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ANGELICA
Animal studies demonstrated the anxiolytic effects of angelica essential oil.[13]
CITRUS AURANTIUM (BITTER ORANGE, NEROLI)
Animal studies confirmed the ethnopharmacological use of Citrus aurantium for insomnia, anxiety, and epilepsy.[14]
CITRUS BERGAMIA (BERGAMOT)
Animal studies provided a rational basis for the practical use of bergamot essential oil in aromatherapy to minimize symptoms of stress-induced anxiety and mild mood disorders and cancer pain.[15]
CITRUS LIMON (LEMON)
Exposure to lemon oil in rats results in decreased corticosterone levels, one of the major stress hormones, and changes in neuronal circuits involved in anxiety and pain.[16]
The antidepressant-like effect of lemon oil is closely related with the serotonin pathway as shown by animal studies. Lemon oil possesses anxiolytic, antidepressant-like, and anti-stress effects.[17]
CITRUS SINENSIS (SWEET ORANGE)
An animal study showed acute anxiolytic activity of sweet orange essence, which the authors claimed gives "some scientific support to its use as a tranquilizer by aromatherapists."[18]
A clinical study with dental patients showed that patients exposed to Citrus sinensis in the waiting room had a lower level of state anxiety, a more positive mood, and a higher level of calmness.[19]
LAVANDULA X INTERMEDIA, L. HYBRIDA, AND L. HORTENSIS (LAVANDIN)
A clinical study of preoperative patients showed that lavandin had the ability to significantly lower anxiety. The authors concluded that "lavandin is a simple, low-risk, cost-effective intervention with the potential to improve preoperative outcomes and increase patient satisfaction."[20]
LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER)
A randomized double blind clinical study using oral lavender essential oils in capsules and anxiety inducing film clips, demonstrated that that lavender has anxiolytic effects in humans under conditions of low anxiety, but these effects may not extend to conditions of high anxiety.[21]
Another study showed the use of lavender and rosemary essential oil sachets reduced test-taking stress in graduate nursing students.[22]
A study using lavender as part of an "optimal soothing environment" before and during gastroscopy was useful to minimize patient anxiety regarding experiencing a gastroscopy.[23]
A study using 2% lavender oil added to postopertative oxygen did not significantly affect pain scores. However, patients in the lavender group reported a higher satisfaction rate with pain control than patients in the control group.[24]
A 2010 Korean study using a blend of lemon Citrus limonum, lavender Lavandula angustifolia, and ylang ylang Cananga odorata, which were prepared in the ratio of 2:2:1, respectively showed the blend was effective in lowering systolic blood pressure and sympathetic nerve system activity.[25]
PIPER NIGRUM (BLACK PEPPER)
A clinical study with smokers trying to quit showed that black pepper reduced cigarette cravings as well as relieving negative affect and somatic symptoms of anxiety.[26]