Brighten your mind with Rosemary essential oil.

Scientific research has made it clear: ‘Aromatherapy’ works. A multitude of studies have confirmed that inhaling essential oils can both relieve stress and improve mental acuity. Here’s several simple blends for you to experience these effects for yourself and your family.

For a quick recap, on this blog we’d presented three recent studies demonstrating the stress-reducing action of diffusing and inhaling essential oils. This is in addition to previously published research noting aromatherapy’s effect of lowering of cortisol (stress hormone) levels, as well as improving states of mild-to-moderate depression.

As for sharpening the mind, there’s growing evidence showing a great many essential oils help spare the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, our primary “information processing” neurochemical.

Many studies have investigated the use of essential oils such rosemary, lemon, sage, peppermint, sweet marjoram and the like to improve the mental faculties of those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Inhaling these diffused oils actually limits the breakdown of acetylcholine in the body and brain, and can actually prevent dementia from occurring.

Clarify your mind with Clary Sage.

So here’s a few blends for you to experiment with. We’ve included some from categories – relieving stress and anxiety, and brightening and clearing the mind. You may use these blends however is easiest for you – in a diffuser, diluted to 10% in a carrier oil and dabbed on the wrists, throat, or massaged into the feet - or any other way you might experience their aromas.

For sharpening the mind, aiding memory, more effective study and work periods:

1) 4 parts Rosemary, 1 part Bay Laurel, 1 part Peppermint
2) 3 parts Pine, 1 part Lemon, 1 part Rosemary
3) 3 parts Clary Sage, 2 parts Rosemary

The most researched and popular essential oils for supporting mental acuity are Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemon and Clary Sage. Peppermint will aid in bringing sharp focus, Lemon a general state of clarity, and Clary Sage may enhance your creative processes.

For reducing stress and anxiety:

1) 3 parts Lavender, 2 parts Neroli, 1 part Bergamot
2) 3 parts Bergamot 2 parts Orange, 1 part Neroli
3) 4 parts Sandalwood, 2 parts Vetiver

Of course, the oils with the most scientific backing here are Lavender and Bergamot. Lavender is the more calming, sometimes labeled ‘sedating’ of the two. Bergamot is the more ‘uplifting’ aromatic, with research supporting it’s anti-depressant effects. In this category, you really can’t go wrong with any of the citrus oils: Green, red or yellow Mandarin, Grapefruit, Sweet Orange and similarly Neroli, Petitgrain and Mandarin Petitgrain.

We wish you the best in stress relief and brain power!