Aromatherapy involves the use of natural plant oils—commonly extracted from flowers, herbs, and trees—as a complementary practice to promote well-being. These essential oils are typically absorbed through inhalation or applied to the skin in a diluted form. Widely used essential oils in aromatherapy include lavender, tea tree, lemon, cedarwood, Roman chamomile, geranium, ginger, and bergamot.

Although aromatherapy is sometimes used to support sleep, especially for those experiencing insomnia, there is currently limited scientific evidence available to determine its overall effectiveness. More thorough research is needed on this subject.

In some cases, aromatherapy is combined with massage therapy to help support relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis-related knee pain or to alleviate discomfort, stress, and other symptoms among individuals with cancer.

One research study focused on the effects of aromatherapy using two different scents—lemon and lavender—on individuals experiencing stress. The findings showed that while lemon had a beneficial impact on mood, neither scent showed measurable effects on physiological stress indicators, immune system markers, or pain reduction.

For More Information

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers resources about the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and topics related to alternative and integrative wellness practices. These include reading materials and tools to explore scientific and medical research databases. Please note, the Clearinghouse does not provide individualized medical care, advice, or referrals to practitioners.

Toll-free number in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1

Email: [email protected]

Know the Science

The NCCIH, along with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provides educational tools to help individuals better understand the principles of scientific research. These resources aim to empower people to make informed health decisions. “Know the Science” includes learning materials such as videos, quizzes, and interactive content that explain health-related topics and how to interpret scientific studies.

Resources in this section include:

• Explaining How Research Works (NIH)
• Understanding Scientific Journal Articles
• Introduction to Clinical Research (NIH)

PubMed®

PubMed®, a service of the National Library of Medicine, provides access to a large collection of citations and summaries from scientific and healthcare journals. For tips on finding information about alternative health practices, guidance is available through NCCIH-developed materials.

Website: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This document is in the public domain and may be reproduced freely.

NCCIH shares this content for educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment from healthcare professionals. Any discussion of products or therapies does not imply recommendation or endorsement by NCCIH.