Soothing effect of plant fragrance on premenstrual syndrome evaluated by heart rate fluctuation

大多数育龄妇女在经前阶段经历各种心理生理症状，通常称为经前综合征（PMS）。日本人广泛使用芳香疗法，这是一种全面的身心治疗方法，尤其是在女性中。本研究从心率波动的角度探讨芳香疗法对经前症候群的缓解作用，心率波动反映了自主神经系统的功能，是一种身心相互作用。这项研究使用了两种不同的植物香味作为香气刺激：薰衣草，作为放松精油的代表，柚子，一种受欢迎的日本柑橘类水果芳香油。研究表明，在经前期，仅用薰衣草或柚子进行10分钟的香气处理，就能降低心率和交感神经系统的活动，并增加副交感神经系统的活动。熏衣草和柚子两种香气处理的心理效果无显著差异。

A majority of reproductive-aged women experience a constellation of various psychophysiological symptoms in the premenstrual phase, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome(PMS). The Japanese have widely used aromatherapy, a holistic mind and body treatment, especially among women. The present study investigated the soothing effects of aromatherapy on PMS from the perspective of heart rate fluctuation, which reflects autonomic nervous system function, a mind-body interaction. This study used two different plant fragrances as aroma stimulation : lavender, as a representative of relaxing essential oils, and yuzu, a popular Japanese citrus fruit aroma oil. The study indicated that only a 10-min aroma treatment with lavender or yuzu during the premenstrual phase decreases heart rates and sympathetic nervous system activity and increases parasympathetic nervous system activity. The psychological efficacy of aroma treatments did not differ between lavender and yuzu.