How Aromatherapy Affects Your Brain & Mood: The Science

July 9, 2025

Introduction

Aromatherapy has become more than just a wellness trend — it’s now a widely used tool for promoting emotional wellbeing, stress relief, and focus. From the calming scent of lavender to the energising aroma of peppermint, many people swear by essential oils to help them feel more balanced. But how does it actually work?

The answer lies in the science of scent and the way it interacts with your brain. When you inhale essential oils, you're not just smelling something pleasant — you're triggering complex responses in your nervous system that may influence mood, memory, and even stress levels.

In this post, we’ll explore how your brain processes aroma, how certain essential oils have been shown to affect emotions, and which oils may help support calm, clarity, and positivity. We’ll also walk through the safest ways to use aromatherapy and what current research tells us — with product tips woven in along the way.

What Is Aromatherapy, and How Does It Work?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural plant extracts — typically essential oils — to promote physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. While the term often brings to mind relaxing spa scents, there’s real science behind how it works.

When you breathe in the scent of an essential oil, the aroma molecules travel through your nose and stimulate your olfactory system — the sensory system responsible for smell. These molecules reach your olfactory bulb, located at the top of your nasal cavity, which then sends signals to key areas of the brain.

One of the most important of these areas is the limbic system, often called the "emotional brain." It includes the:

Amygdala – involved in emotional processing and fear response
Hippocampus – linked to memory and learning
Hypothalamus – helps regulate hormones and the stress response

Because the limbic system plays such a central role in emotions, memories, and mood regulation, scent can have a surprisingly powerful influence — often more direct than sight or sound.

Inhaling certain essential oils may help promote feelings of calm, happiness, alertness, or comfort. These effects aren’t just psychological — in some cases, scent can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin or GABA, which are associated with mood balance and relaxation.

This connection between scent and emotional response is why aromatherapy can be a useful, natural way to support your mental wellbeing.

Can Essential Oils Really Influence Your Mood?

It might sound too good to be true, but growing research suggests that scent can indeed influence how we feel — at least to some extent. When you inhale the aroma of an essential oil, you're not just smelling something pleasant; you're activating key areas of the brain responsible for emotions, memory, and stress regulation.

Studies show that certain essential oils may help promote calm, lift mood, or improve focus through their effects on the limbic system — the part of the brain that processes feelings and memories. For example:

Lavender Essential Oil has been shown in clinical studies to reduce feelings of anxiety and support more restful sleep, likely through its interaction with calming neurotransmitters like GABA.
Bergamot Essential Oil, a citrus oil with a light floral twist, is believed to support the release of serotonin and dopamine — both linked to elevated mood.
Peppermint Essential Oil may stimulate alertness and mental clarity, helping sharpen focus during work or study.
Orange Essential Oil has a cheerful, energising scent that may help calm nerves while lifting your overall outlook.

Of course, the impact of scent can vary from person to person. Scent preferences are deeply personal — what soothes one individual may overstimulate another. That’s why experts tend to use cautious language such as:

“May help reduce stress”
“Has been shown to promote a sense of calm”
“Is believed to influence emotional balance”

It's also worth remembering that while aromatherapy can complement mental wellness routines, it’s not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. For those looking to gently support their emotional state throughout the day, essential oils can be a simple, natural tool — whether through diffusion, topical roll-ons, or soothing pillow sprays.

You’ll find all the oils mentioned above in our Essential Oils Collection, alongside targeted blends designed specifically for mood and focus — such as the Anxiety Blend, Focus Blend, and Relax & Unwind.

Brain-Boosting & Mood-Lifting Essential Oils (with Research Support)

Essential oils are more than just pleasant scents — many of them contain naturally occurring compounds that interact with the nervous system in fascinating ways. Below, we explore some of the most researched oils for their potential impact on mood, focus, and emotional balance.

Each oil listed has been carefully studied and is widely used in aromatherapy for its unique psychological or neurological effects.

Lavender – For Calm & Sleep

One of the most well-studied essential oils, lavender has been shown to help reduce anxiety, ease nervous tension, and improve sleep quality. It’s believed to work by interacting with the GABA system in the brain, which helps calm neural activity.

Try it on its own with our Lavender Essential Oil,
Or as part of our relaxing Sweet Dreams Blend or Lavender Pillow Spray for a soothing bedtime routine.

Bergamot – For Uplifted Mood

A bright, citrusy oil with subtle floral notes, bergamot is often used to lift mood and ease emotional stress. It may influence the serotonin and dopamine pathways in the brain, both of which are associated with feelings of happiness and motivation.

Uplift your mood with our Bergamot Essential Oil,
Or try it blended with Ylang Ylang in the Feel Good Blend for an all-round pick-me-up.

Peppermint – For Focus & Energy

Known for its cooling and refreshing aroma, peppermint oil is thought to stimulate the mind and enhance alertness. Some studies suggest it may help improve concentration and reduce mental fatigue.

Use Peppermint Essential Oil in your diffuser while working,
Or explore our Focus Blend for a ready-made formula to help keep you sharp.

