Thank you so much to Kathy Drury for bringing this study to my attention.
For years, I have passionately promoted the concept that essential oils possess the power to enhance neuroplasticity—the brain's incredible ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.
A fascinating new study has provided the gold standard evidence we’ve been waiting for.
The paper, "Continuous inhalation of essential oil increases gray matter volume" by Kokubun et al., published in the Brain Research Bulletin in 2024, is a milestone for our field.
It’s so exciting on many levels, first this study wasn't a study on rats. Researchers conducted the inhalation intervention on human subjects, giving us direct, relatable insight into brain change.
The researchers also objective measured responses to inhalation using of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allowed researchers to objectively measure physical changes in the brain's structure. Crucially, they included a control group, making the results robust and reliable. (It is interesting to note that the study focused solely on women, which may prompt future research across broader demographics.)
The results confirmed that continuous inhalation of the essential oil resulted in an increase in gray matter volume in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). The PCC is a vital brain region heavily involved in memory function and the integration of odour associations. This directly supports the idea that essential oils enhance neuroplasticity and can boost cognitive function.
The study also observed a lower activation of the amygdala. The amygdala is the brain's primary centre for processing emotions like fear, stress, and anxiety. Lower activation in this area is a neurobiological confirmation of what we've seen anecdotally: that aromatherapy fosters better emotional regulation and helps support a balanced response to stress and anxiety.
This research is a powerful affirmation of the role of aromatherapy in overall brain health:
· Cognition and Memory: The changes in the PCC suggest a genuine structural mechanism for how essential oil inhalation can improve memory and cognitive processing, offering strong support for aromatherapy’s potential in managing and supporting conditions where these functions are compromised.
· Dementia Support: By demonstrating an increase in gray matter and a link to memory centres, this study supports the idea that regular, continuous inhalation could play a supportive role in strategies for the management of dementia and age-related cognitive decline.
· Stress & Anxiety Relief: The lower amygdala activation confirms that inhaling essential oils is not just a temporary sensory experience, but a practice that can lead to a more regulated, resilient, and calmer emotional state.
This study is a beautiful convergence of ancient wisdom and modern science, finally confirming the physiological basis for aromatherapy’s therapeutic effects on the brain.
My Final Thought: Please make sure what goes up your nose is real and natural!
