The trend of using essential oils as an adjunctive therapy for maintaining mental health is gaining increasing scientific attention globally. Based on an analysis of research publications over the 2020 to 2025 period, there has been a significant surge in academic studies testing the effectiveness of these aromatic oils in relieving stress, anxiety, and improving sleep quality.
Among the various types of essential oils studied, the lavender variant ranks highest due to its natural compounds proven to provide strong relaxing effects. In addition to lavender, scientists have also begun to explore the potential of bergamot, lemon, peppermint, and chamomile extracts, which are considered capable of improving mood and reducing nerve tension.
Nevertheless, practitioners emphasize that the use of essential oils cannot replace medical treatment or professional psychological therapy. This aromatherapy should be positioned as a supportive tool to create comfort, where consultation with medical professionals remains the primary step in managing mental health disorders.
Globally, the United States, Japan, and Australia are recorded as the main contributors to the development of research on essential oil-based health. On the other hand, the academic contribution from Indonesia is still relatively minimal. This gap is quite unfortunate considering the country possesses abundant biodiversity in the form of essential oil-producing plants such as patchouli, lemongrass, cloves, eucalyptus, and nutmeg.
This condition presents both a challenge and a golden opportunity for domestic researchers to present valid scientific evidence regarding the benefits of local plants. Collaboration between academia, industry, and the government is expected to encourage the birth of health innovations based on archipelago resources that are competitive on the international stage.
