19 Mood Boosting Essential Oils that Really Work!

Everybody deals with mood issues, sadness, or feeling blue at one time or another, but did you know that you can use essential oils for mood support? It's true! Following is a list of mood boosting essential oils that are proven to work, plus how to get started using them.

Everyone feels stressed, “blue” or deals with anxiety or other mood problems at one time or another. I know I have...and still do.

There are several factors that can contribute to feeling “down in the dumps." Here are a few:

Lack of good sleep (a big one for me)
Health issues
Hormonal changes
Stress
Relationship challenges
Poor diet
Too little exercise

Thankfully, there are ways to naturally boost your mood and one great option is to use essential oils.

Essential oils (EOs) are compounds derived from plants through cold pressing or distillation. They’re typically either inhaled through aromatherapy or absorbed through the skin.

Believe it or not, there are quite a few essential oils for mood lifting. In fact, more and more studies are showing that aromatherapy can be an effective way to relieve depressive symptoms, including this one.

collage of essential oil bottles with lavender and rose in the background for a post about mood boosting essential oils

Essential Oils for Mood Support

If you were to just go to the store (or search online) for “mood boosting essential oils” you'd find many options and probably not know which one(s) were right for you.

I've used EOs for some time now and have discovered through experience just how powerful and helpful they can be. Knowing how tough things are for so many people now, I’m sure that many of us can use a little mood uplifting, right?

So I made this list of the most effective mood lifting essential oils in an easy-to-reference guide for you. Try one of these (or more) next time you’re feeling a little “blue”.

I broke them down into groups (floral, spicy, citrus, herbaceous, and earthy), so you can choose based on your scent preference or what you happen to have on hand.

Floral Essential Oils

Lavender

Lavender oil has been used for ages to help calm and soothe. Numerous studies have shown that it has a positive impact on stress, depression, anxiety, and helps to improve quality of sleep.

Diffuse it or dilute some with a carrier oil in a spray bottle and spray it around the room or on your pillow to help promote better sleep. Or make a roll-on and rub on your temples or feet.

Geranium

Geranium oil has been used for centuries to improve mood. Its uplifting sweet floral aroma promotes relaxation and groundedness. This study even showed how geranium essential oil works so well that it helps relieve anxiety during childbirth.

Use geranium oil by diffusing it, inhaling directly from the bottle, or diluting and applying to your wrists or neck. It's great added to potpourri too!

Rose

Just like smelling a beautiful rose in your garden helps to calm and soothe, so does inhaling the sweet aroma of rose essential oil, as studies show. Diffuse, dilute and dab it on topically or add it diluted to your bath to help soothe in times of stress.

Jasmine

Similar to rose oil, studies show that jasmine essential oil reduces depression, improves mood, and promotes relaxation. To use, simply dilute and apply topically to the wrists or behind the ears or use in a diffuser.

Citrus / Fruity Essential Oils

Lemon

Lemon essential oil, as with other citrus EOs, is one of the best essential oils for a good mood and for energy according to studies like this one. Diffuse in the air or dilute and apply topically to help reduce feelings of depression or exhaustion.

Orange

Use some orange essential oil anytime you need a mood boost or reduce anxiety (as studies like this one show). Simply diffuse some orange EO and feel the difference. You can, of course, also dilute and apply to your neck, wrist, or temples and feel your mood lift!

Bergamot

Bergamot’s slightly citrusy and fruity scent acts as a mood lifter and easing fatigue. This study shows how this EO really shines in alleviating tension, anxiety and depression.

Simply add some bergamot oil to your diffuser and enjoy a better mood immediately.

Woodsy and Earthy Essential Oils

Sandalwood

Sandalwood EO’s woodsy scent helps improve focus and balance emotions for a mood lift. To attain its harmonizing properties, diffuse this oil or dilute and rub onto your skin to help you relax.

Juniper Berry

With a fresh, woody yet spicy scent, Juniper Berry essential oil is uplifting while also being simultaneously grounding. This study shows how

To take advantage of its benefits, simply add a drop to your hot tea or diffuse it in the air.

Vetiver

The distinct earthy aroma of Vetiver EO can be used topically or diffused to help relieve anxiety (as this study shows) and promote feelings of groundedness and relaxation.

Spicy EOs

Cinnamon

Doesn't cinnamon make everything better? I just LOVE the smell--but it's more than just a yummy scent. Studies also show its antidepressant and anti-anxiety qualities.

If you also enjoy cinnamon’s sweet, warm aroma, try diffusing some Cinnamon oil to boost your mood and help you relax.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang oil is one of my personal favorite essential oils. It has a slightly sweet aroma and does wonders to ease stress and provide a calming effect as shown in this study. Simply diffuse or dilute and rub a few drops directly behind your ears, or on your feet, neck or wrists for a mood boost.

Black Pepper

Black Pepper oil isn't that common of an oil, but after reading this, you might just want to change that. This oil is not just an energy booster, but in this study, it showed great promise for mood lifting.

Combine with peppermint and orange for a lovely mood-boosting blend.

Frankincense

With its earthy, warm, spicy scent, Frankincense oil helps to improve sleep (according to this study), relieve anxiety and stress and reduce pain.

Simply add it to your diffuser or combine it with a carrier oil and apply to the skin when you feel tired, overwhelmed, or stressed.

Clove

Clove oil is used in dental care for pain relief and more, but according to this study, it can also help you feel more calm everywhere, including in the dentist's chair! Diffuse or dilute well and apply to your skin.

Note that together with rosemary (which comes later on this list), clove works well together in this Adrenal Essential Oil Blend which makes sense!

Herbaceous Essential Oils

Basil

On its own, Basil oil has been shown to act like an antidepressant.

Diffuse or dilute and use, or add in a drop or two of peppermint essential oil for an uplifting, energizing blend.

Lemongrass

Studies are showing that with its fresh, light citrus scent, Lemongrass EO stimulates, rejuvenates, and improves mental clarity.

Diffuse some into the air as a “pick-me-up” during your afternoon slump or to help alleviate mild stress.

Peppermint

This study shows how peppermint oil can be both soothing and pain alleviating. Peppermint is also known for its invigorating properties, diffuse peppermint into the room to boost your mood and energy.

Or you can add a couple of drops to your shampoo, body wash or condition to help wake up, or soothe a headache by diluting with a carrier oil and rubbing directly on your temples.

Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is a really versatile oil that’s been shown to be both energizing and settling. Its fresh aroma helps to clear out mental fatigue, reduce stress and tension, and encourage alertness.

To use, simply diffuse it or dilute and apply it topically--it’s also an active ingredient in this Essential Oil Hair Growth Blend.

Where to Buy Quality Essential Oils

With all the monkey business going on in the EO industry, it's crucial that you buy from a reputable company. You can read more about that starting here in my "Best Essential Oils" series.

19 Mood-Boosting Essential Oils