How Aromatherapy Works Experts think aromatherapy activates areas in your nose called smell receptors, which send messages through your nervous system to your brain. The oils may activate certain areas of your brain, like your limbic system, which plays a role in your emotions. They could also have an impact on your hypothalamus, which may respond to the oil by creating feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin. Some experts think that when you put essential oils on your skin, they cause a response in your skin and other parts of your body, like your joints. What Is Aromatherapy Used For? You shouldn't use aromatherapy instead of your regular medical treatment. But for some conditions, research shows that aromatherapy can have health benefits. It may: - Ease stress, anxiety, and depression - Boost feelings of relaxation - Improve sleep - Help improve quality of life for people with long-term health problems like dementia - Ease certain types of pain, including pain from kidney stones and osteoarthritis of the knee - Fight bacteria when you put them on your skin - Ease some of the side effects of cancer treatment, like nausea and pain Pagán, C. N. (2022, January 23). Aromatherapy & Essential Oils for relaxation and stress relief. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/aromatherapy-overview