The two most commonly used aromas, lemon and lavender, were employed in the study. Fifty-six volunteers devoted three half-day sessions to the experiment. During each, the participants had a ball of cotton laced with either lemon oil, lavender oil or distilled water taped under their noses.
A battery of tests was conducted during these sessions. Blood pressure and pulse were checked regularly and blood samples were drawn. Immersing feet in 32-degree water tested pain levels. Repeatedly applying and then removing tape on one section of skin examined healing ability. Psychological tests were administered before and after each half day to assess mood and stress level. Blood samples were analyzed to determine immune system strength and the level of stress hormones.
The results of this detailed study are not encouraging for proponents of aromatherapy. The smell of lemon producing enhancement of mood was the only positive finding. Lavender was a total failure.
The researchers found no measurable evidence of improvements in health indicators. Both the biological markers in the blood indicating the health of the immune system and the level of stress were unchanged. Similarly, pain threshold and wound healing were unaffected by the aromas.
The bottom line? Perhaps the pleasant feelings derived from the wide variety of aromatic oils available in the marketplace is sufficient to justify their use, even if they don’t deliver the health benefits claimed.
Copyright ©2008 - Syracuse New Times
