--- title: Feeling Down? Jumpstart Your Mood with Essential Oils description: Feeling down? Especially during difficult times, natural remedies and essential oils can help to lift your spirits. Breathe the scent and relax. image: https://blog.heartmanity.com/hubfs/Lavenders-flowers.-Ontario%2c-Canada%2c-Prince-Edward-Country.-821751490_2125x1416.jpeg --- [![Heartmanity](https://heartmanity.com/wp-content/files/heartmanity-logo-web.png "Heartmanity")](https://heartmanity.com) [Schedule a Conversation](https://heartmanity.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=30172362) [Shop](https://heartmanity-services-products.myshopify.com/) [Join the Community](https://heartmanitycommunity.mn.co/) [Get In Touch](https://heartmanity.com/contact/) - [Home](https://heartmanity.com/) - [Our Focus and Expertise](https://heartmanity.com/our-focus-and-expertise/) - [BrainFitness](https://heartmanity.com/brain-fitness/) - [Emotional Intel](https://heartmanity.com/emotional-intel/) - [Habits for Health](https://heartmanity.com/habits-for-health/) - [Relationship Mastery](https://heartmanity.com/relationship-mastery/) - [About](https://heartmanity.com/about/) - [Individuals](https://heartmanity.com/individuals/) - [No-Nonsense Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/no-nonsense-coaching/) - [Return to Serenity](https://heartmanity.com/return-to-serenity/) - [One-Year Makeover](https://heartmanity.com/one-year-makeover/) - Couples - [Drama-Free Marriage](https://heartmanity.com/drama-free-marriage/) - [Marriage Tune-Up](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#tune-up) - [Couples Mentoring](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#mentoring) - [Premarital Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#coaching) - [Drama-Free Weddings](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#weddings) - Parents - [HeartPrints® Parenting](https://heartmanity.com/heartprints-parenting/) - [Parent Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartprints-resources/#coaching) - [Family Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartprints-resources/#visits) - [WombPrints](https://heartmanity.com/heartprints-parenting/#wombprints) - [Professionals](https://heartmanity.com/professionals/) - [Heartmanity for Business](https://heartmanity.com/business/) - [Heartlead Business](https://heartmanity.com/heartmanity-for-business/) - [MomPreneurs](https://heartmanity.com/mompreneurs/) - [Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/) - [Heartlead Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartlead-resources/) - [Drama-Free Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/) - [HeartPrints® Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartprints-resources/) - [Personal Growth Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/personal-growth-resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.heartmanity.com/) - [Emotional Intelligence & Fitness](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/emotional-intelligence-fitness) - [Leadership and Business](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/leadership-and-business) - [Love, Marriage, and Relationships](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/love-marriage-and-relationships) - [Parents: Permission to Be Imperfect](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/parents-permission-to-be-imperfect) - [Brain Fitness, Mindfulness and Perspective](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/brain-fitness-mindfulness-and-perspective) - [Communication & Interpersonal Skills](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/communication-interpersonal-skills) - [Habits for Health](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/habits-for-health) Heartmanity's Blog Search Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. Topics: Select a topic... All Emotional Intelligence & Fitness Leadership and Business Love, Marriage, and Relationships Parents: Permission to Be Imperfect Brain Fitness, Mindfulness and Perspective Communication & Interpersonal Skills Habits for Health Heartmanity Webinars, Classes, and Events Filters # [*Feeling Down? Jumpstart Your Mood with Essential Oils*](https://blog.heartmanity.com/how-to-jumpstart-your-mood-and-mind-with-scents) You may have heard that smell is a powerful conduit for memory. However, did you know that when you're feeling down, you can uplift your mood with essential oils? It's true. And it's not just hear-say; there are scientific studies that support the positive effects of using scent to alter emotional states.  For good or ill, scent can directly affect your mind and mood. *Estimated reading time: 3 minutes* ![Lavender can be used to soothe your emotions.](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lavenders-flowers.