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Essential Oil Inhalation and Acute Stress Response in Healthy Adults

NCT07473544 · Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 200

Last updated 2026-05-12

No results posted yet for this study

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.

Conditions

  • Psychological Stress

Interventions

OTHER

Placebo 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.

OTHER

Essential 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • dōTERRA International

    lead INDUSTRY

Principal Investigators

  • Nicole Stevens, PhD · DoTERRA International LLC.

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
45 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-03-10
Primary Completion
2027-03-01
Completion
2027-12-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07473544 on ClinicalTrials.gov