Essential Oils.
Essential oils, which form the basis of aromatherapy for stress relief, are reported to have a beneficial effect on heart rate and blood pressure following short-term exposure and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. After 45 minutes of exposure, blood pressure dropped by 2.1 mmHg and heart rate by 2.2 beats per minute (bpm). However, after 120 minutes, blood pressure rose by 2.2 mmHg above baseline, and heart rate by 1.7 bpm above baseline. Because of these results, researchers believe prolonged exposure to essential oils may be detrimental to the cardiovascular health of spa workers.
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, December 2012