Essential Oils and the Brain
Improve Mental Clarity and Focus, Thinking, Learning and Test Scores
Essential oils can improve thinking by carrying oxygen to the brain and stimulating brain centers for learning - improving writing, work, and test marks.
Fragrances have the power to affect mood, emotions, and our impressions of the people and places around us. Scents can be comforting, enticing, exciting, or depressing and unpleasant. Is it any wonder, then, that the sense of smell has the ability to heal the brain and improve mental focus? Essential oils such as frankincense, peppermint, rosemary and vetiver have been shown to clear the mind and improve test scores, writing, and productivity.
How Essential Oils Feed the Brain
Essential oils nourish many of the body's systems by carrying oxygen and other nutrients to the cells. The brain is no different.
Essential oils contain a mixture of both large and small compounds – molecules small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain itself.
Essential oils may be an invaluable tool for cleansing toxins and heavy metals, such as aluminum, that lodge in the brain and contribute to memory loss and Alzheimer's.
They also trigger areas in the brain (e.g. the amygdala) that relate to the emotions – the parts of the brain that store trauma and pleasure, as well as memory. This is why essential oils can be used in therapy to help release fears and change belief systems. It also explains why smelling the same oil while studying and writing a test helps with recall of information.
Essential Oils for Better Learning
Almost any essential oil can help with learning and studying skills, depending on your needs: most oils have either stimulating or sedative properties, either refreshing the mind or calming those who are worried about their performance. Be aware, however, that results will vary greatly with the quality of the essential oils used – adulterated oils (poorly pressed, or with junk chemicals added) can make people feel drowsy or distracted.
Several oils are known in particular for their ability to improve mental acuity and focus. These are:
- Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) – one of the most powerful healing oils, frankincense stimulates the limbic system of the brain as well as the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands. It has been used against cancer and depression.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – the bright, sharp fragrance of rosemary is clarifying to the mind and emotions.
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – stimulating and refreshing, the sweet smell of peppermint oil is used to awaken the mind and heighten the senses. It is one of the best oils to boost energy, creativity and learning skills.
- Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) – dark, smoky and rich, vetiver is profoundly grounding and tonic to the mind. It is often used for depression or to help children with ADD and ADHD to focus and learn. It is stress-relieving and calming.
Any of these oils can be used by inhaling a drop or two from cupped hands or (with the exception of vetiver, which is too thick) by diffusing them through a room, apartment or house.
Topically, the back of the neck and the "brain stem" (at the base of the skull) are two of the most effective places to apply oils for clear thinking and learning.
Essential Oils for ADD and ADHD
Essential oils are a subtle but powerful tool that can help children (and adults) with learning disabilities, hyperactivity, or attention deficit disorder. Any of the above oils can be used, as well as others discussed at Essential Oils for ADD and ADHD.
Reference: Essential Science Publishing, Essential Oils Desk Reference, 2nd Edition, USA, 2001.