-Ontario%2c-Canada%2c-Prince-Edward-Country.-821751490_2125x1416.jpeg?width=2121&name=Lavenders-flowers.-Ontario%2c-Canada%2c-Prince-Edward-Country.-821751490_2125x1416.jpeg)Heartmanity is proud to partner with outstanding companies that we wholeheartedly recommend so this post may contain affiliate links. This helps keep our content free for you! You can read our [full disclosure here.](https://info.heartmanity.com/privacy-policy) For anyone familiar with essential oils, it may seem obvious, but regardless of your experience, understanding why scents are so powerful is well worth it. The science behind essential oils’ effect on the brain is both an intriguing lesson in neuroscience and might inspire you to use essential oils more frequently and in new ways. ## The Science: Why Scent Works to Uplift Your Mood Scents are full of potential when it comes to influencing your brain...and not just in cases of wanderlust. Scent is a direct pathway to our feelings, which is [backed by science](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-scents-affect-peoples/). The olfactory system is directly linked to the limbic system in the brain, which is the hub of memory and emotion. When you smell a scent, its molecules travel through the lining of your olfactory cavity into your olfactory bulbs. From there, molecules travel to both your olfactory cortex, which identifies the scent, and also to the [limbic system and amygdala](https://blog.heartmanity.com/what-is-mindfulness-and-why-all-of-the-hubbub), where your brain processes feelings, mood, memory, and many hormones. The olfactory system is the only sensory pathway that incorporates the limbic system—hence smell is the most powerful memory booster. A travel blog even recommended wearing one perfume on each vacation, then when you smell the scent, you’ll be transported back to that place. Pretty cool concept, isn't it? Another (more recent) explanation for why essential oils influence our mood and mind has to do with the compounds linalool and sesquiterpenes. Both of these are naturally occurring in many essential oils. Linalool, in studies with dementia patients, has shown promise in improving memory, awareness, and mood. Sesquiterpenes may increase oxygen levels in the brain. More oxygen, as you might guess, is a wonderful thing for mood and learning. If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty science of this, I recommend reading How To Use Essential Oils For Brain Health and this article from [Health Holistic Living.](http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/essential-oils-and-brain-injuries-what-you-are-not-being-told.html) [![SHOP NOW for Essential Oils](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2012781/b8fd45ad-7c73-43e4-88bc-38c837f1adf8.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2012781/b8fd45ad-7c73-43e4-88bc-38c837f1adf8) ## ![Essential oils and herbs for health](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bottle-of-essential-oil-with-herbs-C-515317902_2125x1416.jpeg?width=2121&name=Bottle-of-essential-oil-with-herbs-C-515317902_2125x1416.jpeg)How to Make Essential Oils Work For You Inhale Lavender. Close your eyes. How do you feel? Whether it’s thanks to the amygdala, linalool, or sesquiterpene receptors, the pure scents from essential oils undoubtedly affect both our physical bodies and minds. These oils have naturally high sesquiterpenes, which may increase oxygen to your brain, helping you focus and process feelings: Vetiver, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Melissa, Myrrh, Cedarwood, and Clove. Linalool, which has promising results in memory and behavioral tests, occurs naturally in these oils: Lavender, Clary Sage, Basil, Cilantro, Coriander, Tangerine, Spearmint, Rose, Cypress, Lemon, Cinnamon and Ylang Ylang. These oils have increased alertness, contentment, and calmness in patients, according to a [Yale Scientific report: geranium, lavender, lemon mandarin, ylang ylang, patchouli, peppermint, and rosemary.](http://www.yalescientific.org/2011/11/aromatherapy-exploring-olfaction/) To enhance your practice, [essential oils for meditation, this Organic Aromas blog](https://organicaromas.com/blogs/aromatherapy-and-essential-oils/using-essential-oils-during-meditation) is a good starting point. ### All You Have To Do Is Breathe to Benefit from Essential Oils At my Heartmanity Center, we used lavender in a diffuser during the pandemic, which helped to calm clients as well as lavender has been found to support the immune system and [counteract bacteria](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612361/).  