When you need to process lots of information or need to make decisions, you will benefit from using aromatherapy as a safe and long-term method to improve your brain power, memory and focus.
Generally, if you want to boost brain function, improve mental clarity, and induce calmness and peacefulness, essential oils can help you recover faster from work stress, increase productivity and improve your focus throughout the day.
Some essential oils work better than others when it comes to boosting memory. These include:
- Rosemary essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Orange essential oil
- Juniper berry essential oil
When Should You Use Essential Oils For Mental Focus?
The first sign is an inability to focus or concentrate even on the simplest tasks. You struggle to organise your thoughts and making decisions is challenging. You may also feel confused, spaced out and forgetful. You may also be irritable and exhausted.
When you experience these symptoms, diffuse essential oils like rosemary, peppermint or orange. You may also rub rosemary into your hands and inhale deeply whenever you feel ungrounded. If you feel strain, apply one to two drops of frankincense onto your temples or the back of your neck.
Rosemary can help you recall numbers better according to this study where a group of 79 Ukrainian secondary school students were sprayed with lavender and rosemary essential oils. Researchers found those who inhaled rosemary essential oil could remember numbers better. Rosemary essential oil also contributes to the improvement of the speed and accuracy of task performance by the elderly while making them more effective at certain tasks.
Inhaling rosemary oil’s invigorating scent might improve brain health among the elderly who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Researchers conclude that aromatherapy is an efficacious non-pharmacological therapy for dementia and have the potential for improving cognitive function, especially in Alzheimer’s or dementia patients. This happens because inhaling rosemary prevents acetylcholine breakdown. Acetylcholine is a chemical responsible for memory, concentration and thinking.
Another essential oil is peppermint essential oil as it is most useful for memory retrieval and learning. Similar to rosemary, peppermint helps enhance your concentration skills and memory.
Essential Oil Blends For Focus & Motivation
Use these essential oil blends to boost memory, enhance concentration and increase alertness. Diffuse or blend them with a carrier oil for applying to the skin or back of the neck. Apply it onto your wrists for an afternoon pick-me-up instead of coffee! For your children, diffuse these blends when they are studying for an exam or doing homework.
- 3 drops of rosemary + 2 drops lemon + 2 drops basil
- 4 drops cypress + 1 drop peppermint
- 3 drops rosemary + 2 drops peppermint
More Essential Oils For Focus & Clarity
Cedarwood essential oil is great for focus with its energizing scent. Use it in the morning before you start your day. Its woody and earthy scent truly helps to ground you and focuses you on what’s truly important!
Juniper berry essential oil has a sharp scent due to its high percentage of alpha-pinene, a bronchodilator, that helps with breathing. Besides breathing and staving off colds, juniper berry also works on improving your memory.
Cypress essential oil is a brain and mood must-have. As a sedative, it has been used commonly to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Its ability to treat mood disorders means it calms the central nervous system.
Douglas fir essential oil is also another lesser-known but no less useful oil for boosting memory and concentration.
Now that you know how useful essential oils are for improving your memory and helping you function better at work and study, get some to make you smarter!
