The effect of using scented candles for body massage with Citrus aurantium on changes in the autonomic nervous system and emotions, and the effect of reducing pain and stiffness of the back muscles

Abstract

This research aimed to study the effects of using Citrus aurantium scented massage candles on changes in the autonomic nervous system and emotions, as well as on the reduction of pain and stiffness of the upper back muscles. The study included: (1) investigating the antioxidant activity of Citrus aurantium; (2) developing Citrus aurantium scented massage candle products; (3) examining the effects of inhaling Citrus aurantium essential oil on the autonomic nervous system blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and on emotional states; and (4) evaluating the effectiveness of combining Thai Royal Massage with Citrus aurantium scented massage candles in reducing muscle pain and stiffness. The study was conducted with 50 purposively selected volunteers. Crude essential oil was obtained from 500 g of Citrus aurantium peel via hydrodistillation, yielding 2 g of extract, equivalent to a % yield of 16.04 based on the sample’s dry weight. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. The results showed that Citrus aurantium peel extract (ethanol solvent) had antioxidant activity with an EC₅₀ value of 0.17 ± 0.006 mg/ml, compared with the standard antioxidant Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), which had an EC₅₀ value of 0.01 ± 0.005 mg/ml. Physical and chemical stability tests indicated that 100% of volunteers who applied the massage candle experienced no abnormal skin reactions, confirming that the formula is safe and non-irritating. The study also examined the effects of Citrus aurantium essential oil inhalation on the autonomic nervous system and emotions in healthy volunteers, comparing responses during inhalation of almond oil versus Citrus aurantium essential oil.