By Jennifer Campbell — working in aromatherapy retail since 2015. Reviewed and updated July 2026.
Aromatherapy is a complementary wellness practice that uses concentrated plant essential oils to support relaxation and a calmer mood. People have used aromatic plants this way for centuries, and today it's a popular part of everyday self-care — a way to unwind rather than a treatment for any medical condition.
How Aromatherapy Works
Aromatherapy works mainly through your sense of smell. When you inhale an essential oil, scent molecules stimulate receptors in your nose that connect to the limbic system — the part of the brain tied to emotion and memory. That link is why a scent can feel calming or lift your mood.
What the Research Says
Being straight with you: according to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), research on aromatherapy is still limited and the results are mixed. There are encouraging signs for anxiety and mood, but the evidence isn't strong enough to treat aromatherapy as medicine. Enjoy it as part of a wellness routine, and see a healthcare professional for any medical concern. See NCCIH on aromatherapy and lavender.
Calming Oils People Reach For
Lavender is the classic choice for relaxation. Some studies suggest its aroma may have a soothing effect on mood, though the research is still developing (Koulivand et al., 2013). A few drops in a diffuser before bed is a popular way to wind down.
Bergamot has a bright, citrus-floral scent that many people find uplifting and calming at the same time.
Chamomile has long been associated with calm. Many people use it in a bedtime diffuser to help set a relaxing mood before sleep.
Ylang-ylang has a sweet, floral aroma that people often reach for to feel more relaxed and uplifted.
How to Use Aromatherapy
Add a few drops to a diffuser, inhale gently from the bottle, or dilute in a carrier oil for topical use or massage. Always dilute before applying to skin, and patch-test first.
Safety Precautions
- Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to skin, and patch-test first.
- Do not ingest essential oils unless guided by a qualified professional.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take sedative medication, check with your healthcare provider first.
- Keep oils away from children and pets, and choose pure oils from a reputable source.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Aromatherapy.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Lavender: Usefulness and Safety.
- Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Lavender and the Nervous System. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013.