Essential Oils & Brain Health: Supporting Signaling, Adaptation, & Nervous System Resilience

(Updated August 2026: This article has been expanded to include emerging research on the relationship between essential oils, brain signaling, electrical activity, and the systems that support cognitive health and resilience.)

Summary: Essential Oils for Brain Health: Effects on the Nervous System, Mood & Cognition

This article explores three evidence-informed ways essential oils may influence the brain-body connection: supporting hormonal and neurotransmitter signaling, influencing brain activity and adaptive pathways, and helping regulate nervous system resilience through mechanisms involving stress response, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroprotection. Using a systems-based perspective, it examines how aromatic compounds may interact with interconnected pathways that influence mood, cognition, emotional balance, and overall brain health.

 

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Understanding Brain Health Through a Systems-Based Lens
• Three Ways Essential Oils May Influence Brain Health
  • Essential Oils May Modulate Hormones and Brain Signaling Patterns
  • Essential Oils May Shift Brain Activity and Support Adaptation
  • Essential Oils May Protect and Regulate the Nervous System
• Essential Oils as a Complementary Tool for Supporting Brain Health
• Conclusion: Supporting Brain Health Through the Brain-Body Connection
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Essential Oils and Brain Health

 

Introduction: Understanding Brain Health Through a Systems-Based Lens

Brain health encompasses more than cognitive performance and memory. The brain is a dynamic organ that is influenced by ongoing communication between the nervous system, hormones, immune activity, metabolism, stress responses, and sensory experiences.

In naturopathic and functional medicine, we look at these connections because changes in one system can influence another. The gut communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis, stress responses influence neurological function through the HPA axis and autonomic nervous system, and inflammation and oxidative stress can impact the pathways involved in healthy brain function.

Essential oils offer a unique area of research because aromatic compounds interact with the body through multiple pathways, beginning with the olfactory system and extending into areas involved in emotions, stress regulation, cognition, and nervous system activity. Rather than viewing essential oils as a single-purpose tool, research is exploring how these plant compounds may influence the interconnected systems that support brain health.

In this article, we will explore three ways essential oils may influence brain health: by modulating hormones and brain signaling patterns, shifting brain activity and supporting adaptation, and helping protect and regulate the nervous system.

 

1. Essential Oils, Hormones, and Brain Signaling

Essential oils have been shown to influence mood in a variety of ways. I recently reviewed some specific oils that balance emotions in my previous video. I also explained how these aromatic metabolites could impact cortisol, the stress hormone, via the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). This intricate bidirectional feedback between our brain and the organs of our endocrine system is essential for regulating our hormones and our psychological and physiological state during times of stress.

The HPA axis is one important example of how the brain communicates with the rest of the body. This stress-response system is influenced by multiple factors, including perception, emotional state, sleep, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and signals from the gut. Supporting healthy communication within these interconnected pathways is a key component of maintaining resilience and balance.

Research suggests that essential oils modulate stress and hormonal physiology through their effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and supporting autonomic nervous system balance. These include: (1) directly influencing on cortisol (“the stress hormone”) release, (2) compounds that interact with hormone receptors, (3) their anti-inflammatory effects, preventing neuronal damage, (4) and modulating neurotransmitters that interact with the HPA axis.

Some examples of essential oils that influence these aspects show broader brain effects and include:

• Clary sage oil for regulating cortisol, serotonin, and mood.
• Jasmine essential oil for its influence on the electrical activity of the brain and its psychological benefits.
• Neroli essential oil for easing menopausal symptoms and balancing emotions.
• Ylang ylang oil for its nervous system and heart-calming properties.
• Bergamot essential oil for soothing the nervous system, heart, and mind.
• Lavender oil to alleviate anxiety and stress. It also supports vagal tone and hormonal health.

Essential oils affect on our psychology by shifting neurotransmitter release is an important aspect of regulating the HPA axis and for brain and mental health. This occurs by the inhalation of aromas and the ability of the volatile compounds to interact with our cellular receptors. (source, source, source, source, source)  As you probably are aware, neurotransmitters are critical chemical messengers that help to regulate our nervous system and have some important implications in emotional balance.

