Immediate effects of lavender soy wax candle on autonomic nervous system, stress, and reaction time in adolescents

Study aim: The study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a lavender soy wax candle on the autonomic nervous system, stress, and reaction time in adolescents with moderate stress levels.

Material and methods: Fifty-two males and females (mean age: 19.85 ± 0.78 years) with a moderate stress level determined by Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20) were enrolled. All participants were randomly assigned to either the control (n = 26) or experimental (n = 26) groups. The control group inhaled the lavender scent through a bowl filled with warm water, while the experimental group inhaled the scent from the lavender soy wax candle. In a peaceful environment, each participant was suggested to sit on a comfortable recliner chair in a private room while inhaling the scent for 20 minutes. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, reaction time, and emotional states were assessed before and after the scent inhalation. The emotion states were based on the conceptual model proposed by the Geneva Emotion and Odor Scale (GEOS), consisting of 12 items.

Results: The results indicated no significant differences between the two groups in all the parameters, except for the three items of emotion states (relax: p = 0.03, stress: p = 0.04, and calm: p = 0.04).

Conclusions: This study suggested that the inhalation of lavender soy wax candles for 20 minutes can be used as adjuvant therapy for improving emotional states and enhancing cognitive function among adolescents with moderate stress levels.