Evidence supporting the use of: Fragrance
For the health condition: Anxiety
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Fragrance, particularly in the form of essential oils, has been used traditionally to support or treat anxiety through practices such as aromatherapy. Historical records from ancient Egypt, India, and China demonstrate the use of plant-based scents for psychological well-being and relaxation. Common examples include lavender, chamomile, and bergamot oils, which have been used in rituals, baths, and massage for their purported calming effects.
From a scientific perspective, the evidence for fragrance use to manage anxiety is limited and inconclusive. Several small studies and randomized controlled trials have investigated the effects of specific essential oils (most commonly lavender) on anxiety symptoms. Some studies suggest short-term reductions in self-reported anxiety levels, particularly in specific populations such as patients awaiting surgery or those in palliative care. However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses often highlight methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes, lack of blinding, and placebo effects.
Overall, while the traditional use of fragrances for anxiety is well-documented, the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is modest and inconsistent. Fragrances may provide comfort and relaxation for some individuals, but they should not be considered a primary or standalone treatment for anxiety disorders according to current clinical guidelines.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)alpha-pinene
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
bupleurum falcatum
California poppy
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
citrus oil
clove
cordyceps
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fennel
gardenia
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
guayusa
hemp oil
hops
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-glycine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
maca
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
mint
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phellodendron amurense
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhizome
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
zinc
squawvine
catnip
gastrodia
cardamom
shen-chu
mugwort
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
silk tree
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
menthol oil
St. John's Wort
wood betony
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
cocoa
soursop
geranium
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Ash
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Agrimony
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Aconite
Agmatine
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Asteracea
Aniracetam
Amor seco
Betony
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Balsam
Bayleaf
Bacopin
Baicalein
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bee products
Bombax
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bupleurum
bacoside
Baicalin
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Common Monkey Flower
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Chinese Raisintree
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Curcuma
Catuaba
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Clostridium butyricum
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Clerodendrum indicum
Canscora
Cannabigerol
Dodeca-2E, 4E-Dienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Dragonhead
Erythrina
Essential Oil Blend
Eugenol
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Mimosa
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
yohimbine