Abstract:Aromatic plants possess inherent therapeutic properties that contribute to physiological and psychological well-being. While traditional aromatic species such as jasmine, gardenia, and lavender have been extensively studied for their effects on human health, research on tropical aromatic plants remains limited and underexplored. To address this gap, the present study employed an olfactory exposure experiment to examine the restorative effects of natural volatiles emitted by three representative tropical aromatic plants—patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and sage (Salvia japonica)—on key physiological indicators in individuals experiencing stress. The experimental design included three plant-specific test groups and followed a standardized three-phase protocol: baseline, stress induction, and olfactory exposure/rest. Throughout each phase, physiological responses—including skin conductance response (SCR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR)—were systematically recorded and subjected to rigorous statistical analysis. Results demonstrated that lemongrass elicited the most pronounced reductions in SCR, SBP, and HR, with effects persisting throughout the recovery phase, indicating sustained stress-mitigating capacity. Patchouli induced significant short-term declines in SCR, SBP, and DBP, suggesting rapid but transient physiological modulation. In comparison, sage produced a comparatively modest restorative response across all measured parameters. Nevertheless, all three plant species effectively facilitated the recovery of stress-induced autonomic dysregulation, demonstrating measurable improvements in cardiovascular and sympathetic nervous system activity. These findings collectively confirm that patchouli, lemongrass, and sage exert beneficial physiological effects under stress conditions, supporting their potential integration into therapeutic landscapes such as rehabilitation gardens, where olfactory stimuli can be strategically employed to promote holistic mind-body restoration.