Essential Oil Inhalation on Blood Pressure and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of essential oil inhalation on the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and salivary cortisol level in 83 prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. The experimental group (n = 28) was asked to inhale an essential oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli (20 : 15 : 10 : 2), whereas the placebo group (n = 27) was asked to inhale an artificial fragrance for 24 hours and the control group received no treatment (n = 28). The SBP (P < .001) and DBP (P = .009) measured at home in the experimental group were significantly decreased compared with the placebo group and the control group after treatment. The daytime SBP during the 24-hour ambulatory BP measurement of the experimental group presented with significant decreases in comparison with the measurements of the placebo group and the control group (P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in the nighttime SBPs. The daytime DBPs during the 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements of the experimental group presented with significant decreases in comparison with the measurements of the placebo group and the control group (P = .002). There was no significant difference in the night time DBPs. The experimental group showed significant decreases in the concentration of salivary cortisol in comparison with the concentrations of the placebo group and the control group (P = .012). In conclusion, the inhalation of an essential oil had immediate and continuous effects on the home SBP, daytime BP, and the stress reduction. Essential oils may have relaxation effects for controlling hypertension.

Endothelium- and smooth muscle-dependent vasodilator effects of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara: Focus on Ca2+ modulation

“…Neroli essential oil and its main components, commonly used in foods and as a natural complement to standard therapies, are known to exert relaxation effects [16]. Mixed essential oils that contain neroli essential oils have been reported to decrease diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive subjects [22]. Notably, inhalation of 0.5% neroli essential oil was shown to decrease blood pressure in middle-aged woman [6].…”

Saliva-Based Biosensors: Noninvasive Monitoring Tool for Clinical Diagnostics

“…The measurement of SC is useful as a key indicator of stress similar to sAA [75], for physiological studies [76, 77] and screening of Cushing's syndrome [78, 79]. Paradoxically, there is a lack of association between values of serum and salivary cortisone levels even though it is a neutral steroid that readily diffuses into saliva.…”

Enhancement of Autonomic Stress Response and Reduction of Subjective Stress by Lavender Inhalation During a Short-term Calculation Task

“…Lavender, the most commonly used aroma in aromatherapy, functions as an effective medicament for neurological disorders [1], improves task performance [2], decreases blood pressure [3] and improves sleep quality [4]. On the other hand, jasmine, which is considered a stimulating aroma, induces autonomic arousal, such as enhancement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure [5].…”