Aromatherapy for Drivers
Mint & cinnamon may keep you alert & prevent road rage

Can a simple mint may be the cure for road rage?

You don't have to be a genius to figure out that driving for long periods of time without a break can lead to increased anger and fatigue. Long trips by car for family vacation, commuting, going shopping and taking care of errands around town can make you tired and grumpy. Running the family taxi to pick up and drop off all the kids at their after school and weekend activities can make the most even tempered parent a grump.

Scientisits may have found the perfect solution for those hours of driving. No, they don't recommend getting a chaffeur. The scent of peppermint or cinnamon may keep you more alert and decrease your frustration when you’re behind the wheel. That's according to the results of a recent study led by Wheeling Jesuit University undergraduate student Will Esgro.

According to the study, both cinnamon and peppermint led to increased ratings of alertness and lower frustration. Cinnamon also decreased drivers’ fatigue ratings. The student worked with Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, Director of Undergraduate Research and associate professor of psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV.

“Because of his work, Will may create more alert and conscientious commutes for drivers and minimize fatigue associated with prolonged driving, thereby reducing the number of highway accidents and fatalities,” says Dr. Raudenbush.

The study builds on Dr. Raudenbush's past research, which indicated the odors of peppermint and cinnamon enhance motivation, performance, and alertness, decrease fatigue, and serve as central nervous system stimulants.

"Given these results, it is reasonable to expect that the presentation of peppermint or cinnamon odor while driving may produce a more alert and conscientious driver, and minimize the fatigue associated with prolonged driving," says Dr. Raudenbush.

"In general, prolonged driving led to increased anger, fatigue, and physical demand, and decreased vigor. However, fatigue ratings were decreased in the cinnamon condition. Both cinnamon and peppermint administration led to increased ratings of alertness in comparison to the no-odor control condition over the course of the driving scenario. Periodic administration of these odors over long term driving may prove beneficial in maintaining alertness and decreasing highway accidents and fatalities," says Dr. Raudenbush.

So the next time you start to get tired and cranky while you're driving, turn on the scent of mint or cinnamon and see if the mood improves!

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Smart Motorist Road Rage & Aggressive Driving Articles

Prevent Road Rage