In a 2018 review article, the pharmacological properties of essential oils and their compounds were explored in relationship to specific changes in brain signaling patterns. Although the focus of the article was mostly on the effects of essential oils and their constituents on the main inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, were highlighted as well. It also explored how aromatic compounds targeted other cellular receptors in the body creating changes in pain perception and molecular physiologically. The abstract reads:

…the review focuses on the essential oils and their constituents targeting the GABAergic system and sodium channels, and their antinociceptive, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. Some constituents target transient receptor potential (TRP) channels to exert analgesic effects. Some components could interact with multiple therapeutic target proteins, for example, inhibit the function of sodium channels and, at the same time, activate GABAA receptors.

Here are several examples related to how essential oils impact brain messages from the in vitro and animal studies in the review:

• Sage– modulates dopamine (the reward-motivation neurotransmitter)
• Lavender– effects serotonin (equated with mood and calming)
• Lemon– suppresses dopamine and accentuates serotonin
• Bergamot– enhances synaptic connection for better brain communication
• Bitter orange– impacts serotonin

In summary, this review demonstrated how essential oils can literally act on cellular receptors and influence neurotransmitter signaling in a particular fashion.

These findings highlight an important concept in understanding essential oils and brain health: aromatic compounds effects involve multiple signaling pathways that influence communication between cells, the nervous system, and other regulatory systems throughout the body.

In their influence on neurotransmitters alone, essential oils are impacting a larger communication network that involves hormones, immune signaling, metabolic pathways, and the gut-brain axis. This helps explain why factors such as endocrine dysfunction, inflammation, blood sugar fluctuations, digestion, nutrient availability and chronic stress can all influence mood, cognition, and neurological function. Essential oils can influence all these aspects.

This alone is remarkable, but essential oils do more for the brain than influence stress physiology and neural messengers. They may also influence the functional activity of the brain, including electrical patterns involved in mood, cognition, and adaptation.

 

2. Essential Oils and Brain Activity: Shifting Electrical Patterns and Functional States

Essential oils also impact brain functional shifts by changing the electrical activity in the brain. Specifically, on the physiological level, essential oils and certain fragrances have been shown to alter brain wave patterns. This affects concentration, focus, relaxation, and emotions.

Electroencephalography (EEG) provides researchers with a way to measure changes in the electrical activity of the brain by recording patterns of neuronal communication. While EEG does not tell us exactly what someone is thinking or feeling, changes in brain wave activity can provide insight into shifts in functional states associated with attention, relaxation, emotional processing, and arousal.

Because the sense of smell has such a direct relationship with brain regions involved in emotion and memory, aromatic compounds provide a unique form of sensory input that can influence these functional states. Unlike other sensory pathways, olfactory signals have direct connections with areas involved in emotional processing, including the limbic system.

Research exploring essential oils and EEG patterns has demonstrated that different aromas may produce different effects depending on their chemical composition and the physiological state being measured. For example, stimulating aromas may be associated with increased alertness and attention, while calming aromas may promote patterns associated with relaxation.

I already mentioned jasmine oil, but there are others.

One study examining lavender and rosemary aromas found changes in frontal EEG activity, suggesting that these aromas may influence brain states associated with mood and emotional regulation. Lavender was associated with shifts in frontal activity related to affective states, while rosemary has been studied for its potential influence on attention and cognitive performance.

Furthermore, one research review explored how several aromas and essential oils impacted the psychophysiological activities of humans with special reference to EEG changes. This handy chart provides detailed examples of the effect of aromatics on electroencephalograph (EEG) activity.

It also highlights essential oils amphoteric, or balancing effects based on individual physiology. For example, in one study in female subjects with sleep disorders, lavender oil (L. angustifolia) aroma decreased the occipital and parietal alpha powers, and increased the frontal theta power and occipital beta power in subjects with good sleep quality. However, lavender aroma increased the theta power in the all cranial regions after aroma treatment in subjects with poor sleep quality

This research helps explain why essential oils may have different applications depending on the desired outcome. An oil used for relaxation and stress support may influence brain activity differently than an aromatic compound used to promote alertness, focus, or mental clarity.

These changes in brain activity may help explain why aromatic experiences can influence our emotional state, focus, and ability to adapt to stress. Beyond immediate changes in brain activity, these findings also raise interesting questions about neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to repeated experiences. In fact, a recent study with rose oil suggested growth in gray matter volume throughout the whole brain in female subjects.

