Evaluation of Aromatic Essential Oils in Conditions of Stress and Relaxation - A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
dōTERRA International
Summary
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluates the acute physiological and subjective responses to essential oil inhalation in healthy adults. Participants are assigned to inhale either an essential oil or a placebo via an aroma stick during standardized laboratory procedures designed to induce temporary psychosocial stress (Trier Social Stress Test - Group version) and during a guided relaxation session. Physiological responses, including heart rate, heart rate variability, and electrodermal activity, are measured using a wearable sensor. Subjective stress and affect are assessed using validated questionnaires and visual analog scales. The purpose of this study is to characterize short-term autonomic and self-reported responses associated with essential oil inhalation under controlled experimental conditions. This study is exploratory and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition.
Description
Essential oils and essential oil blends are widely used in non-clinical settings; however, objective data describing short-term physiological and subjective responses to inhalation under controlled experimental conditions remain limited. This study is designed to evaluate acute autonomic and self-reported responses to essential oil inhalation during standardized laboratory procedures involving psychosocial stress and guided relaxation. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study conducted in healthy adults aged 18-45 years. Participants are assigned to inhale…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-45 years, inclusive Able to read, write, and understand English Willing and able to provide informed consent Willing to attend two in-person study visits Generally healthy, as determined by medical history and screening review Exclusion Criteria: Known asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), significant lung disease, heart disease, or other medical condition that may compromise safety or data integrity Pregnancy or pregnancy within the past 90 days Known allergy or sensitivity to essential oils or study placebo materials Current smoking, vapin…
Interventions
- OtherEssential Oil Inhalation
Participants inhale an essential oil or essential oil blend administered via an individual aroma stick. At prespecified time points during baseline, stress induction (Trier Social Stress Test - Group version), and recovery or guided meditation procedures, participants are instructed to take five normal breaths from the aroma stick. The intervention is delivered in a randomized, double-blind manner and is standardized across participants within each study phase.
- OtherPlacebo Aroma Stick
Participants inhale a placebo comparator administered via an aroma stick identical in appearance and delivery method to the experimental intervention but without active essential oil components. The inhalation schedule and procedures are identical to those used in the experimental arm to maintain blinding.
Location
- dōTERRA InternationalPleasant Grove, Utah