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p. 265). These studies and analyses of the current research on essential oils and depression are encouraging,

however, “there is a notable lack of methodologically sound trials in clinically depressed populations” (Watt

& Janca, 2008). Generally, adding the use of tested essential oil fragrance into one’s depression treatment plan

may help and will most likely not hurt anything: “No adverse effects have been reported from the controlled

clinical trials of aromatherapy in psychiatric disorders” (Perry & Perry, 2006, p. 267).

When looking at anxiety, there are slightly more studies on its treatment with essential oils, but it is

still not entirely conclusive. In a study on healthy women, the inhalation of bergamot essential oil significantly

reduced the levels of salivary cortisol compared to the control which did not inhale anything; however,

cortisol levels were not significantly lower than the group which inhaled just water vapor (Perna et al., 2019).

This does not instill confidence in the use of bergamot specifically to treat anxiety or stress. Additionally, this

study was on healthy women without a diagnosis of any anxiety disorder. The essential oil which appears to

work the best for anxiety, or at least have the most positive study results is lavender. Silexan, a lavender

essential oil capsule, was safe and effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder in two different studies

(Kasper et al., 2010; Woelk & Schläfke, 2010). In trying to understand why essential oils may help with

anxiety, it has been discovered that “[s]everal essential oils have anxiolytic and sedative actions” (Perry &

Perry, 2006, p. 269). Overall, the breadth of research that has been done on essential oils’ effects on anxiety

and depression is minimal. This does not stop essential oil companies from marketing all of the incredible

properties of essential oils.

DōTERRA, an American essential oil company based out of Utah, makes many claims about every oil

they sell in regards to what it can cure or help relieve. However, it is important to keep in mind that essential

oils in the United States do not need to be approved by the FDA. In fact, on every page of their “The

dōTERRA Essentials” brochure is a disclaimer which reads “These statements have not been evaluated by the

Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any

disease” (dōTERRA, 2018, p. 1). This does not stop them from suggesting that their products have many

curative properties. Looking through their catalogue they state that oils which help calm or relieve stress and

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