Why Can’t I Focus? Part 2: Five Essential Oils to Boost Focus, Energy, and Cognitive Health

Transcript*:

The Eight Reasons You Can’t Focus

Hello dear friends.

In our last video, we reviewed several reasons why it can be difficult to focus and how essential oils can boost brain power. Specifically, I discussed eight main ways our attention gets hijacked. Then, I highlighted how nature’s aromatics can help in addressing the underlying brain imbalances that result from these aspects.

In case you missed it, there will be a link to it in the resource section.

Below is a quick summary:

• The eight main concentration stealers include stress and overwhelm, lack of sleep, ADD/ADHD, hormonal imbalances, gut issues, nutrient deficiencies, poor prioritization, and medications.
• Essential oils can be an ally in addressing these main causes and assist in rebalancing the brain through various holistic ways.

Now that we’ve uncovered why you may be having issues with focus and attention and have some comfort in knowing there are means to address them, it’s time to get a bit more tactile.

In this clinical tip, I will discuss:

• How essential oils support cognition.
• Implementing essential oils and psychoaromatherapy into naturopathic and functional medicine for better mental health.
• My top five favorite essential oils to help enhance concentration, productivity, and energy.
• Important clinical and safety applications to consider when using essential oils.

As always, all the references and links will be provided in the resource section in the video transcript.

So, let’s get started.

 

How Essential Oils Support Cognition

First, let’s review how essential oils support brain health.

Essential oils directly impact cognitive function through the direct interaction of their aromatic molecules with our cellular receptors. This results in:

(1) modulating hormones and brain signaling patterns

(2) shifting brain electrical activity

3) protecting the nervous system (neuroprotection) – Essential oils contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Recent advancements in clinical pscyhoaromatherapy have proven how essential oils can be used to support mental health. This application of essential oils can be merged with naturopathic and functional medicine to offer comprehensive brain health support and address the root causes of psychological disorders.

Now, with that brief overview, let’s look at my top five favorite aromatic allies for boosting focus, attention, and brain vitality.

 

My Top Five Essential Oils for Focus, Attention, Mood, and Brain Vitality

 

1. Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint oil may be best known for how it supports the gut and digestion, but it also enhances attention.

In one recent, small study it was reported that peppermint oil, along with cinnamon oil, increased alertness while decreasing frustration during a driving scenario. Furthermore, “peppermint scent reduced anxiety and fatigue.”

Another way peppermint oil helps with brain power is via the gut-brain link. It has impressive clinical evidence for relieving symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), which is often linked to cognitive and mood imbalances.

When I was in naturopathic medicine school, I was known for passing around a bottle of peppermint oil before exams to boost my and my classmates’ recall. Every passerby knew when our class had a test, because the whole room smelled like a refreshing minty delight!!

 

2. Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary oil has many studies on how it aids memory, cognitive performance, and stimulates the nervous system.

In a small study with 20 people assessing rosemary oil, researchers sought to confirm changes in the autonomic nervous system function using various measurements. The results confirmed, “the stimulatory effects of rosemary oil and provide(d) supporting evidence that brain wave activity, autonomic nervous system activity, as well as mood states are all affected by the inhalation of the rosemary oil.”

In another clinical trial, rosemary oil combined with lemon oil showed promise for improving cognitive function in those with dementia.*

Expert tip: If you are looking for its energizing properties, you would want to ensure the rosemary chemotype (a species’ dominant constituents) has higher amounts of 1,8 cineole and monoterpenes.

**Safety Tip: There are some cautionary statements against using rosemary oil in those with high blood pressure. This may be true if blood pressure is linked to overstimulation of the nervous system. In this instance, ylang ylang oil may be a more calming choice.

 

3. Sage Oil (Salvia officinalis) and Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia)

Sage oil has earned its namesake by the evidence of its aiding with cognition and brain health in a variety of human trials. (This chart, found within this comprehensive review, summarizes much of the research on sage oil.)

One study assessed the mental benefits of Spanish sage in healthy subjects using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced, crossover design. In this complicated trial, the authors concluded that memory retrieval was enhanced with Spanish sage. Furthermore, the participants reported an improvement in alertness, mood, and cognition.

Several other small trials have also reported on these brain-boosting properties of sage oil. For example, a study with 135 subjects evaluated the aroma of Spanish and Common Sage in several conditions. The results indicated that memory, cognition, and mood were positively influenced by the odors.

 

4. Jasmine Oil

Jasmine oil is an oil that has been shown to shift brain electricity to enhance focus.

In a small trial with 20 subjects published in Journal of Health Research, it was found that inhalation of jasmine caused an increase in beta wave power (indicating increased alertness) in the anterior and left posterior region of the brain. This was measured with an EEG (electroencephalogram). Subjects also reported a greater feeling of well-being and were less drowsy when inhaling jasmine as compared to the resting and control condition (almond oil).

