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Lemon or Yuzu A new study from Japanese researchers has found that yuzu citrus scent can soothe stress and anxiety and lower your heart rate in just 10 minutes, with effects lasting for almost half an hour. Yuzu is a type of East Asian yellow citrus fruit often used in Asian cuisine. The Japanese custom of yuzu-yu or yuzu baths dates as far back as the 18th century. Whole yuzus are floated in hot baths in the winter to relieve stress. You can try diffusing yuzu or other similar citrus fruit essential oil, which can be more affordable, including lemon. Some earlier studies have found that lemon can be stimulating and increase heart rate, so the results are mixed— but try it out to see how it affects you. Ylang Ylang Ylang Ylang essential oil is a sweet floral aromatic extracted from the flower of a tropical tree in South- east Asia. Ylang Ylang aroma has been shown to be relaxing and de- crease blood pressure in many small studies. One study found that Ylang Ylang aroma calmed the nervous system, leading to lower heart rate and blood pressure and heart rhythms on electrocar- diogram (EKG). Clary Sage Clary sage oil is extracted from the clary sage herb, a close relative of the common garden herb sage. Clary sage essential oil has been found to help people relax during dental proce- dures. Clary sage oil aromatherapy has also been shown to have antidepressant-like effects. 2 4 5 Bergamot Citrus bergamot is a hybrid fruit some- where between a bit- ter orange and lemon or lime and is used to create bergamot essential oil. It has been traditionally used in Italian folk medicine but has many new studies to support its ability to relieve tension and anxiety. Ber- gamot essential oil is often used in fragrances as well as food fla- voring, and has also been thought to have antibacterial properties. Five out of six clinical studies conducted between 2009 to 2013 have found that Bergamot es- sential oil aromatherapy reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and stress. Recent studies have found that bergamot can relieve stress, reduce chronic pain, and even change brain wave patterns on EEG. 3