Aromatherapy using essential oils has been a trusted natural holistic healing approach for centuries. It has been known to enhance different aspects of daily life as it supports better cognitive function and physical health.
People and practicing professionals use and recommend essential oils to improve brain function, particularly as they’re known to refresh the mind and stimulate positive brain activities. They can be great additions to our overall brain health regime.
How Essential Oils Improve Brain Functioning?
Essential oils can improve brain function and mental health through a variety of mechanisms. They can be used on their own and can be mixed with other oils to improve specific issues such as sleep, reduce stress, or even balance hormones.
Ways Essential Oils Can Improve Brain Function
The interaction between essential oils and the brain starts when the scent/vapor molecules travel through the olfactory nerves. When the olfactory system is stimulated, it sends signals to the limbic system in the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. This includes the hippocampus (for memory), the prefrontal cortex (for concentration), amygdala (for emotions), and other parts. `
It has been shown that a number of essential oils hunt for free radicals and have antioxidant properties that facilitate neuroprotective effects. Free radicals can cause inflammation and brain damage; Hence, using essential oils help reduce memory loss, improve speech, reasoning, and attention spans.
Inflammation and oxidative stress by free radicals can also contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
If you’re looking for essential oils for brain function and memory, you can go for those that improve blood flow such as peppermint oil and rosemary oil.
Another way that essential oils can improve mental health is by reducing cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can have a negative impact on cognitive function and mental health when levels are chronically elevated. Some essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, have been shown to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation, which can improve mental clarity and overall well-being.
With proper use and guidance, essential oils can be a safe and effective tool for improving brain function and mental health.
Best Essential Oil Combinations for Brain Health
Combining different essential oils can improve cognitive functions at a whole new level. Here are some effective pairings, carefully curated to boost or maintain cognitive wellness:
Lavender & Sweet Orange: Essential Oils for Brainpower, Mental Alertness and Anxiety
Lavender is an essential oil that research supports sleep, which improves feelings of well being, supports mental alertness and suppresses aggression and anxiety. On the other hand, Sweet Orange is an energizing scent and can rapidly improve mood.
Lavender & Bergamot: Essential Oils for Calming
Bergamot oil is known for being both uplifting and calming and has a citrus scent. Lavender and bergamot are often combined to manage stress.
Lavender & Chamomile: Essential Oils To Improve Sleep Quality
Lavender and chamomile are an excellent combination for sleep. Lavender helps relax the nervous system that, when negatively provoked, can disrupt good quality sleep. When combined with the tension-relieving effects of Chamomile, you’ll get a sense of peace and improved sleep quality.
Frankincense & Sandalwood: Best Essential Oils for Memory and Concentration
Frankincense has been used for centuries for its calming and grounding properties, while sandalwood oil has been shown to improve memory and focus. Combining these oils can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of inner peace and clarity.
Rosemary and lemon oils have also been shown to enhance memory and improve focus. The scent of rosemary oil can help to reduce mental fatigue and boost alertness, while lemon oil has a refreshing and invigorating scent that can promote positivity.
A third pair with similar effects is Rose and Geranium, known to have mood-enhancing properties that can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Rose oil has a soothing and uplifting effect, while geranium oil has a balancing and grounding effect. Together, they can create a beautiful floral scent that promotes relaxation and positivity.
Eucalyptus & Peppermint: Essential Oils for Brain Fog
Essential oils for focus and brain fog include eucalyptus and peppermint oil. Brain fog is a condition characterized by mental fatigue and confusion at the same time. Eucalyptus is an invigorating oil that helps clear the mind. Peppermint, with its cooling properties, help sharpen focus.
Eucalyptus & Peppermint: Essential Oils to Increase Oxygen to the Brain and Mental Clarity
Peppermint and Eucalyptus oils have a cooling and refreshing effect that can help to reduce stress and boost mental clarity. Peppermint oil is known to enhance memory and cognitive performance, while eucalyptus oil has been shown to improve respiratory function, which can help to increase oxygen flow to the brain.
Patchouli & Ylang Ylang: Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress
Patchouli oil has a grounding and balancing effect, while ylang ylang is known for its calming and uplifting properties. Together, these oils can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation.
Clary Sage & Lavender: Essential Oils For Anxiety and Insomnia
Clary sage oil has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, while lavender oil has calming properties that can help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. This combination can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with insomnia or anxiety-related sleep disturbances.
Cypress & Juniper Berry: Essential Oils For ADHD Management and Concentration
Cypress and Juniper Berry: Cypress oil has a refreshing and stimulating effect that can help to improve mental clarity and focus, while juniper berry oil has a grounding and balancing effect that can promote a sense of inner peace and calm. This combination can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with ADHD or have difficulty concentrating.
Essential oils to improve brain function are generally safe and accessible. They work by using the power of scent to stimulate the limbic system in the brain, which can help to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood. Just like how a comforting smell can help you feel better, essential oils can do the same. Some essential oils can help to improve mental clarity and overall well-being.
There are many kinds of essential oils and ways to use them, please read my blog, The Best Essential Oils for Mental Health for essential oil basics.
What essential oils improve specific brain functions and mental health issues?
Check out my blogs that dive into which essential oils support anxiety, attention, and support the brain:
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