Evidence supporting the use of: Aroma
For the health condition: Anxiety

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of essential oils from plants, is used to support anxiety based on both traditional practices and growing scientific evidence. Historically, cultures worldwide have used aromatic plants such as lavender, chamomile, and bergamot to promote relaxation and reduce stress. More recently, scientific studies have examined these claims. For example, several randomized controlled trials have found that inhalation or topical application of certain essential oils, particularly lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), can reduce symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety in various settings, such as dental offices, preoperative rooms, and among people with generalized anxiety.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that while the effects are generally modest, they are statistically significant compared to placebo. The proposed mechanisms include modulation of the limbic system via olfactory pathways, leading to changes in neurotransmitter activity associated with mood regulation. However, the quality of evidence varies, with many studies having small sample sizes, short durations, or methodological limitations. Aromatherapy is generally considered safe when used as directed, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation.

In summary, while tradition has long supported the use of aroma for anxiety, there is now moderate scientific evidence—particularly for certain essential oils like lavender—supporting its effectiveness as a complementary approach for anxiety reduction. It should not be used as a replacement for conventional therapy in moderate to severe cases.

More about Aroma
More about Anxiety

Other ingredients used for Anxiety

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
alpha-pinene
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
bupleurum falcatum
California poppy
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
citrus oil
clove
cordyceps
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fennel
gardenia
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
guayusa
hemp oil
hops
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-glycine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
maca
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
mint
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phellodendron amurense
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhizome
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
zinc
squawvine
catnip
gastrodia
cardamom
shen-chu
mugwort
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
silk tree
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
menthol oil
St. John's Wort
wood betony
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
cocoa
soursop
geranium
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Ash
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Agrimony
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Aconite
Agmatine
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Asteracea
Aniracetam
Amor seco
Betony
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Balsam
Bayleaf
Bacopin
Baicalein
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bee products
Bombax
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bupleurum
bacoside
Baicalin
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Common Monkey Flower
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Chinese Raisintree
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Curcuma
Catuaba
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Clostridium butyricum
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Clerodendrum indicum
Canscora
Cannabigerol
Dodeca-2E, 4E-Dienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Dragonhead
Erythrina
Essential Oil Blend
Eugenol
Fragrant Rosewood
Ficus religiosa
Fatty acids
Gelsemium
Ginsenosides
Griffonia simplicifolia
Glycine
Gardenia jasminoides
Gastrodin
jasmine
Lotus
Mimosa
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
yohimbine

Products containing Aroma

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.