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Aromatherapy and Stress: Which Essential Oils Can Help?


Woman taking a deep focus to zero down the stress

Aromatherapy is a popular holistic practice that uses natural plant extracts to promote physical and emotional well-being. It is commonly used to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and promote physical and psychological well-being.

Aromatherapy is effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improving sleep and overall well-being.


Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses essential oils from plants to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts used in various ways, including inhalation, topical application, and ingestion. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to alleviate stress and anxiety, and recent studies have provided evidence of its effectiveness. It reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep, and promotes relaxation. This report will review the research and data available on the effectiveness of essential oils in reducing stress and anxiety.

Woman inhaling the essential oil
Research on Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety:

Several studies have examined the effects of essential oils on stress and anxiety. In a 2013 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that inhaling the essential oil of lavender reduced anxiety and improved mood in participants with anxiety disorder. Another study published in the same journal in 2014 found that inhaling a blend of essential oils, including lavender, bergamot, and frankincense, reduced anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain.

Aromatherapy and Stress and Anxiety: Which essential oil can help?
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Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety Relief:
Lavender Oil

Lavender: Lavender is one of the most well-known essential oils for reducing stress and anxiety. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that inhaling lavender essential oil reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Lavender essential oil is one of the most commonly used oils in aromatherapy for stress relief. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.


Drops of rose oil

Rose: A 2017 study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that inhaling rose essential oil reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality in hemodialysis women. Rose essential oil has a sweet, floral scent that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also believed to have mood-lifting properties.


Vetiver Oil

Vetiver: A 2015 study published in the journal Natural Product Research found that inhaling vetiver essential oil reduced anxiety and improved mood in participants. Vetiver essential oil has an earthy, woody scent that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is also believed to have a grounding effect on the mind and body.


Bergamot Oil

Bergamot: A 2015 study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research found that inhaling bergamot essential oil reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients waiting for minor surgery. Bergamot essential oil has a fresh, citrusy scent that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also believed to have mood-lifting properties.



clary sage oil

Clary Sage: A 2014 study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research found that inhaling clary sage essential oil reduced cortisol levels and improved thyroid hormone levels in women undergoing a stressful medical test. Clary sage essential oil has a sweet, herbaceous scent that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is also believed to have mood-lifting properties.


Jasmine Oil

Jasmine: A 2013 study published in the Journal of Health Research found that inhaling jasmine essential oil reduced heart rate and increased feelings of relaxation in healthy adults. Jasmine essential oil has a sweet, floral scent that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also believed to have mood-lifting properties.


sandalwood oil

Sandalwood: A 2014 study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that inhaling sandalwood essential oil reduced anxiety and improved mood in participants. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that inhaling sandalwood essential oil reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality in patients with dementia. Sandalwood essential oil has a warm, woody scent that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is also believed to have a grounding effect on the mind and body.


Neroli Oil

Neroli: A 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that inhaling Neroli essential oil reduced stress and improved mood in women undergoing menopause. Neroli essential oil has a sweet, floral scent that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also believed to have mood-lifting properties.


Patchouli oil

Patchouli: A 2019 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that inhaling patchouli essential oil reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients with chronic pain. Patchouli essential oil has a musky, earthy scent that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is also believed to have a grounding effect on the mind and body.



peppermint oil

Peppermint: A 2013 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that inhaling peppermint essential oil reduced perceived effort during exercise and improved exercise performance in healthy adults. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science found that inhaling peppermint essential oil reduced anxiety and improved cognitive function in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Peppermint essential oil has a fresh, minty scent that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is also believed to have a cooling effect on the mind and body.


lemon balm oil

Lemon Balm: A 2014 study published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment found that inhaling lemon balm essential oil reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. Lemon balm essential oil has a fresh, lemony scent that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body.


geranium oil

Geranium: A 2017 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that inhaling geranium essential oil reduced anxiety and improved mood in women undergoing breast biopsy. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion found that inhaling geranium essential oil reduced anxiety and improved quality of life in women with premenstrual syndrome. The geranium essential oil has a floral, herbaceous scent that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is also believed to have mood-lifting properties.