Plants and essential oils have been used for environmental and therapeutic purposes since at least 1800 BC. Historically rooted in folk medicine, modern research suggests that essential oil aromatherapy can help manage symptoms in certain disorders. For instance, it has been shown to reduce agitation in patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Beyond clinical settings, these essential oils may work as interventions to address reactive aggression in the general population (1).
One area where aggression is particularly problematic is driving. Aggressive driving, including speeding, tailgating, ignoring traffic rules, and improper lane changes, contributes significantly to traffic accidents and fatalities. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes two-thirds of crash deaths to aggressive driving. It can also lead to severe "road rage" incidents with dangerous consequences. Moreover, aggressive driving harms the environment by increasing fuel consumption and emissions. This evidence underscores the importance of interventions to reduce aggressive driving behavior (1).
Moss et al. (1) investigated the potential for the presence of an ambient aroma peppermint (Mentha piperita) to reduce aggressive responses in a simulated driving situation. Since previous literature has demonstrated the beneficial effect of peppermint aroma on driver alertness, the scientists aimed to identify any impact on aggressive driver behavior.
Fifty volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (peppermint essential oil aroma and no aroma). Aggressive driving behaviors were measured in a virtual reality driving Simulator. The settings were adjusted to provide a driving experience that might stimulate aggression. For example, other drivers would abruptly brake without apparent reason, cut into the participant's lane without indication, etc. 35 of these events occurred randomly but with equal frequency for all participants. Each participant was required to drive for 15 minutes in the aggression-inducing driving task (1).
The analysis indicated that the peppermint aroma significantly reduced aggressive driving behaviors. The aggressive behavior score was significantly lower in the group under the peppermint aroma condition (21.56 ± 6.78) compared to the control condition (25.24 ± 7.63) (p<0.05). These results support the use of ambient aromas to modify driving behaviors. The authors proposed that using peppermint on daily driving may be beneficial for reducing driver aggression (1).
Similarly, Raudenbush et al. (2) reported that peppermint aroma increased alertness and reduced frustration during driving, potentially mitigating aggression-related behaviors. In the study, twenty-five participants (16 females, 9 males, mean age = 19.7 years) were monitored during simulated driving under three odor conditions (peppermint, cinnamon, and non-odor control). Odors were added to low-flow oxygen (1.3L/min) via an oxygen concentrator and presented at the rate of 30 seconds every 15 minutes. Measures of cognitive performance, wakefulness, mood, and workload were also assessed (2).
Both cinnamon and peppermint administration led to increased ratings of alertness, decreased temporal demand, and decreased frustration throughout the driving scenario. In addition, the peppermint scent reduced anxiety and fatigue. The results suggested that periodic administration of these odors over prolonged driving may prove beneficial in maintaining alertness and decreasing highway accidents and fatalities (2).
Other than aggressive driving, sleepiness induced by fatigue and monotonous driving tasks is also among the main factors causing driving accidents. Peppermint has also improved reaction times during sleep-deprived driving, a condition linked to accidents.
Pujiartati and Faturrochman (3) found that peppermint aroma heightened awareness in a two-hour driving simulation, confirmed by EEG and sleepiness scale data. Their research consisted of two studies. The first study was conducted to investigate people’s preferences against three stimulant odors: peppermint, rosemary, and basil essential oil. The second study was carried out to investigate the effects of the most preferred aroma in long exposures on awareness in simulated driving. In the first study, a questionnaire was distributed to 100 participants. They were asked to rate both “liking” and “wanting” of each odor given randomly. Results of the first study indicated that the most liked and wanted odor was peppermint. However, these three aromas had no significant differences based on gender or ethnic group.
Therefore, peppermint was then used in the second study. In the second study, a total of 12 participants performed simulated driving for 2 hours under three conditions: (1) without peppermint odor exposure, (2) with peppermint odor exposure only during the simulation, and (3) with the exposure for three consecutive nights before the simulation. During the experiment, participants’ awareness was monitored using an electroencephalograph (EEG), heart rate monitor, and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Results of this study showed that there was an increased awareness indicated during both short and long exposure to peppermint odor, compared to no-odor condition. There was no significant difference between the effect of short and long exposure to peppermint odor. This study suggests the possibility of using peppermint odor to maintain awareness in driving (3).
The results from these studies showed that peppermint consistently boosted alertness and reduced fatigue and reaction times in various contexts. Fatigue can be reduced by peppermint, leading to better focus on driving rules and fewer aggressive behaviors. Aggression and risky decision-making are correlated. Aggressive feelings during driving can lead to risky choices, violating regulations, and aggressive behaviors. Peppermint aroma seemed to reduce these aggressive responses, promoting safer and less risky driving behaviors.
References:
1. Moss M, Ho J, Swinburne S, Turner A. Aroma of the essential oil of peppermint reduces aggressive driving behaviour in healthy adults. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2023 Mar;38(2):e2865. doi: 10.1002/hup.2865. Epub 2023 Feb 17. PMID: 36799100.
2. Raudenbush, B., Grayhem, R., Sears, T., & Wilson, I. (2009). Effects of peppermint and cinnamon odor administration on simulated driving alertness, mood and workload. North American Journal of Psychology,11(2)
3. Pujiartati, D. A., & Faturrochman, A. (2019). Effects of long exposures of peppermint aroma on awareness in simulated driving. Industrial Engineering and Management Systems, 18(4), 692–700. https://doi.org/10.7232/iems.2019.18.4.692
Photo by Rens D on Unsplash
Comments