Wirkmechanismen von Duftstoffen und ätherischen Ölen: Wie beeinflussen sie Emotionen und kognitive Leistungen?

Zusammenfassung

Klinische Studien zur Wirksamkeit von Aromatherapie attestieren ätherischen Ölen ein großes Potenzial für die Behandlung von affektiven Beschwerden und kognitiven Defiziten. Nach Jellinek basiert die psychogene Wirksamkeit von ätherischen Ölen und Duftstoffen jedoch nicht nur auf pharmakologischen, sondern auch auf psychologischen Wirkmechanismen, sodass die resultierenden Effekte durch verschiedene, intrapersonelle Faktoren beeinflusst werden können. In diesem Beitrag werden die einzelnen Mechanismen vorgestellt und anhand von Beispielen aus der Emotions- und Kognitionsforschung diskutiert. Der Zusammenhang zwischen Anwendungsart und Wirksamkeit von ätherischen Ölen wird ebenso beleuchtet wie ihre möglichen unerwünschten Wirkungen. Die Kenntnis der verschiedenen Wirkmechanismen ermöglicht einen gezielten Einsatz von ätherischen Ölen und kann die Aromatherapie zu einer noch effizienteren phytotherapeutischen Behandlungsform machen.SchlüsselwörterAromatherapie, Kognition, Emotion, olfaktorische Stimuli,hedonische Valenz

Abstract

Mechanisms of Action of Fragrances and Essential Oils: Effect on Emotions and Cognitive Performance

Clinical research on the efficacy of aromatherapy has demonstrated that essential oils are highly valuable in the treatment of emotional and cognitive discomfort. However, according to Jellinek, the psychodynamic effects of essential oils and odorants are mediated not only by straight-forward pharmacological but also by psychological mechanisms. Thus, their observable therapeutic effects may be influenced by various individual factors. This paper introduces Jellinek’s model and relates its postulated mechanisms to recent affective and cognitive research. A spotlight will be set on the relationship between the efficacy of essential oils and the route of application as well as on potential undesirable effects. Knowledge of the underlying mechanisms allows for a targeted use of essential oils and will make aromatherapy an even more efficient form of phytotherapeutic treatment.

Schlüsselwörter

Aromatherapie - Kognition - Emotion - olfaktorische Stimuli - hedonische Valenz

Key words

Aromatherapy - cognition - emotion - hedonic valence - olfactory stimuli - semantic connotation

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