Scientific research into aromatherapy shows that essential oils can have a significant influence on the central nervous system. Numerous studies confirm the anxiolytic, spasmolytic, and sedative effects of certain ingredients, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, which are found in many plant oils. Lavender oil, for example, contains significant amounts of these substances, which supports its relaxing effect. Similar ratios are found in various citrus oils, which also have mood-enhancing effects.
The effect of the oils is based, among other things, on the length of the carbon chain in the ester-forming acids: short-chain esters such as formates have a mild spasmolytic effect, while esters of longer chains, such as butyric acid, can have a significantly calming and anxiolytic effect. Esters of anthranilic acid also contribute to mental calming—a phenomenon observed in mandarin and other citrus oils, for example.
Current reviews summarize preclinical and clinical studies that document the anxiolytic effect of essential oils. Studies show that aromatherapy in the form of strokes, massages, or inhalations can have significant positive effects on people with anxiety symptoms—without any undesirable side effects. In pilot studies, individual oil blends were also successfully used with family caregivers, with a noticeable reduction in subjective anxiety levels.
Some studies have highlighted specific oils:
• Bergamot oil: Inhaled applications led to a reduction in cortisol levels and contributed to relaxation.
• Orange fragrance: Before surgical procedures, targeted inhalation led to a reduction in blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate.
• Lavender oil: In addition to inhalation, the ingestion of enteric-coated lavender oil capsules showed anxiolytic effects comparable to those of conventional sedatives—but without the risk of addiction.
• Rose geranium oil: Aroma massages with diluted rose geranium oil led to a significant reduction in breathing and heart rate as well as a noticeable calming effect.
• Other natural fragrances: Studies have also shown the effectiveness of fennel oil, osmanthus, and other plant oils in reducing stress and anxiety.
In addition to direct applications in aromatherapy, reference is also made to supplementary measures that can help in the current situation. For example, handy disinfectant solutions are recommended, which are given an additional pleasant fragrance and caring properties through the addition of essential oils.
In summary, research shows that the targeted use of essential oils can not only help to alleviate anxiety and stress but also promote general well-being. The combination of sound scientific knowledge and customized formulations offers an interesting approach to finding more inner peace and serenity in challenging times.
Examples of the studies:
• A valuable review paper on the anxiolytic effects of essential oils (in pre-clinical and clinical studies) can be found in:
Zhang N, Yao L. Anxiolytic Effect of Essential Oils and Their Constituents: A Review. J Agric Food Chem. 2019 Dec 18;67(50):13790-13808
• In this randomized controlled trial, 361 patients inhaled natural fragrances before colonoscopy, which was perceived as unpleasant. Osmanthus scent significantly reduced the severity of anxiety, and osmanthus scent and grapefruit scent significantly helped patients with severe anxiety and discomfort.
Hozumi H, Hasegawa S, Tsunenari T, Sanpei N, Arashina Y, Takahashi K, Konnno A, Chida E, Tomimatsu S. Aromatherapies using Osmanthus fragrans oil and grapefruit oil are effective complementary treatments for anxious patients undergoing colonoscopy: A randomized controlled study. Complement Ther Med 2017; 34: 165-169
• In a Japanese-German randomized cross-over study, 41 healthy students were divided into 3 groups:
• The 1st group rested for 15 min,
• The 2nd group rested and inhaled water vapor,
• The 3rd group rested, inhaled water vapor and bergamot oil.
Afterwards, saliva samples were taken to determine the cortisol status. The results in the 3 groups differed significantly from each other (p = 0.003). It was shown that the combined inhalation of bergamot essential oil and water vapor produced positive effects both psychologically and physically within a relatively short period of time; a slight sedation in the healthy subjects was classified as positive.
Watanabe E, Kuchta K, Kimura M, Rauwald HW, Kamei T, Imanishi J. Effects of bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright u. Arn.) essential oil aromatherapy on mood states, parasympathetic nervous system activity, and salivary cortisol levels in 41 healthy females. Forsch Komplementmed 2015; 22: 43-49
• In further studies, Lasea alias Silexan (the name of the preparation), consisting of a special lavender oil that is particularly rich in linalyl acetate, was tested on well over 1000 patients. The small intestine-soluble capsules developed from it had almost the same effect as the widely used benzodiazepam lorazepam—but without the addictive potential. The product, which is available in every German pharmacy, is now often recommended for sleep disorders and mild anxiety.
This now well-studied area of taking enteric-coated capsules with lavender oil is explained in a free review:
Yap WS, Dolzhenko AV, Jalal Z, Hadi MA, Khan TM. Efficacy and safety of lavender essential oil (Silexan) capsules among patients suffering from anxiety disorders: A network meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 2;9(1):18042
It is conceivable that these could at least provide better sleep in the current anxious times and thus stronger nerves during the day.
A paper by the “Lasea scholars” was published last year:
Seifritz E, Schläfke S, Holsboer-Trachsler E. Beneficial effects of Silexan on sleep are mediated by its anxiolytic effect. J Psychiatr Res. 2019 Aug;115:69-74
• In 103 palliative care patients, Roman chamomile in carrier oil (as control only carrier oil) showed a significant reduction in their anxiety after aroma massages:
The conclusion of this work: Massages with or without essential oils seem to reduce the level of anxiety. The addition of an essential oil seems to enhance this effect and improves physical and psychological symptoms as well as quality of life.
Wilkinson S, Aldridge J, Salmon I, Cain E, Wilson B. An evaluation of aromatherapy massage in palliative care. Palliat Med 1999; 13: 409-417
