Effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) and peppermint (Mentha cordifolia Opiz.) odors on anxiety and sport skill performance

This study investigates the effects of two popular, relaxing and stimulating scents, namely: lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) and peppermint (Mentha cordifolia Opiz.) on the state of anxiety and sport skill performance. One hundred and four healthy university students were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (lavender, peppermint and control) and were asked to perform the sport of dart throwing. Prior to the actual test, anxiety levels were assessed after the inhalation of the designated aromas for each group. Results showed that the participants in the peppermint group were more accurate and consistent than the lavender and control groups. However, no difference was found between the lavender and control groups on performance accuracy and consistency. On the other hand, the participants who inhaled lavender and peppermint aromas showed decreased state of anxiety levels compared to those who did not inhale any scents. The current study demonstrated that scents have various effects, depending on their properties and the tasks performed by the individuals.