Clary Sage – For Stress & Emotional Balance

This earthy, herbaceous oil is popular for its calming and grounding properties, especially in emotional support during hormonal changes or high-stress moments. It may help regulate cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.

Find it in our Pure Clary Sage Essential Oil for diffusion or topical use.

Rosemary – For Mental Clarity

Rosemary is traditionally associated with memory and concentration. Some small studies have found that inhaling rosemary oil may help enhance cognitive performance and mental energy.

Use Rosemary Essential Oil in the morning or during study sessions,
Or find it blended into our focus-supporting Focus Life Oil.

Orange – For a Bright Boost

Zesty and cheerful, orange oil is known for its relaxing yet uplifting scent. It may help reduce tension while gently improving overall mood and optimism.

Try our Orange Essential Oil in a diffuser,
Or look for it in blends like Feel Good or Relax & Unwind.

Ylang Ylang – For Easing Tension

This deeply floral oil has been used to reduce stress and promote emotional balance. It may have mild sedative properties and is often chosen to ease nervous tension.

Use our Ylang Ylang Essential Oil in the evening or during meditation,
Or enjoy its calming synergy in the Anxiety Blend or Anxiety Pillow Spray.

lavender pure essential oil 10ml bottle from aroma energy

How to Use Aromatherapy Safely and Effectively

Essential oils are powerful — a few drops can go a long way. But to get the most benefit without irritation or risk, it’s important to use them thoughtfully. Here’s how to safely and effectively enjoy aromatherapy as part of your daily routine.

1. Inhalation (Best for Emotional and Mood Support)

Inhaling essential oils is the most direct way to target the brain’s emotional centres. When you breathe in an aroma, scent molecules quickly reach the olfactory bulb, which signals parts of the limbic system — the brain’s emotional core.

Methods of inhalation:

Diffusers – Add a few drops of oil to water and let it disperse gently into the air. Perfect for your home, office, or bedtime routine.
Pillow sprays – Mist over your pillow to create a calming sleep environment. Try our Lavender Pillow Spray or Anxiety Pillow Spray.
Steam bowls or showers – Add 1–2 drops to a bowl of hot water or shower corner for a quick mood boost.

2. Topical Use (Always Dilute First)

When applied to the skin, essential oils can be absorbed and may offer local or emotional benefits — especially when applied to pulse points or used in massage. However, pure essential oils should never be used neat on the skin.

Best practices:

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or almond oil).
For mood and emotional support, a safe starting dilution is 1% — roughly 1 drop per 5ml of carrier oil.
For convenience, try a pre-diluted option like our Relax & Unwind Roller Ball — perfect for pulse-point application on the go.

3. Blends for Targeted Support

If you’re unsure where to start, blends offer an easy way to experience the benefits of multiple oils working together. Each blend is designed for a specific emotional need.

Some trusted options:

Anxiety Essential Oil Blend – calming support throughout the day
Sweet Dreams Life Oil – bedtime peace
Focus Life Oil – mental clarity
Relax & Unwind – great for post-work decompression
Feel Good Life Oil – a cheerful, uplifting aroma

Important Reminders:

Avoid use around babies, pets, or those with health sensitivities unless directed by a professional.
Perform a patch test before topical use.
Store oils in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

By using essential oils with care and intention, you can enjoy their potential to uplift, relax, and restore — safely and effectively.

rubbing essential oil in the pulse points

What the Research Says: A Quick Summary

While aromatherapy has been used for centuries, modern science is starting to catch up — and many essential oils now have research to support their effects on mood and mental wellbeing. Here's a brief summary of what the current evidence suggests:

🔬 Lavender

Shown to reduce anxiety in multiple clinical trials, especially when used through inhalation.
May work by enhancing GABA activity — the brain’s natural calming chemical.
Often used in hospital or therapeutic settings for relaxation.

Found in our Lavender Essential Oil and Sweet Dreams Life Oil.

🔬 Bergamot

Linked to improved mood and lower stress markers, including reduced cortisol levels.
Used in studies to ease tension in waiting rooms and promote emotional balance.

Key component in the Anxiety Blend and Feel Good Life Oil.

🔬 Peppermint

In small studies, has been associated with improved concentration, alertness, and reaction time.
May help stimulate the central nervous system and boost energy.

Featured in our Peppermint Essential Oil and Focus Life Oil.

🔬 Clary Sage

Believed to support stress reduction and hormonal balance, with calming effects during emotional fluctuations.
Some research suggests it may reduce cortisol and increase serotonin.

Available in Clary Sage Essential Oil.

🔬 Rosemary

Associated with memory enhancement and cognitive stimulation.
One study noted improved accuracy and speed in memory tasks following rosemary oil inhalation.

Found in Rosemary Essential Oil and Focus Life Oil.

🔬 Ylang Ylang & Orange

Both oils have mild sedative and mood-lifting properties.
Ylang Ylang may help with heart rate and blood pressure regulation, while Orange is used in settings to reduce anxiety and brighten mood.

Explore them in the Anxiety Blend, Relax & Unwind, and Feel Good Life Oil.