Scent can directly affect your mind, whether you’re aware of it or not. So, the next time you need a mood-booster, why not inhale a little [Lavender](https://blog.heartmanity.com/lavender-essential-oil-10-practical-uses-and-benefits), Clove, Basil, or Rose. See where it takes you. Calm your anxiousness and jumpstart your mood with these natural remedies. For more calming properties of natural remedies and other uses for essential oils, see [*Use Essential Oils to Fight Stress and Anxiety*](https://blog.heartmanity.com/use-essential-oils-to-fight-stress-and-anxiety). And to discover the many uses for lavender, don't miss: Be sure and try whatever oils feel right to you and test their effects yourself. If you'd like to learn more about aromatherapy or to purchase DoTerra click here. [![LEARN MORE about Essential Oils](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2012781/f9a81618-b710-4181-8f16-c39bf64c8803.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2012781/f9a81618-b710-4181-8f16-c39bf64c8803) **\*** None of the statements in this blog have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the above recommendations are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Essential oils are naturally produced substances that can assist the body in its own healing process, but we make no claims whatsoever. Use with moderation and discretion. ### Like the article? Help us spread the word and share it! Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn **![Jennifer A. Williams / Emotional Intelligence Coach](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jennifer%20Williams030.jpg?width=225&name=Jennifer%20Williams030.jpg)[Jennifer A. Williams / Emotional Intelligence Coach](https://blog.heartmanity.com/author/jennifer-a-williams-emotional-intelligence-coach)** Jennifer is the Heartmanity founder and an emotional intelligence expert. She has two decades of EQ experience and is the author of emotional intelligence training and courses. As an emotional fitness coach, Jennifer teaches EQ skills, brain science hacks, and a comprehensive approach that gets results. She is happily married and the mother of three incredible grown children. ### You may also like: ![Why Pleasure Belongs in a Healthy Life—and Why We Often Leave It Out](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cherry%20Park%20pathway%20SM_Compressed.jpg?width=250&height=150&name=Cherry%20Park%20pathway%20SM_Compressed.jpg) [Why Pleasure Belongs in a Healthy Life—and Why We Often Leave It Out](https://blog.heartmanity.com/why-pleasure-belongs-in-a-healthy-life-and-why-we-often-leave-it-out) ![Do Essential Oils Really Work? What Science Says About Aromatherapy](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Woman%20using%20essential%20oils%20SM_Compressed.png?width=250&height=150&name=Woman%20using%20essential%20oils%20SM_Compressed.png) [Do Essential Oils Really Work? What Science Says About Aromatherapy](https://blog.heartmanity.com/do-essential-oils-really-work-what-science-says-about-aromatherapy) ![Holistic Stress Management Strategies: A Compassionate Guide to Building Habits for Health](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A%20woman%20enjoys%20sunlight%20on%20her%20face%20as%20a%20stress%20management%20strategy..jpeg?width=250&height=150&name=A%20woman%20enjoys%20sunlight%20on%20her%20face%20as%20a%20stress%20management%20strategy..jpeg) [Holistic Stress Management Strategies: A Compassionate Guide to Building Habits for Health](https://blog.heartmanity.com/stress-management-strategies) ![Essential Oils to Calm Anxiety and Secure a Balanced Mind](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content-remix/IMAGE-254592-1739294057957.jpeg?width=250&height=150&name=IMAGE-254592-1739294057957.jpeg) [Essential Oils to Calm Anxiety and Secure a Balanced Mind](https://blog.heartmanity.com/essential-oils-for-a-balanced-mind) Posted in [Habits for Health](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/habits-for-health) © Heartmanity 2026 [Back to Blog](https://blog.heartmanity.com) ### Free Newsletter! 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[Sitemap](https://heartmanity.com/sitemap/) | [Privacy Policy](https://info.heartmanity.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "NewsArticle", "author" : [ { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jennifer A. Williams / Emotional Intelligence Coach", "url" : "https://blog.heartmanity.com/author/jennifer-a-williams-emotional-intelligence-coach" } ], "dateModified" : "2024-03-23T17:25:52", "datePublished" : "2017-09-24T03:47:51", "headline" : "Feeling Down? Jumpstart Your Mood with Essential Oils", "image" : [ "http://info.heartmanity.com/hubfs/Lavenders-flowers.-Ontario,-Canada,-Prince-Edward-Country.-821751490_2125x1416.jpeg" ] } ```