In this sceintific study, the heart rates (HRs) and respiratory rates (RRs) of seven horses were recorded at rest in stalls, then an air horn was blown twice for 15 seconds. The horses were allowed 60 seconds to calm, and then the stressed HRs and RRs were recorded. The same process was then repeated, some of the horses were exposed to humidified air and others were exposed to humidified air with a 20% mixture of 100% pure lavender essential oils for 15 minutes.

The results of this study demonstrated that lavender aromatherapy can significantly decrease HR after an acute stress response and signal a shift from the sympathetic nervous control from the parasympathetic system.

View Study