Resetting Your Mood with Aromatherapy: How it Works

Our moods can shift in an instant. A wave of stress. A spike of irritation. A sudden sense of being “off.”

But here’s the good news: Your body is built to respond just as quickly to support.

And one of the fastest ways to reach your emotional center is through your sense of smell – because, believe it or not, smell is the fastest of all the senses to reach the brain.

Yes, we’re talking about aromatherapy — a practice rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience.

And if you are a curious thinker who likes to understand how things work… me too! Let’s break it down together.

How Your Brain Responds to Scent

When you inhale an essential oil, you’re not just enjoying a nice smell.

You're triggering a cascade of neurological responses — all within seconds.

Here’s what happens:

• Scent molecules travel through the nose to the olfactory epithelium — a small patch of tissue inside your nasal cavity that contains millions of smell receptors.

  
  

• These receptors send signals to the olfactory bulb, which sits right at the base of the brain.

  
  

• From there, the signal goes directly to the limbic system — the part of your brain that controls emotion, memory, behavior, and your autonomic nervous system (which regulates heart rate, stress response and even digestion).

  
  

This is why scent is so powerful: it skips the overthinking part of your brain and speaks directly to how you feel.

Though I like to think of it more poetically, the truth is… it’s neurological.

Why Essential Oils Work

Essential oils are made up of volatile compounds — which means they evaporate easily and quickly interact with your body.

Different oils contain different natural compounds, each with their own benefits:

• Linalool (in lavender): known to calm anxiety and promote sleep

  
  

• Menthol (in peppermint): clears brain fog and improves alertness

  
  

• Limonene (in citrus oils like orange): uplifts mood and boosts energy

  
  

• Citronellol (in rose): nurtures emotional balance and self-love

  
  

These compounds aren’t just amazing to inhale and interact with — they’ve been shown to reduce cortisol, improve sleep, and support focus and emotional regulation.

Examples of What to Use and When

The right oil depends on what you need most at the moment. So listen to your body's queues and reach for what resonates with you at that time.

• Need calm? Lavender or frankincense

  
  

• Need focus? Peppermint or rosemary 

  
  

• Need energy? Orange, lemon, bergamot 

  
  

• Need grounding? Cedarwood or patchouli 

  
  

And this is just the beginning. Sometimes a single oil is enough — other times, a thoughtfully blended formula can deepen the effects and make your routine even easier.

That’s why I created the Action line — a collection of intuitive blends designed to meet you where you are and support your natural rhythm and inner strength.

You can explore the full bundle if you're looking for everyday support — or choose just the blends that speak to you most. Either way, you'll find them here at puraviabylila.com.

Travel Pack/Gift Set

Buy Now

Examples of What to Use and When

I keep essential oil roll-ons in my bag, on my desk, and by my bed. Just having them close is a comfort.

But when I need a shift in the moment, this is my go-to ritual:

• Gently apply an oil roll-on to your wrists, temples, or chest

  
  

• Close your eyes and take a full, deep breath through your nose

  
  

• Exhale slowly through your mouth

  
  

• Repeat as needed, and let the scent anchor you

  
  

You can also:

• Use a diffuser with your favorite blend to set the tone of a room

  
  

• Add a few drops of oil to your bath or shower for whole-body support

  
  

• Dab on Action oil blend of your choice and take a 10-20 minute walk

  
  

These tiny rituals remind me that I have tools. That I can create awareness, connection, resilience, positivity, focus, or calm  — not by force, but by equipping myself in advance and tuning into my feelings, tuning into my power to take action and make the change I need, and tuning  into the present moment.

This is Natures Shortcut

When the world feels fast, overwhelming, or disconnected, aromatherapy offers a reset button — one that’s ancient, simple, built into your biology and down-right connected to nature.

You don’t always need a full plan or to talk yourself into a spiral trying to self-correct your feelings. Sometimes you just need one breath that brings you back to yourself.

– Lila

Know Your Body, Know Your Herbs | Precautions: Essential oils are potent. Always dilute before applying to the skin, and consult with a qualified practitioner if you’re pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medication. This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

Sources

Herz, R. S. (2009). Aromatherapy facts and fictions: A scientific analysis of olfactory effects on mood, physiology and behavior. International Journal of Neuroscience.  ➤ Explores how scent affects the brain’s emotional and physiological responses.

Lis-Balchin, M., & Hart, S. (1999). Studies on the mode of action of the essential oil of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia P. Miller). Phytotherapy Research.  ➤ Documents the calming effects of lavender and its primary constituents.

Komori, T. et al. (1995). Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states. Neuroimmunomodulation.  ➤ Describes the uplifting effects of limonene-rich citrus oils.

Saeed, S. A., et al. (2022). Therapeutic effects of essential oils on the central nervous system: A review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.  ➤ Reviews evidence-based research on essential oils and nervous system modulation.