ABSTRACT
We have presented reports that ingestion of various types of alcoholic drinks (Sumi et al. 1988, 1998) and coffee (Sumi 1997) results in changes in blood coagulation-fibrinolysis systems; in particular, a rather lengthy period of promotion of fibrinolysis in the blood was observed with drinking of Oturui shochu liquors (distilled only once, retaining the character of the original ingredients and known as “authentic” shochu). Studies have been made on properties of the components bringing about such effects (Sumi 2003). It has also been generally recognized that essential oils have natural healing effects, and the psychological effect of inducing a feeling of relaxation. However, regarding the physiological effects of essential oils on blood circulation, especially their direct effects on blood coagulation-fibrinolysis systems, no report has yet been presented to our knowledge.
