A Review on Seven Selected Essential Oils used as Aromatherapy to Maintain Sports Performance

Sivaphongthongchai A, Nakkliang K, Thetsana P, Seepika N, Thammarakkit T, Nopthaisong T, Phuneerub P. A Review on Seven Selected Essential Oils used as Aromatherapy to Maintain Sports Performance. JEPonline 2023;26(5):40-54. Aromatherapy is the science of holistic medicine for taking care of the human body and mind using pleasant smells of essential oils. Sports performance refers to carrying out physical routines or procedures by those who are trained or skilled in physical activity to achieve goals by meeting or surpassing specific standards. Essential oils widely used as aromatherapy in sports performance belong to three families. In Lamiaceae family, Lavendula angustifolia Mill (lavender) helps athletes recover from their training, and it is used as a massage oil in athletes. Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) helps improve fatigue, reduce the stress hormone levels and cure muscle spasm. Salvia officinalis L. (sage) improves mood, fatigue, memory performance and boosts cognitive function. Mentha x piperita (peppermint) helps stimulate, strengthen, and improve concentration, lung function, and physical performance. In Rutaceae family, Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) lowers physical and cognitive anxiety while improves lung function and exercise performance. Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. (lemon) promotes repeated high-intensity exercise performance. In Poaceae family, Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) promotes athletic performance, lung function, cognitive function, and alters mood. Aromatherapy is an alternative for athletes to maintain their sports performance.

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