🧠 Summary:

While more large-scale studies are needed, many essential oils show promising early results in supporting emotional balance, reducing stress, and boosting clarity. Used mindfully, they offer a gentle, natural tool to support mental wellness alongside healthy lifestyle habits.

Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Oil for Your Mood

Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide to help you pick an essential oil or blend based on how you’re feeling — or how you want to feel. These oils can be used in a diffuser, added to a spray, or applied topically (always diluted).

😌 Feeling Stressed or Anxious?

Choose oils that may help calm the nervous system and promote emotional balance:

Lavender Essential Oil – gentle and soothing
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – deeply floral and grounding
Anxiety Essential Oil Blend – a synergistic mix of relaxing oils
Anxiety Pillow Spray – great for calming your space

🌿 Need Help Focusing or Getting Through Mental Fatigue?

Look for oils that support clarity and alertness:

Peppermint Essential Oil – refreshing and stimulating
Rosemary Essential Oil – linked to memory and cognition
Focus Life Oil – a ready-made blend to help sharpen your mind

😴 Struggling to Wind Down or Sleep?

Soothing oils may help prepare your body and mind for rest:

Sweet Dreams Life Oil – perfect for evening diffusion
Lavender Pillow Spray – simple and effective
Relax & Unwind Life Oil – promotes deep relaxation

😊 Want to Feel Uplifted and Positive?

Citrus and floral oils can help lift your spirits:

Sweet Orange Essential Oil – bright and cheerful
Bergamot Essential Oil – balancing and mood-enhancing
Feel Good Life Oil – a go-to blend for a positive energy boost

👉 For more inspiration, explore our full Essential Oils Collection or browse our popular Aromatherapy Blends to find your perfect match.

aroma energy essential oil range of popular oils

FAQs About Aromatherapy and the Brain

To help clear up common questions, here are some of the most frequently asked queries around aromatherapy, scent, and emotional wellbeing — answered in simple, evidence-informed terms.

Can essential oils really change your mood?

They can influence your mood, yes — especially when inhaled. Certain essential oils, like lavender and bergamot, interact with the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions and memory. While everyone responds differently, many people find that particular oils help them feel calmer, more focused, or emotionally uplifted.

Which essential oils are best for stress and anxiety?

Some of the most popular oils for stress relief include:

Lavender – calming and well-studied
Ylang Ylang – soothing and grounding
Bergamot – uplifting and emotionally balancing
Anxiety Blend – combines several calming oils in one

Do essential oils help with focus and mental clarity?

They can. Oils like Peppermint and Rosemary have been linked to improved alertness and mental clarity in small studies. Blends like the Focus Life Oil combine several concentration-enhancing oils into one easy solution.

Do I need a diffuser to use aromatherapy?

No. While diffusers are great for filling a room with aroma, you can also use:

Pillow sprays
Rollerballs (applied to wrists or temples)
A drop of oil on a tissue, in the bath, or in a steam bowl

Are essential oils safe for kids, pets, or pregnancy?

Some oils may be suitable in very small, well-diluted amounts, but extra caution is needed.

Avoid diffusing oils around pets or babies.
During pregnancy, always consult a medical professional before use.
When in doubt, choose gentler oils like Lavender, and use them in low concentrations.

Final Thoughts

Aromatherapy is more than just a pleasant experience — it's a subtle, science-backed way to support your emotional wellbeing. The sense of smell has a direct line to the brain’s emotional and memory centres, meaning even a brief encounter with the right scent can shift your state of mind.

Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, boost your focus, lift your spirits, or simply create a more relaxing environment, essential oils may offer gentle, natural support. From well-studied classics like Lavender and Peppermint to targeted blends like our Anxiety Blend or Feel Good Life Oil, there’s something to support every mood and moment.

Just remember: aromatherapy is not a cure-all, and it’s not meant to replace professional care. But with thoughtful use and safe practices, it can become a valuable part of your wellbeing toolkit.

Ready to explore? Browse our full Essential Oils Collection or take the next step with our carefully formulated emotional support blends.

References

Lavender and Anxiety: Studies show that inhaling lavender essential oil may significantly reduce anxiety, with benefits observed across multiple clinical trials.
Peppermint and Focus: Research suggests that peppermint oil may enhance alertness, working memory, and reaction time. Additional studies on animal models support its positive effects on brain function (source).
Bergamot and Mood: Inhalation of bergamot essential oil has been linked to reduced stress and cortisol levels, with small trials showing mood-lifting benefits.
How scent affects the brain: Smell signals travel through the olfactory system and directly activate the limbic brain — including the amygdala and hippocampus — which are linked to emotion and memory. Learn more in this Harvard summary.

Looking for Even More Natural Support?

If you’ve enjoyed learning about how scent can influence your mood and wellbeing, you might also be interested in how nutrition plays a role in mental balance, sleep, and cognitive performance.

Our sister brand, VitaLondon, specialises in high-quality vitamins and supplements made for everyday wellness. For those looking to support their mind and mood from the inside out, here are a few helpful reads:

Explore more at VitaLondon.co, where wellbeing is made simple.

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