Aromatherapy has a wide variety of uses, such as aiding in relaxation, providing stress relief, and helping with emotional balance. The aroma of an essential oil stimulates the brain to trigger a reaction and when inhaled the naturally occurring chemicals can supply therapeutic benefit. Essential oils are commonly used through inhalation (diffuser, inhaler, etc.) or application (massage oil, skin cream, etc.).

The smell receptors in your nose communicates with the amygdala and hippocampus in the brain, serving as an area for emotions and memories. Inhaling essential oils can offer mental, emotional and physical benefits by affecting the molecules. Some research believes that molecules from essential oils can also interact in the blood with hormones or enzymes.

Essential Oils for Mood Support

Bergamot, if you like Earl Grey tea, you will enjoy this fragrance. This uplifting scent can lessen stress and anxiety while also helping with depression and improve positive feelings
 
Cedarwood is calming and soothes nervous tension

Chamomile is great when combined with a carrier oil for a massage to calm the nerves and soothe the emotions

Frankincense can be used to unwind after a stressful day and even better when used with Lavender, Orange or Cedarwood by calming the mind and creating a meditative feeling. Also, this oil can help ease irritability and balance emotions

Grapefruit is uplifting and invigorating, and can offer relief from mental fatigue and enhance the mood

Lavender has anxiety-relieving properties that can offer calming and balancing benefits and promote a sense of well-being

Lemon is invigorating with its rich citrus aroma. This oil offers anxiety relief while enhancing the mood and can promote energy & alertness

Lemongrass has shown to immediately reduce anxiety and tension

Neroli has a sweet, citrusy scent that can offer a calming effect to help stop worrying

Orange is uplifting to the mind and body; the citrus properties can alleviate anxiety as well as offer support for a positive mood

Peppermint can increase alertness and improve concentration. This oil is invigorating to mind and can boost energy levels

​Vetiver is calming and balancing. With its sweet, smoky scent this oil can help with alleviating anxiety, depression and panic attacks and offer mood-boosting properties

Ylang Ylang has sedative properties and can be calming and relaxing. With a sweet scent this oil can also help relieve shock and anxiety and may help alleviate anger as well as boost self-esteem.

*Essential oils should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. Applying essential oils to the skin should be diluted into a carrier such as almond oil, coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, etc. Citrus oils are phototoxic and should not be applied to exposed skin if in the sunlight or tanning bed

References
Aromatherapy and the Mind by Julia Lawless
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/648220.Aromatherapy_and_the_Mind

The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia By David & Carol Schiller
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2561563.The_Aromatherapy_Encyclopedia?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=djJw22fC7k&rank=1

Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy by Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1087201.Advanced_Aromatherapy?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Z6IPRNvt13&rank=1



This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Please do not disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website