Peppermint, Cinnamon Pep up Drivers
NY, Reuters, Feb 1, 2006

Dr. Bryan Raudenbush of Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia, and team, had 25 college students sniff peppermint, cinnamon or an-odor-free control for 30 seconds for every 15 minutes of simulated driving.  The researchers found that inhaling the peppermint or cinnamon tended to counteract the increase in ratings for anger, fatigue and frustration associated with prolonged driving.  Both aromas increased alertness; while peppermint also decreased fatigue and anxiety and cinnamon lowered the “workload” rating.  These findings suggest that periodically inhaling these scents while driving may prevent accidents and road rage by increasing alertness and minimizing fatigue, anxiety and frustration.  The scientists speculate that mints or gums may have similar effects.