10 Best Essential Oils to Get In (and Stay In) a Good Mood

Everybody struggles with mood issues at some time or another. Maybe you’ve been stressed about something, or it’s been ages since you’ve gotten a good night’s rest. 

Recently, I’ve found myself struggling to stay in a good mood. If I’m being completely honest, I feel somewhat justified for my grumpy moods since I’ve been dealing with illness along with prolonged stress. Admittedly, however, I’ve let it get the best of me. 

The truth is, there are so many factors that can affect your mood. Some of them include:

• Lack of quality sleep
• Stress
• Health/Illness
• PMS/Menstruation
• Relationships
• Poor diet
• Not enough exercise
• Toxin overload

Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to change your mood. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as flipping a switch—if only! Many times, we need to be proactive and make lifestyle changes or even start implementing stress-relieving habits.

The Best Essential Oils for Mood

Along with being more intentional with my health and stress, I’ve also been turning to mood-boosting essential oils more and more. If I’m feeling down in the dumps or I’m dragging a bit, I pick a couple of essential oils that have mood-boosting properties and I start diffusing away. It’s like adding the icing on the cake to help get me in a better mood. 

When inhaled, essential oils can interact with the limbic system—which is linked to our mood, emotions, and so much more—so they have the unique ability to have a positive effect on your mood. But that’s not all!

There are so many essential oils to choose from that can help boost your mood. Below, I’ve listed 10 of the best essential oils to help you get in a good mood—and stay in one!

1. Lavender

If you’re anything like me and your low mood is due to stress or anxiety, then lavender has you covered! Research shows that inhaling the aroma of lavender essential oil can have a positive effect on stress, anxiety, and depression. These benefits can also promote better quality sleep, which can definitely help your mood! 

2. Clary Sage

Over the last year, I have been intentionally working more with clary sage and I’ve found that there’s just something about the aroma that draws me in. Not only is the fragrance appealing, it’s also great for boosting your mood as well.

One study found that inhaling the aroma of clary sage lowered cortisol levels and had antidepressant effects, while another study found that systolic blood pressure decreased after patients inhaled clary sage. 

3. Sweet Orange

I’m a huge fan of using citrus oils for boosting your mood. The fresh, bright aroma can help your mind feel more energized and put a nice pep in your step. Sweet orange in particular has been found to have antidepressant effects when the aroma is inhaled. As an added bonus, the soft aroma of sweet orange works especially well in blends. 

4. Bergamot

Bergamot is another great citrus oil for boosting your mood. Like I mentioned above, I am of the opinion that just about any citrus oil can help boost your mood, but bergamot really stands out when your glum feelings are due to tension, anxious thoughts, or depression.

While animal studies show that bergamot has anxiety-reducing properties, this study found that bergamot essential oil had positive effects on the mental well-being of patients in a mental health facility.  

5. Frankincense

While studies on frankincense essential oil are lacking, numerous people are drawn to the warm, woody aroma. Many find it to be very calming and grounding when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. And while no human studies have been done on its mood-enhancing properties, animal studies suggest that frankincense has antidepressant effects. 

6. Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang is another fantastic essential oil to help boost your mood. Not only does it smell incredible, it’s also considered to be a relaxing oil as well. In fact, this study found that participants who inhaled ylang ylang essential oil had a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. So, if you’re feeling wound up and tense, consider diffusing a drop or two of ylang ylang. 

7. Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is great when for when you’re feeling sluggish or having a hard time focusing due to mental exhaustion. The crisp, cool aroma is invigorating and can help you feel refreshed and energized. A study conducted in 2008 found that volunteers who inhaled peppermint essential oil reported enhanced memory and increased alertness. 

8. Vetiver

The strong, earthy aroma of vetiver can help you feel more grounded if you’re feeling out of balance. It has long history of use for perfumery and to help promote feelings of relaxation.

In fact, this animal study suggests that vetiver has anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) properties. So, next time you’re having trouble sleeping or need help chilling out, try using some vetiver to help balance out your mood. 

9. Patchouli

Patchouli is another grounding essential oil that can help if your mood is all out of whack. Although studies are lacking, patchouli has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac and mood-boosting herb. It is even believed to have sedative properties. This study found that patchouli essential oil had sedative-like effects on mice. 

10. Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is super refreshing and energizing. In fact, this study found that inhaling rosemary oil had a stimulating effect on volunteers. Participants were found to have increased activity, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. If you’re feeling mentally or physically exhausted, grab the rosemary and diffuse away. It’s especially refreshing when combined with peppermint!

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous essential oils that can be used to help you get in a better mood. Regardless of what is contributing to your low moods, there is most likely an essential oil (or two!) that can help support your efforts to feel more emotionally balanced. So, next time you find yourself down in the dumps, reach for the essential oils and start diffusing your way into a better mood!

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Holly Smith, a board certified physician in nephrology and internal medicine with a background in nutrition. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.