Method of causing the reduction of physiological and/or subjective reactivity to stress in humans being subjected to stress conditions

Described is a method for reducing physiological and/or subjective reactivity to stress in humans being subjected to stress conditions. The method consists of administering to such humans an effective amount of a physiological and/or subjective stress reactivity-reducing substance selected from the group consisting of: (i) Nutmeg Oil; (ii) Mace Extract; (iii) Neroli Oil; (iv) Valerian Oil; (v) Myristicin; (vi) Isoelemicin; and (vii) Elemicin. Administration is through inhalation or transdermally using one or more of the above ingredients alone or in a suitable composition such as ethanol and/or a perfume composition, cologne or perfumed article (e.g., air freshener or deodorant stick). Also described is a method for detecting the reduction of physiological and/or subjective reactivity to stress in a human.