Their novel study method enabled the team to identify the oils that had the greatest impact on mood enhancement.

As chemistry professor and lead author of the study Louise Bennett, Ph.D., explains in a press release: “We believe that the interaction of essential oils with the naturally high levels of ascorbate (z -oxidative or pro-oxidative effects. It is the antioxidant, but not the pro-oxidative effects that lead to the mood benefit. “

While the pro-oxidant supporting essential oils may not improve mood, in some cases they nonetheless had antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, according to the study.