Sensory and Neurophysiological Validation for the Short‐Term Emotional Relieving Effects of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Aroma

ABSTRACT Aromatherapy is widely concerned for its positive emotional impacts, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), a classic traditional Chinese medicinal‐edible homologous substance, stands out for its unique natural aroma. To systematically validate the emotional relieving effects of short‐term CRP aroma inhalation and explore its neural underpinnings, this study recruited 30 participants and adopted a multi‐method approach integrating sensory evaluation, electroencephalogram (EEG), and solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME‐GC–MS). Brief Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale results confirmed CRP aroma significantly reduced subjective tension and fatigue, while enhancing vigour ( p < 0.05). EEG data showed elevated α band power ( p < 0.05), a well‐recognized neurophysiological marker of brain relaxation. Source localization identified activated brain regions, including the bilateral superior frontal gyri, which are involved in emotional regulation, reward processing, and interoception. SPME‐GC–MS combined with relative odour activity value (ROAV) analysis identified nine key aroma components (ROAV > 1), with D‐limonene as the core, plus anxiolytic and sedative substances such as 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol. In conclusion, these findings confirm that the aroma of CRP can effectively alleviate negative emotions, promote an emotional relieving and energetic emotional state, providing a scientific basis for the application of CRP in aromatherapy and emotional regulation.