Deciphering the Mysteries of Aromatic Incentive of Lemongrass Essential Oil Inhalation on Brain Activities in Healthy Adults

Abstract

With the rapid advancement in brain science and imaging technology, there is a growing interest in investigating the connection between aromatherapy and its effects on the brain. This study employs Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) to examine the impacts of exposure to the fragrance of lemongrass essential oil (LEO) on specific brain regions. The objective is to assess the influence of inhaling the scent of LEO on EEG patterns in awake, healthy adult females using power spectral analysis. In this experimental study, 30 healthy adult female participants were exposed to a water mist as a control after baseline recordings. Subsequently, participants inhaled LEO aromatic mist diffused into the room air, and their brain activity was recorded. Data from specific scalp electrode readings were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Rank Test. The results revealed a significant increase in the relative power of alpha waves in the prefrontal, frontal and occipital regions, accompanied by heightened theta power and decreased beta power. These results suggests that the inhalation of LEO oil modulates brainwave activities, inducing relaxing effects on the brain.