Aromatherapy: what the research says

Small studies suggest oils such as lavender may ease anxiety and help sleep, but most are low quality. Pain and menopause are less studied.

What a session is

A practitioner uses essential oils from plants, such as lavender, usually diluted and applied to the skin with massage, or breathed in. On Sissoo, sessions such as AromaTouch apply oils to the skin.

What the research says

• Worry and anxiety: Many small studies of lavender found less anxiety, but most were low quality. With massage, it's unclear whether the oil or the touch helped. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2025 · NCCIH, 2024
• Sleep: A review of 16 studies found better sleep with inhaled oils, but not in the two massage studies. Larger, better studies are needed. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2024 · NCCIH, 2020
• Stress: Three small studies found people felt less stressed, but stress hormone levels did not change. The evidence is low quality. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2020
• Low mood: Studies give no clear answer, and lavender oil on the skin did not seem to lift low mood. See a doctor if it lasts. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2025
• Back, neck and muscle tension: Not studied well for back or neck pain. A US health body lists lavender oil on the skin as possibly helpful for low back pain. No good evidence yet · NCCIH, 2020
• Menopause: No reliable studies yet. A Spanish review found a few small studies reporting some relief, but all had a high or unclear risk of bias. No good evidence yet · NCCIH, 2021
• Grief: Not studied for grief in the sources we use. No good evidence yet

More on each need: Feel calmer · Sleep better · Handle stress better · Lift your mood · A relaxed body · Menopause wellbeing · Grief and loss

Is it safe?

Used as directed, essential oils rarely cause problems, but they can irritate the skin, and citrus oils can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you are expecting a baby or breastfeeding, take medicines that make you sleepy, or are unsure, ask your doctor first. NCCIH, 2024 · NCCIH, 2025

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

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Checked 17 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.