Can relieving stress be as simple as inhaling a soothing scent?

That’s the idea behind aromatherapy, an age-old practice that remains popular today.

Aromatherapy is gaining widespread attention, with the global market for essential oils—such as lavender, sweet orange, and cedarwood—expected to grow by billions in the coming years.

1. Improve Sleep Quality

Stress can weigh heavily on both your mind and body, often keeping you awake at night. However, the calming effects of aromatherapy may help ease those worries and improve sleep quality. For instance, studies have shown that lavender aromatherapy reduced stress and enhanced sleep for patients in intensive care units an environment that’s far from relaxing. Those who received aromatherapy also saw a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, which are often elevated by stress.

2. Reduce Anxiety

The thought of going into surgery can cause significant anxiety for many, but aromatherapy may help calm those pre-procedure nerves. A review of 27 studies found that aromatherapy effectively reduced anxiety in patients preparing for various surgeries, from cardiac procedures to minor operations.

Lavender, citrus, and rose oils were the most commonly used, often through inhalation or massage. Aromatherapy has shown great promise in reducing pre-surgery anxiety, and it’s now being used in hospitals for this purpose.

3. Boost Mood and Ease Depression

Aromatherapy, particularly through massage, has been shown to alleviate depression symptoms and boost mood. Some studies also suggest that it can help with postpartum baby blues following childbirth. We’re discovering more about how aromatherapy can be used to address a wide range of physical and emotional needs.

4. How Aromatherapy Works

So, how does a simple scent lead to such significant effects? The key lies in how the brain and nervous system respond to aromatic stimuli. When essential oils are inhaled, tiny molecules enter your nose, where receptors send signals to the brain via the olfactory nerve.

This activates the emotional centers of the brain, triggering a cascade of responses, including hormone release. Aromatherapy directly influences our brain and nervous system, making it a powerful tool for emotional well-being.

5. Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, typically derived from flowers, seeds, stems, leaves, and other plant parts through processes like distillation or cold pressing. Different oils target various conditions, with lavender being a standout for stress and anxiety relief.

Other oils that help combat stress include:

1. Chamomile

2. Clary sage

3. Geranium

4. Bergamot

5. Frankincense

6. Jasmine

7. Laurel

8. Lemon

9. Mandarin

10. Patchouli

6. Safety Tips for Essential Oils

When using essential oils, keep the following safety precautions in mind:

Avoid open flames: Essential oils are flammable, so never use them near an open flame, and be cautious about leaving them in hot environments like a car.

Do not ingest: Essential oils should never be consumed.

Limit exposure around pets and children: Use essential oils carefully in households with pets or young children.

Sun exposure: Avoid applying essential oils to the skin before going outside, as they can cause photosensitivity, increasing the risk of sunburn.