The Harmonizing Effects of Citronella Oil on Mood States and Brain Activities

Abstract

Citronella oil is a famous odor and widely used in mosquito repellent application. However, the study of the effects of citronella oil on nervous system is rather limited. In this study we investigated the effects of inhaled citronella oil on emotional states and physiological parameters of the nervous system. Twenty healthy volunteers participated in this experiment. All subjects underwent autonomic nervous system recordings. These recordings included:, body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure;  mood states were also evaluated as was electroencephalography (EEG) recording in pre-, during, and post-citronella inhalation  The results were compared with control conditions. These assessments were measured before and after using a paired t- test statistical procedure. Our results indicated that citronella oil might be characterized onto the concept of “harmonization”. Citronella significantly decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate after inhalation. Subjectively, participants reported feeling in a better mood and fresher. Moreover, the power of alpha and beta brain activities was increased. These results were then confirmed the stimulating effects harmonized together with relaxing effect of citronella oil.