Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang
Researchers investigated how certain scents from plant oils affect people's thinking and mood. They had 144 volunteers who were split into groups: one group got the smell of ylang-ylang, another got peppermint, and the last group didn't get any scent.
They tested the volunteers' thinking abilities using a computer program and asked them about their mood before and after. Interestingly, they found that peppermint helped people remember things better, while ylang-ylang made it harder for them to remember and slowed down their thinking. As for mood, peppermint made people feel more alert, whereas ylang-ylang made them feel less alert but more calm.
This study suggests that scents from essential oils can have varying effects on our cognitive abilities and mood. Peppermint may enhance memory and alertness, while ylang-ylang could induce feelings of calmness but reduce alertness. It's intriguing to consider how something as simple as scent can influence our mental and emotional state.
TITLE:
Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang.
RESEARCHERS:
M. Moss et al.
PUBLISHED:
The International Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 118, Issue. 1, 2008, pp 59-77