Since sensory input is one of the ways the brain receives information from the environment, aromatic experiences may be one factor that contributes to shaping patterns involved in emotional regulation, learning, and adaptation.

 

3. Neuroprotection and Essential Oils

A third mechanism on how essential oils (EOs) support brain health is by protecting the brain and enhancing cognition. Neuroprotection refers to supporting the health and function of nervous system cells by influencing pathways involved in cellular stress, inflammation, oxidative balance, and communication between neurons. While much of the research is still emerging, essential oil constituents are being investigated for their potential role in supporting these protective mechanisms.

A 2017 review article in Frontiers in Aging and Neuroscience explored the mechanisms in detail. Here is an overview from the abstract (my additions in bold):

The neuroprotective and anti-aging potentials of EOs and their possible mechanism of actions were evaluated by numerous researchers around the globe. Several clinically important EOs and their components from Nigella sativa, Acorus gramineus, Lavandula angustifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis, Jasminum sambac, Piper nigrum and so many other plants are reported for neuroprotective effects. This review article was aimed to summarize the current finding on EOs tested against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer disease (AD) and dementia.

The effects of EOs on pathological targets of AD and dementia including amyloid deposition (AB), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), cholinergic hypofunction, oxidative stress and glutamatergic abnormalities were focused. (Note: these are brain structural changes, cellular stressors, and neurotransmitter imbalances which impact brain aging and resilience.)

Furthermore, effects of EOs on other neurological disorders including anxiety, depression, cognitive hypofunction epilepsy and convulsions were also evaluated in detail.

In conclusion, EOs were effective on several pathological targets and have improved cognitive performance in animal models and human subjects. Thus, EOs can be developed as multi-potent agents against neurological disorders with better efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness.

These findings highlight the many biological pathways being explored to understand how aromatic compounds may influence nervous system function and support healthy aging within a broader framework of brain health.

This article begins with a basic overview of essential oils in history and their biochemical properties. It also touches on how manufacturing and harvesting of the plants will affect what compounds will be produced. I have reviewed these concepts related to resulting chemotypes (the primary metabolites found in a species) of essential oils and the effects on quality production in detail in previous blogs. These aspects of chemotype and quality are important to keep in mind when using essential oils therapeutically for brain health, or for any other matter.

This is especially relevant when discussing brain health because the biological effects of essential oils are closely connected to their chemical composition. Different constituents may influence different pathways, which is why understanding quality, chemotype, and appropriate application remains essential when using essential oils clinically.

Next, the authors summarize how essential oils modulate specific enzyme pathways in the brain to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine (ACh), which supports better memory function. They also list essential oils that have been studied in experimental trials to have these effects. This link to a figure provides an overview. For those who want more details, the caption reads:

Neuronal synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh). ACh is stored in the vesicles and subsequent to action potential they get fused with the membrane and release the ACh at neuronal junction. After their action on cholinergic receptors they are enzymatically cleaved by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). EOs can inhibit the action of these cholinesterase’s and can restore their action for prolong time. Thus they are useful for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer disease (AD).

Beyond neurotransmitter pathways, another area of interest in brain health research is how essential oil constituents may influence the nervous system’s ability to regulate stress and maintain balance. The autonomic nervous system, including the vagus nerve pathway, plays an important role in communication between the brain and the body. Supporting healthy nervous system regulation may be another way aromatic compounds contribute to resilience.

If we look at actual clinical studies with essential oils for memory and brain health, two essential oils stand out for me. These are rosemary and sage oils.

 

Rosemary Oil for Cognition

There are several studies on rosemary oil that demonstrate that it aids memory, may support alertness, attention, and cognitive function through effects on nervous system activity.

Beyond its effects on attention and memory, rosemary’s constituents, including 1,8-cineole and other terpenes, are also being investigated for their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, which may contribute to its effects on brain function. These mechanisms are of interest because oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling are involved in the processes that influence healthy brain aging and neurological resilience.

In a small study with 20 people, researchers sought to confirm changes in the autonomic nervous system function through the use of rosemary oil using various measurements. According to the article, results confirmed “the stimulatory effects of rosemary oil and provide supporting evidence that brain wave activity, autonomic nervous system activity, as well as mood states are all affected by the inhalation of the rosemary oil.”

