Think of them as Mother Nature’s most concentrated form. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine and holistic healing treatment that involves the use of essential oils to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. An increasing body of research suggests that EOs can boost the immune system and re-balance the nervous system to increase inner calm and sustain energy levels. Different oils have various effects. For example, citrus oils are known to perk up the senses and awaken the mind, while lavender essential oil has a calming effect and often promotes quality sleep.
Inhalation of EOs is particularly useful for increasing energy and focus levels because breathing in EOs activates a group of nerves called the olfactory bulb, sending signals to the brain’s limbic system. The limbic system is responsible for overseeing emotions, memory, and learning.
The Best Essential Oils For An Energy Boost
Essential oils stimulate the senses and can make you feel more alert. Just a few inhalations of the right blend of oils can provide you with a natural way to boost energy when you feel the afternoon slump coming on. (No extra cup of coffee needed.) You can amplify the energizing effects of essential oils by pairing them with a regular breathing practice (aka Pranayama). Did you know that there are specific breathing exercises known to boost energy in as little as one minute? The following oils can become your go-to’s whenever you’re feeling low energy and need a little natural pick-me-up:
Citrus essential oils
Grapefruit oil – feel instantly invigorated and awake. Lemon oil – revitalize gloominess and cultivate optimism. Bergamot oil – transform fatigue into upliftment. Sweet orange oil – melt anxiety and worry away. Tangerine oil – cultivate joy and contentment.
Ginger oil
Feel refreshed and grounded
Lemongrass oil
Cleanses heavy emotions so bliss can shine through
Peppermint oil
Amplify openness and clarity
Cinnamon oil
Feel grounded and certain
Geranium oil
Balance moodiness and increase creativity
The Best Essential Oils For More Focus
In Yoga, we call one-pointed, laser focus Dharana. It’s a crucial step towards stilling the ripples of a distracted or turbulent mind, and it’s an essential but often overlooked part of yoga practice. Inhaling essential oils can help focus the mind by activating the limbic brain, which is responsible for memory and learning. Pairing essential oils with mind training techniques can amplify the effects. Mindfulness meditation techniques like breath awareness and mantra meditation can help train the brain to sustain focus for extended periods. These six essential oils can help you feel more grounded and in the zone:
Rosemary oil
Rosemary appears to help enhance memory retention. A 2018 study on 79 school students found that spraying both rosemary and lavender essential oil significantly increased productivity and short-term image memory while only rosemary oil showed to increase memorization of numbers. (1)
Spearmint oil
A 2016 animal study published in Physiology and Behavior found that a blend of rosemary oil and spearmint oil may have beneficial effects on learning and memory as well as with aging of the brain as one gets older. (2)
Frankincense oil
Helps you feel clear-headed and is often used as an aid to meditation.
Cedarwood oil
Grounds you and heightens your awareness.
Black pepper oil
Turns absent-mindedness into alertness and focus.
How To Use Essential Oils For Increased Energy & Focus
You can use EOs topically or via inhalation. If you’re using them directly on the skin always dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil for best effect. Stick to 2-3 drops of EO per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Mix them together to create a lotion mixture. Rub your forehead, temples, neck, and shoulders. Inhalation is the best and most effective way to increase energy and focus. Essential oil diffusers are great for a less concentrated but continuous dose. Simply turn your diffuser on whenever you are studying, working, or feeling tired. Another more concentrated option is to make your own inhalers so you can use them anywhere and anytime you need them. Keep reading below for specific recipes for both diffuser and inhaler blends.
Safety Concerns
When used safely, EOs usually offer little to no side effects. When used topically as a natural aid for more energy and focus, EOs must always be diluted in a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation and reactions. (Especially if you have sensitive skin.) It’s advisable to perform a patch test on a non-affected area of the skin and wait 24 hours to confirm no allergic reaction. If you experience any adverse reaction to any oil, discontinue use immediately and consult your healthcare provider to seek medical advice. Some oils are not suitable for babies, young children, and pregnant or nursing women. Research the contraindications for each oil you use prior to applying them. EOs aren’t regulated by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), so it’s essential to do your research before buying products to make sure they aren’t diluted or contaminated. Always choose high-quality, certified organic, and therapeutic grade products to make sure you’re experiencing the full medicinal benefits.
2 DIY Essential Oil Blends To Make Right Now
AWAKE Energizing Blend
Diffuser blend
3 drops of grapefruit essential oil 3 drops of lemon essential oil 3 drops of orange essential oil 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
Add the oils, fill your diffuser with water, and get ready to feel invigorated. 🙂 Inhaler blend
7 drops of grapefruit essential oil 7 drops of lemon essential oil 7 drops of orange essential oil 7 drops of peppermint essential oil
Fill your inhaler cotton wick with the oils and use it whenever you need a boost. Take at least three deep breaths or use it as a part of your breathwork practice:
Inhale for 5 counts (hold the inhaler close to your nose) Exhale for 8 counts Repeat at least 7 times.
DEEP FOCUS Blend
Diffuser blend
3 drops of rosemary essential oil 3 drops of spearmint essential oil 3 drops of frankincense essential oil 3 drops of cedarwood essential oil
Add all oils and fill your diffuser with water and leave it on while you create, study, work, or play. Inhaler blend
7 drops of rosemary essential oil 7 drops of spearmint essential oil 7 drops of frankincense essential oil 7 drops of cedarwood essential oil
Fill your inhaler cotton wick with the oils and use it whenever you need to zone in. Take at least three deep breaths or use it as a part of your breathwork practice:
Inhale for 5 counts (hold the inhaler close to your nose) Exhale for 8 counts Repeat at least 7 times.
REFERENCES : (1) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/bafm/article/view/169943 (2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27527000/
