The Science of Aromatherapy: How Essential Oils Support Mental Well-Being

Essential oils aren’t just about pleasant scents, they can influence mood, stress, and even focus through the brain’s olfactory system. Here’s the science behind aromatherapy, and how we use oils like lavender, peppermint, and frankincense in Lumuno’s personalised mental health boxes.

How Aromatherapy Works

When we smell essential oils, scent molecules travel via the olfactory nerve directly to the brain’s limbic system — the area that regulates emotions, memory, and stress responses. This explains why certain scents can instantly calm anxiety or boost alertness.

Evidence-Based Benefits

• Lavender: Reduces anxiety and promotes sleep (Koulivand et al., 2013)

• Peppermint: Enhances focus and cognitive performance (Moss et al., 2016)

• Frankincense & Myrrh: Grounding and calming, used in cultural healing for centuries

• Citrus Oils (Orange, Lemon): Uplift mood and reduce fatigue

Aromatherapy in Lumuno Boxes

We include aromatherapy roll-ons, teas, and sensory blends tailored to your symptoms. For example:

• Anxiety Relief: Lavender + chamomile blends for calm

• Focus & Clarity: Peppermint + rosemary blends for mental sharpness

• Mood Boost: Citrus oils for energy and positivity

Accessible, Cultural, and Safe

Our oils are chosen for scientific backing and cultural significance, respecting traditional healing practices (like Ubuntu philosophy) while ensuring safety (dilution, allergy checks).

Try It Yourself

Curious? Explore our Standard and Enhanced Boxes to find blends crafted for focus, calm, or energy — and experience the difference science-backed scents can make.