It is not a placebo. Look up the meaning of what a placebo is. Aromatherapy isn't bs at all. It's used world wide by many different walks of life. You just have to make sure that the essential oils you are using are from a legitimate brand. A company that uses 100% hand crafted or organic essential oils are going to have potent and strong effects. There are thousands of oils that come from plants, herbs, basically....the earth that work wonderfully. Essential oils are not a cure medically (Tea Tree oil however works wonders topically) but they help assist in many different aspects. Lavender oils are calming & help with sleep. Lemongrass and/or Verbena gives you a little "pick me up" as far as energy goes. There are thousands....Get a book on essential oils, it's worth it. I've never heard or seen any health scams such as the ones listed above regarding oils or aromatherapy in my life. (If anything you will just have some cheap wanna be "holistic" brand selling oils they are poor quality...) As with everything else & every other company in life.