The scents of lemon, mango, lavender and other plants can change how your body works and lower your stress levels, researchers in Japan said.

They found that certain fragrances alter gene activity and blood chemistry, according to a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

The scientists exposed lab rats to stressful conditions while inhaling and not inhaling linalool, a natural alcohol found in many plants and spices. Linalool returned signs of stress in the immune system to near-normal levels. Inhaling linalool also reduced the activity of more than 100 genes that go into overdrive in stressful situations.

The findings could form the basis of new blood tests for identifying fragrances that can soothe stress, the researchers said.