Lavender, Rose, and Bergamot: Study Suggests Aromatherapy May Help Reduce Anxiety in Women

‍Essential Oils and Women’s Mental Health: What Science Says

A growing body of research suggests that aromatherapy may offer a simple and low-cost tool for supporting women’s mental health. A recent narrative review analyzed clinical studies exploring how essential oils influence anxiety, depression, and stress across different stages of a woman’s life.  

Researchers examined studies published between 2000 and 2025, ultimately analyzing 47 clinical trials investigating aromatherapy interventions. The findings suggest that certain essential oils may positively influence mood, emotional regulation, and physiological stress responses.  

Why Women’s Mental Health Needs Special Attention

Women experience unique biological and hormonal transitions—from menstruation and pregnancy to postpartum recovery and menopause—that can significantly affect emotional wellbeing.

These phases are often associated with increased risk of:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic stress

Because some medications may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, many women look for non-pharmacological alternatives such as aromatherapy.  

How Aromatherapy Affects the Brain

The science behind aromatherapy lies in the olfactory system, which has direct connections to the brain’s emotional centers.

When aromatic molecules are inhaled:

1. Odor receptors in the nose detect the scent
2. Signals travel to the limbic system
3. Brain regions linked to emotion and memory respond

These areas—including the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus—play key roles in stress and mood regulation.  

As a result, certain scents can quickly influence emotional states and physiological responses.

Physiological Effects Observed in Studies

Clinical studies have reported several measurable changes after aromatherapy exposure:

• Reduced cortisol levels (stress hormone)
• Lower heart rate and blood pressure
• Improved heart-rate variability, a marker of stress resilience
• Better sleep quality
• Reduced subjective stress and anxiety scores  

These physiological changes suggest aromatherapy may affect both emotional perception and biological stress systems.

Essential Oils with the Strongest Evidence

The review identified several oils that appear most promising for mental health support in women.

Lavender

One of the most studied essential oils.

Reported benefits include:

• Reduced anxiety before medical procedures
• Improved sleep in postpartum women
• Lower stress markers such as cortisol  

Bergamot

Studies suggest bergamot inhalation can:

• Reduce stress hormones
• Improve positive mood
• Lower anxiety levels in clinical settings  

Rose Oil

Evidence indicates rose essential oil may help:

• Reduce anxiety in hospital settings
• Improve mood during postpartum recovery
• Ease menstrual-related emotional symptoms  

Ylang-Ylang

This oil has been associated with:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced cortisol levels
• Improved emotional relaxation  

Chamomile and Clary Sage

These oils may support emotional balance, particularly during premenstrual symptoms or menopause, although evidence remains more limited.  

How Aromatherapy Is Typically Used

Common delivery methods include:

Inhalation

• Diffusers
• Aromatherapy inhalers

Massage

• Essential oils diluted in carrier oils

Bath therapy

• Oils dispersed in warm water

Typical clinical protocols use 1–3 drops per session, often repeated several times per day.  

Why This Matters for GeneFit Readers

Mental health responses to stress are influenced by a complex interaction of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors. Aromatherapy represents a lifestyle-based intervention that may complement personalized health strategies, including those informed by genetic testing.

For GeneFit readers, this research highlights how integrative approaches—combining genetics, behavioral strategies, and environmental factors like scent—could help optimize stress resilience and emotional wellbeing. Understanding individual biological differences may ultimately help determine who benefits most from interventions such as aromatherapy.

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Reference

Diogo Gonçalves, S., Esteves, V., Matos, R. S., & Caramelo, A. (2026). Aromatherapy in women’s mental health: A narrative review on anxiety, depression, and stress management. Women, 6(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/women6010011