Effect of Essential Oil on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Among Healthy Subjects in Classroom

Abstract

PP-29-133 Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of essential oil on heart rate and blood pressure in healthy subjects. Methods: We recruited a panel of 60 healthy students from a university in Taipei. Between July and August 2009, 3 measurements were made in each student of heart rate (HR), systolic pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Participants exposed to essential oil vapor generated from an ultrasonic atomizer in the classroom for 30 minutes. Total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in the classroom during the study periods. We used linear mixed-effects models to associate total VOCs with HR, SBP, and DBP. Results: We found that increases in levels of essential oil exposure were associated with decreases in HR, SBP, and DBP. For an interquartile increase in total VOCs, there were 2.2 beats/min decreases in HR, 2.1 mmHg decreases in SBP, and 1.3 mmHg decreases in DBP. Conclusion: Exposure to essential oil was found to be an effective method of relaxation, as indicated by decreases in HR and BP of young healthy students.