1. 鼠尾草:降低血壓和呼吸頻率,適合在緊張時放鬆身心,也能增強記憶力和注意力。
2. 柳橙:降低焦慮,能夠在壓力下保持冷靜,可能是因為其香味可減少應激激素。
3. 肉桂:改善警覺性,例如:讓司機們更加集中,減少車禍機率。
4. 薰衣草:促進放鬆,緩解經前綜合症,因其香味引發人體的休息和消化反應,也能減少焦慮、失眠和偏頭痛。
5. 迷迭香:增強腦力,提高體能、速度和準確性,也能降低疲勞。
6. 薄荷:呼吸薄荷淡香水能降低體內皮質醇(應激激素),也能減少疲勞和對巧克力的渴望。
Sage
Best for: Blood-Pressure Reduction.
In a July 2013 study, women who smelled clary sage experienced reduced blood pressure and breathing rates; they were also able to relax during a stressful medical exam. Bonus perks: Helps amp up memory and attention
Peppermint
Best for: Stress Relief
Research shows that breathing in eau de peppermint can decrease the body's levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Orange
Best for: Decreasing Anxiety
A study found that people who sniffed it before a stressful test were able to stay calm under pressure, sans anxiety spikes, possibly because the scent can help slash stress hormones.
Bonus perk: Elevates mood.
Rosemary
Best for: Enhancing Brainpower
Breathing it in can improve speed and accuracy during demanding mental tasks, per a 2012 study. Other research found its scent left people feeling refreshed and mentally stimulated.
Bonus perks: Boosts energy and lowers fatigue.
Cinnamon
Best for: Improving Focus
It may stoke the area of the brain that governs alertness. For example, research found that drivers were more focused and less flustered after breathing in cinnamon-oil scents.
Bonus perks: Increases concentration and reduces frustration.
Lavender
Best for: Relaxation; Relieving PMS
The scent can trigger the body's "rest and digest" response, promoting relaxation. A 2013 study found that it also eases pre-period symptoms such as mental confusion and depression.
Bonus perks: Decreases anxiety, insomnia and migraine pain.