on nurses' stress, depression, anxiety, distress, and mood. Three EOs (Citrus Bliss, Grapefruit, Wild Orange) were diffused in 2-week blocks, with a 1-week wash-out period. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t test were performed.

RESULTS

A paired sample was returned for 39 participants. There were significant improvements after diffusion of Citrus Bliss for stress (mean difference [MD]: 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82, 4.35), depression (MD: 1.83; 95% CI: 0.03, 3.64), distress (MD: 2.39; 95% CI: 0.58, 4.19) and mood (MD: 4.89; 95% CI: 0.52, 9.27). A large effect (Cohen's d effect >0.80) for depression and distress was observed for nurses who had previously used EOs and those with no reported external stressors.

CONCLUSION

Diffusion of citrus EOs in the clinical setting positively affected nurses' mood. Future studies could also explore effect for patients and visitors.

Psychobiological evidence of the stress resilience fostering properties of a cosmetic routine

Everyday life psychosocial stressors contribute to poor health and disease vulnerabilty. Means alternative to pharmacotherapy that are able to foster stress resilience are more and more under the magnifying glass of biomedical research. The aim of this study was to test stress resilience fostering properties of the self-administration of a cosmetic product enriched with essential oils. On day 0, fourty women, 25-50 years old, self-administered both the enriched cosmetic product (ECP) and a placebo one (PCP). Then, women were randomized for daily self-administration (from day 1 to 28) of either ECP (n = 20) or PCP (n = 20). On day 29, subjects underwent a psychosocial stress test (PST). Autonomic (heart rate and its variability) and neuroendocrine (salivary cortisol) parameters were assessed both on day 0 and 29. All subjects filled a number of psychological questionnaires in order to quantify anxiety, perceived stress, and mood profile, and were videorecorded during PST for non-verbal behavior evaluation. A single application of ECP produced an acute potentiation of cardiac parasympathetic modulation, which was not observed when placebo was used. Prolonged self-administration of ECP induced: (i) a dampening of the cortisol rise produced by PST, (ii) a reduction of state anxiety, (iii) a favorable change in mood profile, and (iv) a reduction of non-verbal behavior patterns that signal anxiety, motivational conflict and avoidance. In conclusion, this study suggests that the self-administration of a cosmetic cream enriched with essential oils should be considered as a stress resilience fostering strategy due to its favorable physiological, neuroendocrine and psychological effects.

Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations

We summarize the effects of bergamot (extract, juice, essential oil, and polyphenolic fraction) on cardiovascular, bone, inflammatory, skin diseases, mood alteration, anxiety, pain, and stress. This review included a total of 31 studies (20 studies on humans with 1709 subjects and 11 in animals (rats and mice)). In humans, bergamot-derived extract (BE) exerts positive effects on hyperlipidemia with an oral dose from 150 mg to 1000 mg/day of flavonoids administered from 30 to 180 days, demonstrating an effect on body weight and in modulating total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL. Studies in animals confirm promising data on glucose control (500/1000 mg/day of BE with a treatment lasting 30 days) are available in rats. In animals models, bergamot essential oil (BEO, 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg daily for 20 weeks) increases bone volume, decreases psoriatic plaques, increases skin collagen content, and promotes hair growth. Bergamot juice (20 mg/kg) is promising in terms of pro-inflammatory cytokine reduction. In humans, aromatherapy (from 15 to 30 min) does not appear to be useful in order to reduce stress, anxiety, and nausea, compared to placebo. Compared to baseline, BE topical application and BEO aromatherapy reduce blood diastolic and systolic pressure and could have a significant effect on improving mental conditions.

Stress, self-esteem and well-being among female health professionals: A randomized clinical trial on the impact of a self-care intervention mediated by the senses

BACKGROUND

Stress levels are evident among health professionals. However, there are few studies on sensory-based self-care aimed at stress management, self-esteem and subjective well-being in this group of professionals.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of a self-care intervention mediated by the senses on the stress levels, self-esteem and well-being of health professionals in a hospital environment.

