
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have shown that grass-based connection linalool reduced the effects of stress on the immune system.
Linalool is an aromatic compound in several plants such as basil, thyme, cinnamon, bay leaves and fruits such as mangoes and citrus. For many years, widely used in aromatherapy and essential oils are used as the smell of soap, shampoo and other toiletries.
Linalool is known is one of the largest fragrance and healing that has been published before this study, it was thought that only act on the nervous system. However, writing in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Akio Nakamura and his colleagues show that their complaint is about the brain's immune system.
In a controlled study, researchers exposed a group of rats treated stressed the odor of linalool. At the end of the two-hour period to stress that the actions of white blood cells, hormonal balance and level of gene activation in both groups and control.
The blood test after the experiment showed that the height of the load, the two treatment groups and control significantly increased at the end of the period of two hours of stress.
Under normal conditions, stress hormones, steroids, was expected to suppress the immune response. Although rats exposed to stress linalool showed a decrease in the number of white blood cells that were exposed to the odor of linalool were only leukocytes and normal lymphocytes, white blood cells. In addition to linalool group of rats was much less "stress genes" more active than the control group.
This study shows that inhalation of aromatic compounds such as linalool, both psychological and physiological effects, and reflects our growing awareness of the extensive links and interaction between the nervous and immune systems.
Lately, we have quite aware that many spices contain antioxidants and other bioactive substances that have a very positive impact on our health. Now we know that when you bite into the delicious scent of basil caprese salad not only improve our dining experience, but also to protect against the latest viruses in circulation.
So next time you feel a little stressed out, do a little basil, thyme, bay leaf and cinnamon, you take your meals. This delicious herb begins the defense of the immune system, even before the stomach!





