The effects of sweet almond oil inhalation on brainwave activity

Abstract

Sweet almond oil is a fixed oil obtained from the kernel of Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb. It is widely used as a carrier oil, or a diluent of essential oils, in aromatherapy. In an A-B experimental study of essential oil inhalation that considered the applicability of sweet almond oil as a diluent, sweet almond oil was repeatedly administered to participants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of inhaling sweet almond oil at two different times on brain wave activity, using the A-B experimental design. Twenty-five healthy participants ranging from 20 to 35 years of age were recruited. Sweet almond oil was administered by inhalation to each participant twice, with a 7-day washout period in between treatments. The absolute powers of delta, theta, alpha, and beta brain waves were recorded using a Nicolet EEG v32. Results from the EEG recordings showed no significant differences between brain waves after both the first and second inhalations of sweet almond oil. In conclusion, sweet almond oil was found to be suitable for use as an essential oil diluent.