Essential Oils for Depression
Top Essential Oils for Depression: Evidence and Clinical Insights
Essential oils, derived from plants, have gained recognition as complementary treatments for mood disorders, including depression. Leveraging their therapeutic properties, essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, which involves inhalation or topical application. Below, we highlight 10 essential oils backed by clinical case studies and scientific evidence, detailing their impact on depression treatment.
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is one of the most studied essential oils for mood disorders due to its calming properties. A study involving patients with major depression treated with lavender oil capsules (80 mg/day) showed significant improvements in anxiety, sleep, and psychomotor agitation when combined with standard antidepressants.
Research from a case study (as well as others) has also shown that Inhaling lavender essential oil helped relax people.
Lavender oil inhalation reduced depressive symptoms in healthy adults, as measured by mood scales and EEG readings.
Case Study Results: A randomized trial with 40 men inhaling lavender for 3 minutes daily reported enhanced relaxation and mood stability, with reduced cortisol levels and improved cognitive performance.
How to Inhale: Add 3–5 drops of lavender essential oil to a bowl of hot water, lean over it with a towel over your head, and inhale deeply for 5–10 minutes. Alternatively, place a drop on your pillow before sleep.
2. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Bergamot oil demonstrates rapid stress and mood alleviation. In a 15-minute inhalation study, participants experienced reduced cortisol levels, slower heart rates, and improved mood. Another trial using bergamot inhalation for depression revealed significant decreases in blood pressure and heart rates, underscoring its anxiolytic and antidepressant potential.
How to Inhale: Add 2–3 drops of bergamot oil to a diffuser. Let the aroma fill the room for 15–20 minutes, or inhale directly from the bottle for a quick uplift.
3. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
This essential oil is rich in mood-enhancing compounds such as citral and citronellal. Inhalation of lemon balm significantly improved symptoms of depression in clinical studies, with participants reporting less "brain fog" and anxiety. Its effects were consistent across multiple trials, although further research is needed for dosage optimization.
How to Inhale: Add 5 drops of lemon balm oil to a diffuser, or mix 2 drops with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and rub onto your temples before inhaling deeply.
4. Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
In menopausal women, clary sage oil inhalation increased serotonin levels and reduced cortisol, key markers of improved mood. Clinical trials also observed reduced depressive symptoms and enhanced stress resilience after short-term exposure.
How to Inhale: Place 3 drops of clary sage oil on a cotton ball or tissue and inhale intermittently for 10 minutes.
5. Rose (Rosa damascena)
A blend of rose and lavender oils alleviated postpartum depression and anxiety in women when applied topically or inhaled. Participants in a four-week study reported lower depression scores (measured by standardized scales), with no adverse effects.
How to Inhale: Place 2–3 drops in a diffuser or add 1 drop to a warm washcloth and hold it close to your face while breathing deeply.
6. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Orange essential oil is known for its uplifting scent. Inhalation studies indicated significant mood enhancement and reductions in depressive symptoms. The mechanism likely involves increased serotonin and dopamine activity in the brain.
How to Inhale: Place 5 drops of sweet orange oil in a diffuser, or mix with a carrier oil and apply to wrists for aromatic benefits.
7. Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata)
This oil is particularly effective for reducing both depressive symptoms and hypertension. A controlled trial showed that participants who inhaled ylang-ylang daily experienced lower stress levels and improved mood scores after two weeks.
How to Inhale: Mix 2 drops of ylang-ylang oil with 5 ml of carrier oil, apply to the wrists, and inhale deeply.
8. Frankincense (Boswellia spp.)
Frankincense's grounding aroma has been shown to enhance emotional balance. A pilot study combining frankincense and lavender found improvements in mood stability and reduced depressive symptoms in patients undergoing cancer treatments.
How to Inhale: Add 3–4 drops to a diffuser or directly inhale from the bottle for 1–2 minutes.
9. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Known for its stimulating effects, jasmine oil was found to reduce depressive symptoms and fatigue in a study involving patients with chronic stress. Its uplifting properties make it particularly effective for mild to moderate depression.
How to Inhale: Place 3 drops on a tissue and hold it under your nose for 30–60 seconds.
10. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
Patchouli oil has demonstrated sedative effects that help manage stress and depressive symptoms. Clinical trials showed reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality, indirectly aiding in the alleviation of depression.
How to Inhale: Add 4–5 drops to a diffuser or mix 1 drop with a carrier oil for a calming chest rub.
Safety Precautions
Always consult your doctor first before applying essential oils for depression.
Make sure to get 100% pure essential oils.
Resources
Johns Hopkins Medicine on Aromatherapy
PubMed Essential Oils Research
Frontiers in Pharmacology and Medicine