If you’ve ever walked into a spa and instantly felt 32% more relaxed just from the smell alone — congratulations, you’ve been aromatherapied. (Yes, I made that word up. No, I’m not sorry.)
But unlike that mystery lotion in your hotel room, aromatherapy isn’t just placebo and pretty packaging. It’s legit. And actual peer-reviewed studies have entered the chat.
Whether you’re trying to unwind after a flight, sleep through jet lag, or not scream when your Airbnb has vibes, here’s why essential oils might just be your new travel MVP:
Lavender oil has been shown to help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants who inhaled lavender before bedtime experienced improved sleep quality and increased daytime energy
Travel Tip: Dab a bit of lavender on your wrists or neck before takeoff or tuck a cotton ball in your travel pillow to get cozy in coach. (Or as cozy as one can get in coach.)
Feeling grumpy? Orange essential oil has been linked to reduced anxiety and improved mood. A 2013 study in Advanced Biomedical Research found that sweet orange oil and chamomile had an immediate relaxing effect on participants during anxiety-inducing situations
Translation: A whiff of citrus might just be your secret weapon when the customs line wraps around the terminal.
Bergamot (my personal favorite ) and chamomile essential oils have long been used for their calming effects. Research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that a blend of lavender and bergamot essential oils reduced cortisol levels (that’s your stress hormone).
That’s right. It’s not just about smelling good—it’s about shifting your whole nervous system into “please let me sleep in this time zone” mode.
Peppermint essential oil isn’t just refreshing—it’s also been found to be effective for headache relief. One German study showed that applying peppermint oil to the temples was as effective as acetaminophen for tension headaches.
For those mystery neck cramps after a long-haul flight? Peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus oils all show anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in clinical studies.
Okay, so maybe science doesn’t have a metric for “that moment of calm you feel when your hotel room smells like something other than musty carpet,” but we know scent can have psychological benefits.
Aromatherapy activates the limbic system—the part of your brain linked to emotions and memories. That’s why the smell of jasmine can transport you to a summer night in Italy faster than Google Maps.