METHODS

A total of 93 health professionals participated in an unblinded clinical trial, randomized into four groups: 1) control (no intervention); 2) Monosensory-daily body moisturizing (DBM) with odorless cream; 3) Bisensory-DBM with scented cream; 4) Multisensory-DBM with scented cream associated with audiovisual material. Participants answered specific questionnaires to assess stress, self-esteem and well-being and cortisol samples were collected at baseline, 15 and 30 days following intervention, and at the 30-day follow-up.

RESULTS

Self-care was characterized as neglected, with most participants reporting inadequate hours of sleep (74%), irregular physical activity (68%), and inadequate nutrition (45%). Compared to the other groups, the Bisensory group had lower stress on all three assessments (p = 0.017; 0.012; 0.036), a life satisfaction 8% higher at follow-up than at baseline (95% CI: 2% to 15%, p = 0.016), a 10% increase in positive affect (95% CI: 2% to 19%, p = 0.011) and a 12% reduction in negative affect (95% CI: 3% to 21% less, p = 0.014) after 30 days. The Multisensory group showed improvement in self-esteem (p = 0.012) and reduced cortisol (p = 0.036) after 30 days of intervention. The control group showed no changes in the variables studied, except for cortisol: an increase at the 15-day evaluation (denoting higher risk for stress, p = 0.009) and a reduction at follow-up (p = 0.028), which was nevertheless within normal levels.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02406755.

Influence of Fragrances on Human Psychophysiological Activity: With Special Reference to Human Electroencephalographic Response

The influence of fragrances such as perfumes and room fresheners on the psychophysiological activities of humans has been known for a long time, and its significance is gradually increasing in the medicinal and cosmetic industries. A fragrance consists of volatile chemicals with a molecular weight of less than 300 Da that humans perceive through the olfactory system. In humans, about 300 active olfactory receptor genes are devoted to detecting thousands of different fragrance molecules through a large family of olfactory receptors of a diverse protein sequence. The sense of smell plays an important role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, and working capacity. Electrophysiological studies have revealed that various fragrances affected spontaneous brain activities and cognitive functions, which are measured by an electroencephalograph (EEG). The EEG is a good temporal measure of responses in the central nervous system and it provides information about the physiological state of the brain both in health and disease. The EEG power spectrum is classified into different frequency bands such as delta (0.5-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz) and gamma (30-50 Hz), and each band is correlated with different features of brain states. A quantitative EEG uses computer software to provide the topographic mapping of the brain activity in frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital brain regions. It is well known that decreases of alpha and beta activities and increases of delta and theta activities are associated with brain pathology and general cognitive decline. In the last few decades, many scientific studies were conducted to investigate the effect of inhalation of aroma on human brain functions. The studies have suggested a significant role for olfactory stimulation in the alteration of cognition, mood, and social behavior. This review aims to evaluate the available literature regarding the influence of fragrances on the psychophysiological activities of humans with special reference to EEG changes.

Aromatherapy Improves Work Performance Through Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the efficacy of aromatherapy in improving work performance and reducing workplace stress.

SUBJECTS

The initial sample comprised 42 administrative university workers (M_age = 42.21 years, standard deviation = 7.12; 10 male).

INTERVENTION

All sessions were performed in a university computer classroom. The participants were randomly assigned into an aromatherapy group (AG) and a control group (CG), and they were invited to participate in a specific session only once. They were seated in front of a computer. During the intervention period, some oil diffusers were switched on and were in operation throughout the session with petitgrain essential oil for AG sessions and a neutral oil (almond) for CG sessions. At the same time, participants completed a computer task on a specific Web site typing on their keyboard until they had finished it. The single times were different for all participants and were recorded on the Web site as "performance time."

OUTCOME MEASURES

Before and after the intervention, participants completed anxiety and mood state questionnaires (the Stait-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] and the Profile of Mood States [POMS]). Heart-rate variability (HRV) was measured before (PRE), during (20-25 min), and after (POS) the intervention to analyze autonomic nervous system regulation.

