The Best, Evidence-Based Essential Oils for Depression

Last updated August 14, 2024.
Edited and medically reviewed by Patrick Alban, DC. Written by Deane Alban.

Research confirms that essential oils are a viable treatment option for depression. They’re also safe, inexpensive, and pleasant to use.

How Essential Oils Work for Depression

Now let’s take a look at how essential oils are thought to work in the brain to help with depression.

There is a connection between the sense of smell and other brain functions.

Smells travel as chemical messages via sense receptors and the olfactory nerve to the limbic area of the brain, and particularly to the amygdala and the hippocampus.

These are the areas of the brain associated with emotions, mood, pain, pleasure, and also with memories.

Research conducted at Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, similarly found that essential oils can relieve anxiety and promote sleep.

Researchers also discovered that essential oils can increase levels of the calming neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). 

Anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan work by enhancing the activity of GABA, the brain chemical of relaxation.

" A report in the Journal of Biological Chemistry examined the impact of hundreds of fragrances on the brain and found gardenia essential oil to be as good as Valium at calming the nerves, with none of the side effects. 

Sweet smells have been shown to reduce pain by activating the opioid receptors in the brain.

It’s been found that the molecules in essential oils are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier.

And once they enter the brain’s limbic system, they can have a direct impact on mood.

There is such a strong connection between smell and emotions that people who lose their sense of smell often develop depression. 

Conversely, people who are depressed may have low sensitivity to smells.

Key Research Findings on Essential Oils for Depression

There have been many studies conducted on the efficacy of essential oils for depression.

Here are some of the most notable ones.

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

In research that sought to find a natural alternative to benzodiazepines for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), lavender oil capsules were found to be as effective as the anti-anxiety drug Ativan, and without the sedative and dependency side effects.

Lavender oil is particularly good for panic attacks and general nervousness.

It’s been found specifically helpful for postpartum depression and for the restlessness, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances that accompany post-traumatic stress disorder. 

One way lavender oil seems to work is by increasing both theta and alpha brainwave activity. 

Lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be applied without dilution, so you can rub it directly onto your skin.

Lavender has been found to penetrate into the bloodstream within minutes, with blood levels peaking in about 20 minutes.

You can diffuse the oil at night or use a sachet under your pillow to improve sleep and reduce worrying thoughts.

Citrus Essential Oils

Citrus-based essential oils are said to invigorate the senses, reduce mental exhaustion and fatigue, and elevate low moods.

These oils are best used in diffusers.

Of all the citrus essential oils, bergamot, a type of orange, is a standout.

You may be familiar with it as the “secret” ingredient in Earl Grey tea.

One study found that bergamot works as well as Valium by reducing cortisol.

A clinical trial confirmed the therapeutic effects of a blend of bergamot and lavender. 

This combination lowered blood pressure, decreased pulse rate, and induced feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Similar results were found with the transdermal absorption of ylang-ylang essential oil. 

A word of caution: If you apply a citrus-based oil topically, don’t expose that area of your skin directly to the sun.

Citrus essential oils are known to increase photosensitivity in some people.

Clary Sage Essential Oil (Salvia sclarea)

Depression and anxiety are linked to both low levels of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Clary sage essential oil treats depression on both fronts by significantly increasing serotonin while decreasing cortisol. 

A study of menopausal women found that clary sage oil had impressive antidepressant properties. 

Clary sage oil is said to promote feelings of hopefulness and confidence.

Another study compared the antidepressant effects of clary sage, chamomile, rosemary, and lavender. 

Clary sage was found to have the strongest antidepressant effects due to its ability to modify dopamine pathways in the brain.

The head of the research team, Professor Hanns Hatt, PhD, enthused that they had found “a new class of GABA receptor modulator” and that the study results “can be seen as a scientific basis for aromatherapy.”

Confusingly, one common name for Gardenia jasminoides is cape jasmine, but look for gardenia essential oil rather than jasmine since they are not the same plant.

You’ll like the price better too, since true jasmine essential oil is very expensive.  

Tips for Using Essential Oils for Depression

Essential oils are derived from nature, but they are still powerful!

If you are taking any medication, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using essential oils.

Remember that essential oils are extremely concentrated — it takes a whopping 250 pounds of lavender flowers to make one pound of lavender essential oil. 

So, before using any essential oil topically, do a skin test on the inside of your arm to be sure you are not reactive.

If you are going to apply an essential oil topically, it is generally recommended to dilute it in a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, apricot kernel, or almond oil.

If you are new to using essential oils, I recommend that you check out the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy’s safety information.

Buy Quality Essential Oils

To get the health benefits you want, make sure to buy the genuine article.

If the product says “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil,” it is probably synthetic or contains additives.

Even the terms “therapeutic grade” or “aromatherapy grade” are unreliable.

While they might be used by reputable manufacturers to indicate high quality, there is, in fact, no formally approved grading standard for essential oils.

On the label, look for “100% essential oil” or “pure essential oil” and for the correct name of the plant species, eg, Lavandula angustifolia, for lavender.

Other indicators of good quality are that the plants have been grown organically and that the oil was distilled or mechanically pressed without the use of chemicals.

In some cases, essential oils can be taken orally.

In these cases, make sure that the oil is “food grade.”

Note: While aromatherapy can be a useful adjunctive therapy, it is not intended to replace standard medical care. Talk to your doctor before changing your dosage or discontinuing any medications you currently take.