| To stay alert and attentive at the wheel, forget the | | | | helpful. A couple that come to mind are staying |
| coffee, coffee and more coffee! Researchers from | | | | awake in church during a boring sermon, or staying |
| the Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV have shown | | | | awake during a recital or lecture. It is certain that |
| that a whiff of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) or | | | | most people will have some occasion where more |
| Peppermint (Mentha Piperita)essential oil increases | | | | alertness is needed. Use of these essential oils is a |
| alertness, reduces fatigue, and even lowers drivers' | | | | safe, natural way to keep alert. |
| anxiety and frustration. | | | | Take caution, however, when you sniff a bottle of |
| To test the effects of the aromas from these | | | | cinnamon oil. It is really strong, so hold it several |
| essential oils, the researchers had 25 college students | | | | inches away from your nose, or sniff the cap. |
| sniff peppermint, cinnamon, or a non-odor control for | | | | Otherwise it may be a bit overwhelming. |
| 30 seconds every 15 minutes during simulated driving | | | | While driving, put a few drops of the essential oil on |
| conditions. | | | | a tissue, and then stick the end of the tissue in the |
| Prolonged driving led to increased anger and fatigue, | | | | vent of the air-conditioner, letting the air blow on the |
| and decreased vigor. With the scent of peppermint | | | | tissue and dispersing the oil throughout the car. This |
| essential oil, fatigue, anxiety, and driver frustration | | | | is similar to having your own diffuser. Now everyone |
| ratings fell significantly and driver alertness ratings | | | | in the car can perk up, and as a bonus, the stale air in |
| rose impressively. | | | | the car will now be freshened. |
| Smelling cinnamon also made drivers more alert and | | | | I invite you to my web-page to learn more about |
| lowered their levels of frustration. Additionally, with | | | | essential oils. |
| the periodic whiffs of cinnamon aroma, ratings of | | | | This article is written for informational purposes only |
| "workload" associated with driving also fell. | | | | and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical |
| With these results it is reasonable to expect that | | | | problems. The advice and care of a physician is |
| periodic sniffs of peppermint or cinnamon essential | | | | recommended for your health concerns. |
| oils may produce a more alert and conscientious | | | | Aromatherapy is intended as complementary care |
| driver and minimize fatigue associated with long road | | | | with health care providers, not as an alternative to |
| trips. | | | | care. |
| There are endless instances where this could be | | | | |