Can Rose Oil Help Ease Stress, Anxiety, and Depression?

Modern studies suggest certain compounds in rose oil may, in fact, interact with emotional pathways in the brain. But can rose oil actually ease stress, anxiety, and depression?

“There is some preliminary research suggesting that rose essential oil may promote relaxation and temporarily reduce feelings of stress or anxiety when used through aromatherapy,” says Thea Gallagher, PsyD, a clinical associate professor of psychology at NYU Langone Health in New York City. “One possible explanation is that scent has direct connections to brain regions involved in emotion and stress regulation, including the limbic system.”

A small body of research suggests that rose oil may help ease tension and discomfort in high-stress settings.

Dr. Gallagher says keeping rose oil around for stressful moments in daily life may also be beneficial. “If someone enjoys the scent of rose oil and finds that incorporating it into a calming routine helps them slow down or create space for relaxation, there’s little downside to making it part of an overall self-care routine,” she says.

Still, Gallagher stresses that rose oil should not be the only thing patients use to treat depression.

“Rose oil may be one small tool in a toolbox of healthy strategies, but it shouldn’t be viewed as a treatment for an anxiety disorder or depression,” she says. “Evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and, when appropriate, medication, have substantially stronger research support than aromatherapy.”

Like many essential oils, rose oil is not meant to be swallowed or otherwise taken internally, Gallagher says.

“If someone wants to try rose essential oil, I’d recommend using it as aromatherapy in a diffuser or diluting it with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin,” Gallagher says. “Essential oils are highly concentrated, so they shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin, and I wouldn’t recommend ingesting them unless it’s under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.”

If you’re interested in using rose oil to lessen stress, anxiety, or depression, Gallagher suggests starting slowly to see how it makes you feel. If you want to apply diluted rose oil to your skin, test a small area first to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation. “Just because something is natural doesn’t automatically mean it’s risk-free,” she says.

Gallagher recommends keeping expectations “realistic” when using rose oil to support your emotional health. “Think of it as one small tool that may support relaxation — not as a treatment for anxiety or depression,” she says.