Could This Oil Really Calm The Nerves? Researchers Say It Works in Minutes

Walking into a mental health clinic isn’t always easy. Even before the session starts, it’s common to feel a wave of anxiety or emotional fatigue.

But what if something as simple as a scent could help ease that tension?

At a clinic in Utah, researchers explored whether the fresh, citrusy aroma of bergamot essential oil could make a difference. People who spent just 15 minutes breathing in the scent reported feeling noticeably better than those who didn’t.

With mental health struggles on the rise and no one-size-fits-all solution, small, low-risk approaches like this are worth a closer look—especially when there’s science to back them up.

Bergamot Essential Oil Shows Promise for Boosting Mood

Mental health conditions are on the rise globally, yet treatment is often limited by cost, access, or side effects. That’s why complementary approaches like essential oil aromatherapy are getting attention—not as replacements, but as low-risk, supportive tools.

A pilot study from a mental health center in Utah tested the effects of bergamot essential oil, derived from Citrus bergamia, on emotional well-being. In a real-world setting—a clinic waiting room—57 participants (mostly women, ages 23 to 70) were monitored using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS).

After just 15 minutes of exposure to bergamot vapor, participants reported a 17% increase in positive emotions compared to those exposed to a placebo scent. They also noted higher study participation during weeks when the oil was diffused, suggesting the scent may have encouraged engagement.

While more research is needed, this early evidence shows that bergamot essential oil may offer a simple, affordable way to support emotional health—especially in high-stress environments like mental health clinics. It’s not a cure, but it may be a useful complement to traditional care.

What Is Bergamot and How Is the Essential Oil Made?

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a citrus fruit mostly grown in southern Italy. It’s best known for giving Earl Grey tea its signature scent. While it’s not typically eaten fresh, the peel is rich in aromatic compounds used to make essential oil.

The oil is extracted through cold pressing, a method that squeezes the peel without heat to preserve its active compounds—mainly linalool, limonene, and linalyl acetate.

These natural chemicals are linked to calming and mood-regulating effects.

Bergamot essential oil has long been used in perfumery and traditional remedies. Today, it's gaining attention for its potential to support mental health by influencing the limbic system, the part of the brain that helps regulate emotion. Its growing role in aromatherapy isn’t just about smell—it’s about using a natural, low-risk option that may help reduce stress and anxiety without the side effects of some conventional treatments.

Potential Benefits and Safety Considerations of Bergamot Oil

Bergamot essential oil is widely recognized for its ability to support mood and reduce stress. Inhaling the oil is considered the safest and most effective way to benefit emotionally, as it allows key compounds—like linalool and limonene—to act on the brain’s emotional centers, including the limbic system.

Potential Benefits:

• Promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness
• Helps ease mild anxiety and stress
• Improves mood and energy, especially in clinical settings
• Supports emotional balance during high-stress periods

What to Watch Out For:

• Skin sensitivity: When applied undiluted to the skin, bergamot oil can cause irritation or phototoxicity (sunlight-triggered burns or blisters), due to a compound called bergapten
• Allergic reactions: Rare, but possible—especially for those with citrus allergies
• Internal use risks: Not recommended unless supervised by a qualified professional; may interact with medications

For most people, inhalation—via a diffuser, cotton ball, or personal inhaler—is the safest method. Used this way and in moderation, bergamot oil offers a low-risk option for supporting emotional wellness.

As always, those with sensitive skin, chronic health conditions, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils regularly.

Other Natural Mood Support Options

Bergamot isn’t the only essential oil that may help with stress or mood. If it’s not available—or not your favorite—there are other options worth trying. Many essential oils share similar compounds and offer calming or uplifting effects.

Here are a few that are backed by research:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

One of the most widely studied essential oils for mental health. It’s been shown to ease anxiety, help with sleep, and promote a sense of calm.

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Known for its bright, cheerful scent. Studies suggest it can lower stress levels and lift mood—especially in high-anxiety environments like dental clinics.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Often used during meditation or quiet time. Research points to its potential for supporting emotional balance and easing symptoms of low mood.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

A floral, slightly sweet oil that may help lower heart rate and blood pressure in stressful moments. It’s often used to ease restlessness and promote relaxation.

If you’re not into essential oils, other simple habits can still make a difference. Practices like deep breathing, spending time in nature, or listening to calming music can also support emotional well-being.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding what helps you feel a little more grounded and at ease. What works best might take some trial and error, and that’s okay.