RESULTS

The AG performed the Web site task 2.28 min faster than the CG (p = 0.05). The two groups showed differences in the following HRV parameters: low frequency (p = 0.05), high frequency (p = 0.02), standard deviation of all RR intervals (p = 0.05), and root mean square of differences (p = 0.02). All participants in all groups showed a decrease from PRE to POST for STAI (p < 0.001), Tension-POMS (p < 0.001), and Vigour-POMS (p = 0.01) scales.

CONCLUSIONS

Aromatherapy (inhaling petitgrain essential oil) can improve performance in the workplace. These results could be explained by an autonomic balance on the sympathetic/parasympathetic system through a combined action of the petitgrain main components (linalyl acetate, linalool, and myrcene). The final effect could be an improvement of the mental and emotional condition by a combination of reducing the stress level and increasing the arousal level of the participants in terms of attentiveness and alertness.

Aromatic effects of a Japanese citrus fruit-yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka)-on psychoemotional states and autonomic nervous system activity during the menstrual cycle: a single-blind randomized controlled crossover study

BACKGROUND

Yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka), a yellow-golden colored citrus fruit, has traditionally been used to promote psychosomatic health in Japan. While the yuzu produces a distinctive, pleasing aroma of citrus and floral, the efficacy of its fragrance remains unknown. The present study investigated the soothing effects of the fragrance of yuzu essential oil from the perspective of autonomic nervous system activity, which plays a crucial role in the integrity of the mind-body connection.

METHODS

Twenty one women in their 20s participated in a single-blind randomized controlled crossover study. Subjects were examined twice each in the follicular and late-luteal phases. Two kinds of aromatic stimulation (yuzu and water as a control) were used. This experiment measured heart rate variability (HRV) reflecting autonomic nervous system activity and used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) as a psychological index before and after the aromatic stimulation.

RESULTS

Only a 10-min inhalation of the yuzu scent significantly decreased heart rate and increased high frequency power of HRV reflecting parasympathetic nervous system activity, regardless of menstrual phase. This significant physiological effect continued for at least 25 min. In addition, the POMS tests revealed that inhalation of the aromatic yuzu oil significantly decreased total mood disturbance, a global measure of affective state, together with two POMS subscales-tension-anxiety and fatigue, as long as 35 min after the aroma stimulation, both in the symptomatic late-luteal and non-symptomatic follicular phases.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides the novel information that yuzu's aromatic effects could serve to alleviate negative emotional stress, which, at least in part, would contribute to the improvement of parasympathetic nervous system activity.

Effects of moderate exercise on relieving mental load of elementary school teachers

Long-term endurance exercise could increase activity of parasympathetic nervous and decrease activity of sympathetic nervous at rest. However, previous studies all focused on the effect of endurance training on heart rate variability (HRV) for athletes or sedentary subjects. In Taiwan, elementary school teachers teaching and processing the children's and administrative problems always stand and walk. They will sit down only when they review and correct the students' home work. Thus, the goal of this study was to elucidate the beneficial effect of moderate intensity exercise on relieving mental load of elementary school teachers. There were 20 participants in the exercise group and another 20 participants in the nonexercise group. The exercising teachers performed 12 weeks of moderate intensity exercise training for an average of 30 minutes per day, 3 times per week. HRV was measured before and after the 4th, 6th, and 12th weeks. The time and frequency domain parameters of HRV all had significant increases between the beginning and after 12 weeks of training. However, the time and frequency domain parameters of HRV in the nonexercise group had significant decreases between the beginning and after 12 weeks of training. The long-term moderate exercises can relieve mental load of elementary school teachers. Moreover, age was the considerable factor affecting HRV in this study.

Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application

Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, also known as "Bergamot," is a plant belonging to the Rutaceae family, defined as a hybrid of bitter orange and lemon. It is an endemic plant of the Calabria region (Italy). Bergamot fruit is primarily used for the extraction of its essential oil (bergamot essential oil: BEO), employed in perfume, cosmetics, food, and confections. The aim of this review was to collect recent data from the literature on C. bergamia essential oil and, through a critical analysis, focus on safety and the beneficial effects on human health. Clinical studies on the therapeutic applications of BEO exclusively focus on the field of aromatherapy, suggesting that its use can be useful for reducing anxiety and stress.