Aromatherapy can be very beneficial for those struggling with depression. And while, it will not be able to cure or totally eliminate feelings of depression, it can certainly be very helpful. This is for several reasons. One reason is that aromatherapy taps into the power of smell. In the brain, smell and the emotional centers are tied very closely together. Essential oils help to pump up the limbic portion of the brain, which is responsible for the emotions, behavior, memory (long term) and the endocrine system. These portions of the brain are very important in regards to depression.