Essential Oils for Mood and Energy: What the Evidence Says

Some people find that scents like lemon, sweet orange, peppermint or lavender make them feel brighter or calmer, but the scientific evidence is limited and mixed. Most studies are small, and results vary. Essential oils can be a pleasant addition to a self-care routine when used safely, yet they are not a treatment for depression, anxiety or fatigue.

Key takeaways

  • Evidence is modest: the U.S. National Cancer Institute describes aromatherapy research as mixed, with many small trials.
  • Expectation and enjoyment play a role: a scent you like may lift your mood partly because you like it.
  • Inhalation is the simplest route: a diffuser used briefly or a few drops on a tissue.
  • Never swallow essential oils: poison centers report serious harm from ingestion, especially in children.
  • Take extra care around pets, babies, children, during pregnancy and if you have asthma.

What does the research actually show?

Aromatherapy uses concentrated plant oils that are inhaled or diluted and applied to the skin. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) summary of aromatherapy research describes the findings as mixed: some studies reported improvements in mood, anxiety, sleep, nausea or pain, while others found no change. Most of the trials were small, and results varied by oil, symptom and group of people studied.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes one study in stressed volunteers in which lemon scent improved mood, but neither lemon nor lavender changed stress markers, immune markers or pain. NCCIH also notes that little rigorous research has been done in several areas where aromatherapy is popular.

A big challenge is that smell is hard to "blind." People know what they are smelling and often expect a certain effect, which makes it difficult to separate the oil's chemistry from expectation, relaxation and simply enjoying a pleasant moment. That does not make the experience worthless. It does mean that honest claims should be modest.

Regulation also matters. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration explains that a product's intended use decides how it is regulated: an oil sold only for fragrance is treated as a cosmetic, while a product that claims to ease anxiety or help sleep is regulated as a drug. Be wary of labels that promise to treat mood disorders.

Which essential oils are linked to mood and energy?

The oils below are the ones people most often reach for. The "what people report" column reflects common use, not proven effects.

OilWhat people commonly use it forSafety notes
Lemon, sweet orange, grapefruit, bergamotA fresh, uplifting scent; feeling more cheerfulSome citrus oils can make skin more sensitive to sunlight if applied before sun exposure
PeppermintFeeling more alert during a mid-afternoon slumpCan irritate skin and eyes; keep away from the faces of babies and young children
RosemaryFeeling focused while working or studyingStrong scent; use sparingly, and check with a clinician if you have epilepsy or are pregnant
LavenderWinding down, easing tension in the eveningCan irritate skin; NCI notes possible hormone-like effects with long-term topical use
EucalyptusA clean, "clear-headed" feelingPoison Control warns that swallowing it can cause seizures; keep away from children
Frankincense, ylang ylangA sense of calm or a mood "reset"Skin sensitivity is possible; patch test if applying diluted oil

For a closer look at one of the most popular calming oils, read our article on lavender essential oil uses and tips.

How can you use essential oils for an energy or mood boost?

Inhalation

  • Tissue or cotton pad: one or two drops, sniffed for a few breaths, is the most controlled method.
  • Diffuser: run it for short periods in a well-ventilated room rather than all day, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
  • Personal inhaler: handy at work, since it does not scent the whole room for other people.

On the skin

Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted in a carrier oil before touching skin. The NCI notes that allergic reactions and skin irritation can occur, especially with prolonged contact. Follow the dilution guidance on the product, start low, do a small patch test, and avoid broken or irritated skin. Stop if redness, itching or a rash develops.

Pair scent with habits that work

A scent can act as a cue. Pairing a citrus aroma with a short walk, a glass of water and a few deep breaths during a slump may help more than the oil alone. If low energy is frequent, food and routine often matter more: our article on everyday foods that drain your energy is a useful starting point.

Essential oil safety: what you must know

Do not swallow essential oils

Poison Control warns that swallowing essential oils can be poisonous and that inhaling liquid oil into the lungs can cause pneumonia. Even small amounts of some oils, such as camphor, wintergreen, eucalyptus and sage, have caused seizures or other serious harm. Do not add oils to drinking water or food unless a qualified clinician has advised it. If someone swallows an essential oil, contact a poison center right away, or emergency services if they are drowsy, having a seizure or struggling to breathe.

Children and babies

Poison Control notes that children have thinner skin and immature livers, which may make them more vulnerable. Store oils locked up and out of sight and reach, and keep reed diffusers away from little hands. Ask a pediatrician before using oils on or around a baby or young child.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Evidence on safety in pregnancy is limited. Talk to your midwife, doctor or pharmacist before using essential oils on your skin, and favor brief, light inhalation in a ventilated room if you use them at all.

Pets

Many animals, and cats in particular, can be sensitive to essential oils, whether licked from fur, absorbed through skin or inhaled from a diffuser. Keep oils and diffusers away from pets, make sure they can leave a scented room, and ask your veterinarian before using oils in a home with animals.

Asthma, allergies and medical conditions

Strong scents can trigger asthma or headaches in some people. If you have a respiratory condition, epilepsy, are taking medicines or have very sensitive skin, check with a clinician first.

When should you see a doctor about low mood or energy?

Feeling flat now and then is normal. Talk to a doctor if low mood, loss of interest, poor sleep or exhaustion last more than two weeks, affect work or relationships, or come with weight changes or shortness of breath. Persistent tiredness can have medical causes, such as anemia or thyroid problems, that a scent cannot fix. If you are struggling with anxiety, our article on proven strategies to calm nerves and our guide to emotional wellness share approaches with stronger evidence. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, contact emergency services or a crisis line immediately.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best essential oil for energy?

There is no proven "best" oil for energy. Peppermint, rosemary and citrus scents are the ones people most often describe as refreshing, but studies are small and mixed. Choose a scent you genuinely enjoy, use it briefly by inhalation, and pair it with habits that reliably help, like daylight, movement, hydration and regular sleep.

Can essential oils treat depression or anxiety?

No. Research summaries from the National Cancer Institute and NCCIH describe limited and inconsistent evidence, and essential oils are not a substitute for medical care. Some people find a pleasant scent relaxing, which is fine alongside proper support. If low mood or anxiety persists, speak with a doctor or mental health professional about evidence-based treatment.

Is it safe to diffuse essential oils around children and pets?

Use caution. Children and many animals, especially cats, can be more sensitive to essential oils. Diffuse only briefly in a ventilated room, keep the device out of reach, and let pets leave the area. Ask a pediatrician or veterinarian first, and never let children handle the bottles, since swallowing oils can be dangerous.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice.

Last reviewed: October 2026.

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