 

5. Citrus Oils

Citrus smells are well-known for their emotional enhancement and nervous system balancing properties. Citrus oils have been found to relieve anxiety, enhance focus, and uplift the mood. They are one of my first choices for children to help improve attention and assist with completing schoolwork. *

 

Important Application and Safety Considerations for Using Essential Oils for Brain Health

Now that we’ve reviewed my favorite essential oils for brain power, I want to make sure I’m being responsible in sharing clinical considerations and safe applications.

First, we should review the impact of biochemical individuality. This means everyone’s nervous system, genetics, biology, and emotional response will interplay with their specific biochemical response to any essential oil. Therefore, some oils are better suited for a person at a particular phase in their wellness journey. So, leave “wiggle room” in selecting which aromatic experience is right for you at a given time frame.

Second, although I provide tips for essential oils based on my clinical experience, in my practice I use a personalized approach. I implement questionnaires and/or testing to assess hormones and neurotransmitters that impact which interventions, including essential oils, I select for my clients. I also ensure proper dosage and continue to monitor whenever I suggest a therapeutic modality.

These aspects are important, as any intervention can cause some side effects if dosages are not adequately accounted for or one’s nervous system responds negatively.

So, please make sure that you are also taking these factors into consideration, along with your healthcare provider, if you decide to implement any of these medicinal plants. Follow the label instructions,* study about safe usage, and remember that one drop goes a long way.

*These oils can be used via inhalation methods, such as diffusing, and can also be diluted and applied topically. A safe area to apply is to the feet.

 

Summing Up My Favorite Oils for Focus and Brain Power

Essential oils can be implemented into an integrative treatment plan to address the causes of a lack of focus. They assist in rebalancing the brain through their ability to influence brain and hormonal biochemistry, shift brain activity, and offer neuroprotection.

Five essential oils to boost focus and memory include:

• Peppermint oil which enhances attention and gut-brain function.
• Rosemary oil which assists with memory, cognitive performance, and stimulates the nervous system.
• Sage oil which assists with cognition and brain health.
• Jasmine, an oil that has been shown to shift brain electricity to enhance focus.
• Citrus oils to calm anxious thoughts, optimize focus, and uplift the mood. They are great for children.

When incorporating these oils into your wellness regime, it’s important to be responsible and consider individual variations in responses, applications, and safe use.

I hope you found this information helpful in assisting you with using essential oils to boost your brain power and enhance your cognitive health.

Feel free to share your thoughts below.

 

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As a subscriber yourself, you’ll stay up to date on my latest clinical tips, blogs, news, and podcasts. You will also be the first to hear about the release of my upcoming brain health program! This transformational series centers on balancing the brain. In this way, lifestyle shifts can occur because our limiting beliefs and non-nourishing behavioral patterns will be addressed on the physiological, psychological and spiritual levels.

 

Resources:

• Why Can’t I Focus!? Part 1: Eight Reasons Your Attention Gets Hijacked and How to Improve Cognition with Essential Oils (My clinical tip with references)
• Have Our Amygdalas Have Been Hijacked? The Mental Health Crisis in America and Why Psychiatric Care Needs Holistic Help (My article with references)
• Mind-Body Medicine: Naturopathic Doctors as Support Agents for Mental Health (My article with references)
• Integrative Resources for Mental Health, Emotional Balance, and Back-to-School Stress (My clinical tip with resource links)
• Feeling Fatigued? My Favorite Herbs and Essential Oils to Boost Focus, Energy, and Cognition Health (Part 3: My Top Essential Oils for Attention, Mood, and Brain Vitality) (My article with references)
• Eight Reasons Why You Can’t Focus and Concentrate & Four Essential Oils to Help You Pay More Attention (My article with references)
• Essential Oils for Stress Relief and Mental Health: A Review (My clinical tip with references)
• Three Ways Essential Oils Support Brain Health for Better Mood, Memory, and Cognition: Part I (My clinical tip with references)
• A Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Approach to Supporting the Brain Using Essential Oils: Essential Oils for the Brain Part 2 (My clinical tip with references)
• Which Essential Oil to Choose… for You… for That: Finishing Up on the Third Concept of Essential Oils and Synergism (My article with references)
• Effects of Peppermint and Cinnamon Odor Administration on Stimulated Driving Alertness, Mood, and Workload (North American Journal of Psychology)
• Aromas of Rosemary and Lavender Essential Oils Differentially Affect Cognition and Mood in Healthy Adults (The Free Library)
• Salvia (Sage): A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects (Drugs RD)

*Transcript has been edited for grammar and ease of reading.