Effect of aromatherapy through inhalation of lavender oil on Heart Rate Variability and Perceived Stress Levels in Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Stress is a conserved physiological process which is essential for maintaining homeostasis amid environmental challenges. Chronic stress may disrupt autonomic balance and contributes to numerous physical and mental health disorders. Aromatherapy, particularly with lavender oil, is a promising non-pharmacological approach for stress reduction. Despite subjective reports of benefit, objective physiological evidence assessing autonomic modulation remains limited. This study explores the effects of 30 days inhalational lavender oil aromatherapy on autonomic function and perceived stress among adults with moderate stress.

Material and Methods: The study enrolled 34 participants with moderate stress. Participants underwent baseline assessment of perceived stress via questionnaires and HRV analysis was used to evaluate autonomic nervous system function. Participants then completes a 30 day period of lavender oil inhalation. Post-intervention evaluations of stress and HRV parameters were conducted. Statistical analyses compared pre- and post-intervention data to determine significant changes (p < 0.05 considered significant).

Results: Following aromatherapy, significant reductions in perceived stress scores were observed. Time-domain HRV parameters indicated increased parasympathetic activity, with significant increases in PNN50 and mean RR interval. Frequency-domain measures showed marked increases in high-frequency (HF) power and decreases in very low-frequency (VLF) absolute power. Moderate correlations between HRV parameters and stress scores at baseline were attenuated post-intervention, suggesting improved autonomic regulation and subjective stress alleviation.

Conclusion Thirty days of inhalational lavender oil aromatherapy effectively reduced perceived stress and enhanced autonomic nervous system function in adults with moderate stress. The intervention promoted parasympathetic dominance and improved HRV indices, representing a safe and promising non-pharmacological strategy for stress management. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings.