Japan – A study demonstrated the therapeutic virtues of lemon. Indeed, if one knows that the smell is soothing, scientists have proved its anti-stress virtues.

At stressed condition, the count of white blood cells increases. These changes are the cause of depression or sleep disorders and rapidly encroaching on the lives of humans. In certain extreme cases, the pressure can be such that it acts on the cardiac muscle which leads to fatal cardiovascular accidents sometimes.

In studying the effects of lemon on rats that the team of Prof. Akio Nakamura outlined its anti-stress virtues. Indeed, it was noted that the inhalation of linalool, present in this citrus fruit, allows the immune system to regain a normal activity and thus limit the numbers of white blood cells.

Furthermore, it limits the action of 109 genes known to interfere with the stress of an individual. While it is well known that the aroma of the plants are beneficial to the human body, this is the first time that such property is proven scientifically.

The results published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry also mentioned the therapeutic virtues of other plants, including mango and lavender. They point out that men have always used natural fragrance to soothe their moods. But until now, the properties of linalool were a “mystery”, as emphasized by Professor Akio Nakamura.