These findings also highlight the connection between brain activity and whole-body regulation. Changes in autonomic nervous system activity may help explain why aromatic compounds can influence not only cognitive performance but also physiological states related to stress, attention, and emotional balance.

In another study that assessed rosemary with lemon oil, an improvement in cognitive function in those with dementia was reported.

When discussing rosemary therapeutically, the chemotype and constituent profile remain important considerations. For cognitive support and alertness, rosemary chemotypes higher in 1,8-cineole and monoterpenes may be particularly relevant, while individual factors such as nervous system state and health history should always be considered.

Note: If you are looking for its energizing properties, you would want to ensure the rosemary chemotype (a species’ dominant constituent) contains higher amounts of 1,8 cineole and also monoterpenes.

Safety Tip: There are some cautionary statements about using rosemary for high blood pressure. This may be true if blood pressure is linked to overstimulation of the nervous system. In this instance, ylang ylang oil may be a more calming choice to incorporate in one’s wellness protocol.

 

Becoming a Sage: Sage Oil (Salvia officinalis) and Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia)

The second oil for brain health and memory is sage oil. This oil has earned its namesake. It has also been shown to assist with cognition and brain function in a variety of human trials.

One study assessed the mental benefits of Spanish sage in healthy subjects using a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, balanced, crossover design. In this complicated trial, the subjects received more than one treatment dosage and had multiple measurements of the same factor. The authors concluded that memory retrieval was enhanced with the Spanish sage, and the participants reported an improvement in alertness, mood, and cognition.

These findings demonstrate how aromatic compounds may influence multiple aspects of brain function, including cognitive performance, emotional state, and attention. This aligns with the broader concept that memory and cognition are influenced by interconnected pathways involving neurotransmitter signaling, nervous system activity, and overall physiological balance.

One comprehensive review that included eight human clinical trials using mostly sage oil, but also the herb, summarized its findings in a detailed chart. Improvements in cognitive function, neuropsychiatric syndromes, memory performance, mood, and alertness were validated.

Together, rosemary and sage provide examples of how essential oils may influence brain health through different but overlapping mechanisms. While rosemary has been studied for its effects on attention and cognitive performance, sage has support for influencing memory pathways and cholinergic function.

 

Summary: Essential Oils for Brain Health

Essential oils provide a unique window into the relationship between sensory input, brain function, and whole-body regulation. Research continues to reveal how aromatic compounds may influence multiple pathways involved in brain health, including hormone signaling, neurotransmitter activity, electrical patterns of the brain, and mechanisms related to nervous system balance and protection.

Essential oils unique ability to interact with interconnected systems that influence mood, cognition, memory, and resilience make them a perfect companion to system-based naturopathic and functional medicine. As we continue to understand the complex relationship between the brain, body, and environment, essential oils represent a fascinating area of research for supporting the many pathways involved in optimal brain function.

For best results, they should be used thoughtfully, with attention to quality, chemistry, individual health considerations, and their role alongside foundational lifestyle practices that support optimal brain function.

 

Resources

• Essential Oils for Stress Relief and Mental Health: A Review (Clinical Tip)
• Essential Oils and Their Constituents Targeting the GABAergic System and Sodium Channels as Treatment of Neurological Diseases (Review article)
• Neuroprotective and Anti-Aging Potentials of Essential Oils from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (Review article)
• Lavender and the Nervous System (Review article)
• Influence of Fragrances on Human Psychophysiological Activity: With Special Reference to Human Electroencephalographic Response (Review article)
• Effects of inhalation of essential oils on EEG activity and sensory evaluation (Review article)
• Essential Oils on the Brain (Chemistry): An Intro to One of the Earliest “Hacks” to Emotional Health (My blog)
• A Summary on Supporting Mood with Essential Oils & A Little Olfactory Boost to Help Feel More Gratitude (My blog)
• Essential Oils on the Emotional Brain Part II (My article in NaturalPath)
• Essential Oil Quality (My review articles)
• 5 Proven Reasons Rosemary Essential Oil is on My Mind and So Much More! (My blog)
• Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. (Study)
• The Power of Essential Oils for Preserving Brain & Cognitive Function with a Focus on Sage Oil (My blog)
• Positive modulation of mood and cognitive performance following administration of acute doses of Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil to healthy young volunteers (Study)
• Salvia (Sage): A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects (Review article)