The Effects of Jasmine Oil Inhalation on Brain Wave Activies and Emotions

Abstract

In Thailand, jasmine oil is widely used as a preferred odor in aromatherapy. However, there are a small number of researches investigating effects of jasmine oil on the nervous system functions. In this study, we aimed to examine effects of jasmine oil inhalation on the function of central nervous system and mood responses. Twenty healthy volunteers have been participated in this study. The electroencephalogram (EEG) was then recorded from 31 electrodes on scalp before and after odor inhalation. In addition to the EEG recording, subjects have also been inquired to estimate their emotion responses. According to the international 10-20 system, the EEG measurements were recorded and the EEG power spectra were calculated using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).  The data was analyzed by comparing two sessions; first during resting and inhaling sweet almond oil, and second between inhaling sweet almond and inhaling jasmine oil. These parameters of assessment were measured before and after using paired t- test statistical procedure.

The results showed that the beta wave power (13-30 Hz) was increase in the anterior centre as well as the left posterior region. On one hand, the positive emotions including the feeling of well-being, active, fresh and romantic have been increased by jasmine oil. On the other hand, the negative emotions for example the feeling of drowsy were significantly decreased.

It could be suggested from these results that jasmine oil has stimulatory effects on the function of nervous system. Interestingly, it could be concluded from this study that inhalation of jasmine oil affected to brain wave activities and mood states