Stress Management Management Techniques Relaxation Aromatherapy Scents for Stress Relief By Elizabeth Scott, MS Elizabeth Scott, MS Twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of "8 Keys to Stress Management." Learn about our editorial process Fact checked by Adah Chung Fact checked by Adah Chung on June 26, 2020 LinkedIn Adah Chung is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and occupational therapist. Learn about our editorial process on June 26, 2020 Print JGI/Tom Grill Blend Images/Getty Images Aromatherapy has been shown to carry many benefits in terms of wellness and stress relief. A lavender sachet next to your bed or the smell of a scented candle can do wonders for relieving stress and help you unwind from your day. Studies have shown that aromatherapy does indeed have an effect on brainwaves and can alter behavior. Not all scents are created equal, nor do they affect human physiology and behavior in the same ways. Rosemary, lavender and the other scents listed below are the most popular aromatherapy scents used for stress relief. Within each description, look at their effects and suggestions on how to make the most of them, so you can match the right scent with your aromatherapy needs. Rosemary Rosemary is associated with feelings of contentment. It’s been shown to have positive effects on performance and mood. Rosemary has also demonstrated the ability to reduce cortisol levels. This means that rosemary aromatherapy can be a good choice for de-stressing during the day when there is still work to be done. Does Rosemary Actually Improve Your Memory and Cognition? Lavender Lavender is associated with feelings of contentment, improved cognitive performance (some measures), and mood. It has also shown other mild sedative and calming effects. Lavender has been shown to reduce cortisol levels. It can soothe babies and new mothers alike and promote positive mother-infant interactions. Lavender is often used to promote sleep in infants and deep sleep in men and women. This can be a great choice for anyone trying to relax for sleep or feel more calm and relaxed during the day. The Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil Peppermint Peppermint aromatherapy has been found to increase memory and alertness. It can provide a great pick-me-up for too-tired and too-busy people, stressed students, and the overworked. Ylang-Ylang Ylang-ylang has actually been found to decrease alertness, slightly lengthen processing speed, and impair memory. It has also been found to promote calmness and reduce stress, making it a good option for unwinding and de-stressing at the end of a long day. How to Use Aromatherapy Oils for Stress Relief Lemon Some research has shown that lemon oil may possess anti-depressant-type effects. It is a good choice for stress relief and mood enhancement as well. How to Use Aromatherapy Oils for Stress Relief Benefits of Other Scents If there’s a scent that you like that isn’t on this list, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it can’t be useful for stress relief. The simple fact that it’s pleasing to you can put you in a different mood, so why not conduct your own research? If it seems to work for you, then by all means, use it. If you find that its effects are not what you’d hoped for, there are plenty of other scents available. There are many scents that have been proven effective for relaxation, mood enhancement, alertness, deeper relaxation, and sleep, so you have many options from which to choose! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Struggling with stress? Our guide offers expert advice on how to better manage stress levels. Get it FREE when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Cancer Institute. Aromatherapy With Essential Oils (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. Updated October 25, 2019. Sowndhararajan K, Kim S. Influence of Fragrances on Human Psychophysiological Activity: With Special Reference to Human Electroencephalographic Response. Sci Pharm. 2016;84(4):724-751. doi:10.3390/scipharm84040724 Sayorwan W, Ruangrungsi N, Piriyapunyporn T, Hongratanaworakit T, Kotchabhakdi N, Siripornpanich V. Effects of Inhaled Rosemary Oil on Subjective Feelings and Activities of the Nervous System. Sci Pharm. 2013;81(2):531-542. doi:10.3797/scipharm.1209-05 Boehm K, Büssing A, Ostermann T. Aromatherapy as an Adjuvant Treatment in Cancer Care--A Descriptive Systematic Review. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2012;9(4):503-518. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v9i4.7 Meamarbashi A. Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014;4(1):72-78. Tan LT, Lee LH, Yin WF, et al. Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:896314. doi:10.1155/2015/896314 de Sousa DP, Silva RHN, Silva EFD, Gavioli EC. Essential Oils and Their Constituents: An Alternative Source for Novel Antidepressants. Molecules. 2017;22(8):1290. doi:10.3390/molecules22081290 Speak to a Therapist for Stress Management Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.