Essential oils and aromas that affect mood and cognition

Okello, EJ; Howes, MJR

doi:10.4324/9781315642765-15

Essential oils and aromas that affect mood and cognition

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Abstract

The term ‘essential oils’ has been coined for volatile, hydrophobic, and aromatic essences of mainly plant origin. These oils have various roles and uses which include ecological, clinical/medical, aesthetic, cosmetic, holistic, naturopathic, food/flavouring, pharmaceutical, and in aromatherapy. Their biological, physiological, and pharmacological uses and activities are dependent on plant species and origin, their dose, chemical composition and mode of administration – topical, ingestion, or inhalation. Such effects include: secretolyic and secretomotoric, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, insecticidal, acaricidal, antispasmodic/spasmolytic, analgesic, sedative, carminative, memory-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, abortifacient, allergenic, narcotic, nephrotoxic, and hepatotoxic. This chapter focuses on ‘essential oils’ and aromas from plant species that have a potential to influence cognition and mood, and discusses the evidence and challenges for the scientific basis for their use for such therapeutic applications.