Staying focused is a prerequisite for completing tasks, but not everyone can do that for a prolonged period. The longer the tasks take, the more difficult it is for some of us to remain alert and focused. This is especially true for students who need focus to remain attentive in class or to perform a mental task. For such people, essential oil for focus will come in handy.
There are different steps you can take to increase your attention span, like taking deep and long yoga breaths, but essential oils can do more than that. With essential oils, you can improve the quality of your life significantly.
A mentally stimulating ingredient
Essential oils are mentally stimulating ingredients. These oils are extracted from plants that contain active compounds that improve health and support the mind as well. With essential oils, you can treat conditions like sinus infections, coughs, colds, low immune functions, body pains, psoriasis, and eczema.
Besides treating a physical condition, you can also use essential oils to treat mental conditions such as depression, insomnia, and even anxiety. This is why in recent times, essential oils have become widely used to treat different conditions, including for maintaining focus. It stills the mind and increases concentration levels by activating the Limbic system. The Limbic system is the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Once this system is stimulated to become active, focusing on tasks becomes much easier.
So which essential oil for focus should you use? Below, we review some of the best essential oil for mental alertness.
Vetiver
Vetiver is a stabilizing oil that can work wonders for your brain. This oil does not contain chemicals but is rich in organic compounds that will ease you into a very calm state. All you need is a drop or two, and you are set for the day. You also have the option of blending it with other oils like Peppermint oil or Lavenders for greater effect. If you inhale one or two drops or you rub them on your big toe or under your feet, your body will absorb it, and it will take effect.
Lavender
Lavender is another very good example of essential oils that can help improve focus. It contains compounds that stimulate the Limbic system. This oil will help you stay focused for longer than usual. Lavender can be diffused or applied to the skin. Just apply 1-2 drops to your feet or neck before you go to sleep, and you will nap soundly until the next morning. You may also mix it up with other oils to form a blend.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood is extracted from a tree by the same name. This extract has calming and soothing compounds that will help you relax but stay alert at the same time. Creating a blend of Cedarwood, Lavender and Vetiver can aid concentration. This oil can be diffused or applied to the bottom of your feet. If you don’t have a diffuser, you can inhale it from a bottle.
Rosemary
The herbaceous scent of Rosemary oil makes it a favorite of many essential oil users. This oil has the same smell as a freshly watered garden. The fragrance heals mental fatigue, uplifts the mood, and aids concentration levels. One or two drops are all you need in a diffuser or via skin application. But make sure you mix it with a carrier oil.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil has one of the strongest scents of all essential oils and is one of the best oils for focus. Its minty aroma triggers the mind to stay alert for longer periods. The best way to enjoy the effects of peppermint oils is to diffuse them. You may also choose to blend it with other oils as well.
Basil
Basil is one oil that has been used for different treatments, and it is quite effective. Basil oil calms the nerves and fends off negative emotions. With all that negativity out of the way, you can focus on the task at hand. Basil has rich compounds that improve mood and can be used alone with a carrier oil or in a blend. One of the best essential oils to mix it with is Lemongrass.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass has an invigorating scent that will keep you vibrant during the day, whether at work or at school. It is rich in organic compounds that are great for your mental health. Even the aroma will give you a mood boost to start the day. Lemongrass oil is best used in the morning, but you may also use it at any other time of the day.
Frankincense
One of the rarest and oldest uses of essential oils is Frankincense oil. This oil has been used for generations by healers to cure different kinds of ailments, and it also has Biblical significance. Frankincense can also be used to maintain focus. Applying it to your neck or temples will lead to faster absorption. As always, just make sure you mix it with a carrier oil.
Lemon
Not to be confused with Lemongrass, lemon oil is another effective mental stimulator that can be used alone or paired with other oils like Peppermint or Lavender oil. The best way to get great results is to diffuse it.
Cypress
Cypress is not as widely used as other oils on this list but make no mistake when we say the oil is very good. It has a calming effect on the mind and body. Cypress can help you deal with mental blocks and fatigue.
Bergamot
Citrus oils are known to be very good for the brain because they relax the brain muscles. Bergamot is one of the house’s best-known citrus oils. Despite its rich scent, it is not as harsh as other oils like Peppermint. If you diffuse Bergamot into the air regularly, you will notice that you remain upbeat for the most part of the day.
Patchouli
Patchouli is another citrus oil just like Bergamot that is good for your muscles and the brain. Patchouli calms and relaxes at the same time. With a calm mind, you can avoid distractions and focus on what’s in front of you. Patchouli will keep your motivation level up, so you will struggle less with completing assignments within deadlines.
Spearmint
Spearmint oil has a strong minty fragrance similar to Peppermint oil. This oil has a chemical component called Carvone. Carvone has energizing properties that improve the mind and make the brain function at optimal levels. Spearmint also improves mental health.
Essential oil for focus: Special blends
There are special oil blends you can use to improve focus. A blend is a combination of two or more oils. Blends are widely used because they have far greater potency compared to similar oils. Here are some rich blends we recommend.
Basil/Rosemary/Peppermint, Bergamot/Geranium
These oil combinations are great for clarity. When citrus and herbaceous oils are combined together for clarity, they create a perfect blend that will improve your level of mental alertness. You can apply the blend to your temple or diffuse it into the air.
Blue Tansy/Patchouli/Ylang Ylang/Tangerine/Orange
If you want to experience some level of calm and peace, you may want to try out this blend. The best time to use it is at the start or the end of the day. You can diffuse it or inhale it for a few minutes.
Frankincense/Sandalwood/Lavender/Helichrysum
A highly functional brain will stay focused for an extended period. If you want to increase your brain power, this blend is exactly what you need. The strong scent of Lavender and the calming scent of Sandalwood mixed with the rich properties of Helichrysum and Frankincense will improve your brain.
How to use essential oil for focus
There are different ways people use essential oils, but if you want to use essential oil for focus, you will have it do it correctly.
One method is diffusion. If you have a diffuser, you can add some drops into it, and the device will diffuse it into the air. As you keep inhaling it, your Limbic system will be activated, which will lead to an improvement of your emotions and mood, and, of course, focus level.
The second option is to mix the oil with a carrier oil and water in a spray bottle and spritz the air with it. This method works just like diffusion, but the only difference is that the oil will not be vaporized.
Then is the topical application. This one involves applying it to the pressure points of the skin like your elbows, ankles, temples, big toe, neck, or under your feet. But make sure you use sufficient carrier oil so it will not irritate your skin.
Essential oil for focus stimulates the Limbic system, and this system is responsible for memory and alertness. If you use the oil regularly, your mental capacity will improve maximally.
Essential oil for focus FAQ
What is the best essential oil for focus?
There isn’t any single oil that can be described as the best since there are many of them. The oils reviewed in this article are all very good essential oils.
Are essential oils for focus good for breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women?
No, they are not. People who fall into this category are advised to abstain from it or use them in small doses.
How many essential oils can I use at once?
You can use as many as you wish in a blend. But ensure that the blend contains sufficient carrier oil to reduce potential allergies. Almond and coconut oils are very good options.
