Aromatherapy & Mood: How Essential Oils Can Support Emotional Wellness

In recent years, essential oils have gained popularity not only for their pleasant aromas but also for their potential health benefits. Research indicates that these concentrated plant extracts can significantly impact mood and emotions. Aromatherapy—the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic purposes—is becoming a go-to solution for those seeking natural, gentle ways to support emotional well-being.

But as with anything you’re putting on (or near) your body, quality matters. That’s why I personally love using Simply Earth—an honest, affordable company that provides pure, tested essential oils and makes it easy to bring aromatherapy into your home with confidence.

Essential oils in various glass bottles represent natural mood enhancers.

Understanding Essential Oils

Essential oils are volatile compounds derived from plants, extracted through steam distillation or cold pressing. They carry the unique fragrance and healing essence of the plant itself. Each oil possesses distinct characteristics and offers various benefits. For instance, lavender is renowned for its calming effect, while citrus oils like orange and lemon are uplifting and energizing.

The olfactory system, which processes scent, is closely linked to the brain's emotional centers. When essential oils are inhaled, they stimulate the limbic system—often called the "emotional brain"—leading to shifts in mood, stress levels, and even behavior. This explains why a single whiff of a favorite scent can instantly evoke comfort or joy.

How Essential Oils Affect Mood

The impact of essential oils on emotions is largely due to their chemical makeup. Each oil contains a unique blend of compounds that activate different parts of the brain:

• Limonene (found in citrus oils like lemon and orange): Linked to elevated mood and reduced anxiety. It’s believed to boost serotonin, the “happy” neurotransmitter.

• Linalool (found in lavender): Has calming, sedative properties. Research shows it may lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

• Menthol (in peppermint): Known for its invigorating and mentally clarifying effects.

These oils can be diffused, inhaled directly, or applied topically (always diluted!) to support mood throughout the day.

Need help getting started with blending or choosing oils? Simply Earth makes it easy with thoughtfully curated monthly subscription boxes that include essential oils, recipes, and DIY materials for making everything from rollers to room sprays. It’s a great way to experiment safely and affordably.

An essential oil diffuser disperses calming aromas into the air.

What is the 30/50/20 rule for essential oils?

When creating your own blends, you might come across the 30/50/20 rule, which guides the proportions of oils used:

• 30% Base Oils (Carrier Oils) – These dilute essential oils for safe application. Examples: sweet almond, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil.

• 50% Top Notes – These are the first scents you smell and evaporate quickly. Think citrus oils (lemon, lime) or peppermint.

• 20% Middle Notes – These balance the blend and linger longer. Oils like lavender, geranium, and rosemary fall into this category.

This structure helps you create blends that are not only aromatic but emotionally supportive.

Not sure where to begin? Try a pre-made blend like Simply Earth’s “Happy Joy” essential oil, designed to uplift and energize with a bright, citrusy scent.

A variety of essential oil blends ready for therapeutic use.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Mood Enhancement

Incorporating essential oils into your self-care routine can offer numerous benefits:

• Reduce Stress & Anxiety – Inhaling calming oils like lavender or bergamot may help lower stress hormones and ease anxious thoughts.

• Promote Restful Sleep – Diffusing lavender or chamomile before bed can help you unwind and ease into sleep more naturally.

• Enhance Focus & Mental Clarity – Energizing oils such as peppermint and rosemary can help improve concentration and alertness.

Adding essential oils to a diffuser, bath, or self-massage ritual is a beautiful way to support yourself emotionally, especially on those tough days when you need a little extra grounding or upliftment.

Practical Tips for Using Essential Oils

1. Start Small & Experiment – Everyone reacts differently to scent. Play with a few oils to discover what resonates with your body and mind.

   
   

2. Create Rituals – Use oils during meditation, yoga, or a quiet moment with tea to enhance your experience.

   
   

3. Use High-Quality Oils – Look for oils that are 100% pure, ethically sourced, and third-party tested—like all of those from Simply Earth.

   
   

4. Dilute Wisely – For topical use, always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil. This prevents irritation and allows the benefits to absorb gently.

   
   

5. Be Mindful of Space – Use uplifting blends in your workspace, calming oils in your bedroom, and grounding scents during journaling or emotional reflection.

   
   

Final Thoughts on Essential Oils and Mood

Essential oils are more than lovely aromas—they’re a powerful bridge between the physical body and emotional state. Whether you're diffusing calming blends, creating a mood-enhancing roller, or simply pausing to inhale a scent that brings you joy, aromatherapy offers a natural, nourishing way to support emotional balance.

If you’re new to essential oils or want a simple way to start incorporating them into your wellness rituals, I highly recommend exploring Simply Earth. Their kits are a beautiful balance of education, quality, and affordability—plus, they donate 13% of profits to end human trafficking. That’s a company I’m proud to support.

✨ Enjoy experimenting, blending, and finding what brings your heart peace. Your well-being deserves to be nurtured—naturally and lovingly. ✨