Essential oils put to the test: do they really beat stress?
NCT ID NCT07473544
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether inhaling essential oils can lower stress and help people relax. Two hundred healthy adults will breathe in either an essential oil or a placebo from an aroma stick during stressful and calming activities. Researchers measure heart rate and self-reported stress to see if the oils make a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- essential oil inhalation
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a natural way to manage everyday stress and promote relaxation.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early exploratory study, not designed to treat any medical condition. The effects may be small or no different from placebo.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 45 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-45 years, inclusive Able to read, write, and understand English Willing and able to provide informed consent Willing to attend two in-person study visits Generally healthy, as determined by medical history and screening review Exclusion Criteria: Known asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), significant lung disease, heart disease, or other medical condition that may compromise safety or data integrity Pregnancy or pregnancy within the past 90 days Known allergy or sensitivity to essential oils or study placebo materials Current smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, or use of recreational drugs Regular use of essential oils applicable to the study phase (\>3 times per week for ≥2 weeks within the past month) without a minimum 1-month washout Unwillingness to abstain from alcohol for at least 72 hours prior to each study visit Failure to meet inclusion criteria
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
dōTERRA International
Pleasant Grove, Utah, 84062, United States
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