Relaxing with lavender

Scientific evidence increasingly suggests that the aromatherapeutic effects of lavender can bring benefits to human well-being.

In one study, 11 healthy adults sniffed a lavender fragranced cosmetic cleansing gel. The researchers used EEG (brainwave measurement) to assess the subjects’ alertness and mood, and mental performance. Their heart rate was also recorded before, during and after the aroma session.

The lavender fragrance blend had a significant transient effect of improving mood, making people feel more relaxed, and performing the mental performance task faster. The results suggest that this fragrance containing lavender had a significant role in enhancing relaxation.