levels of patients undergoing endoscopy after inhaling
lavender extract and the placebo (14), and this may be
because of ineffectiveness of short inhalation. Lavender
extract stimulates olfactory receptors and transfers the
olfactory message to the limbic system. Limbic system,
the feeling center in the brain, can release encephalin,
endorphin and serotonin in response to the stresses which
can bring calmness to the body and reduce anxiety.
Essential oils are absorbed through respiration. They can
affect the enzymes, channels and ion receptors leading
to brain stimulation, relief anxiety, and anti-depression
effects and improve blood flow to the brain. They are also
able to cross the blood-brain barrier through respiration
and interact with receptors present in the central nerve
system. Lavender is used for restlessness, insomnia,
nervousness, and depression, loss of appetite, nausea,
migraine headaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint
pain (15).