ABSTRACT
Olfactory aromatherapy has been reported for its positive psychophysiological effects. Essential oil-containing volatile chemical compounds have molecular weight less than 300 Dalton that humans distinguish via the olfactory system. Human beings have 300 active olfactory receptor genes that are responsible for sensing and distinguishing thousands of odorous molecules via different olfactory receptors. The level of physiological response such as stress, working capacity, and mood is determined by the olfactory process. Electrophysiological investigations have shown that these odorous molecules modulate via brain responses and multiple mental abilities via olfaction, which can be assessed using an electroencephalograph.
