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7 Best Essential Oils for Focus and Concentration: Improve Your Mental Clarity Today

Updated: May 12, 2023

Looking to improve your focus and concentration? Essential oils may be just what you need! These powerful plant extracts can help with everything from mental clarity to boosting your energy levels. In this blog post, we will discuss seven of the best essential oils for focus and concentration. Each oil has unique properties and benefits, so read on to find out which one is best for you!

image of lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil and other essential oils for focus and concentration

Guide to The Best Essential Oils For Focus and Concentration


Essential oils can provide a natural and effective way to help support cognitive function. Many healing benefits of essential oils, such as antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic virtues, have been discovered.[*] Essential oils can help to boost focus and concentration by stimulating brain function and the autonomic nervous system. Certain essential oils may be used for this purpose, each with its own set of advantages. This guide will help you choose the best essential oil for focus and concentration based on your needs.


How Essential Oils Help With Focus


Aromatherapy activates specific regions of the brain that control emotions, motivation, memory, and hormones to help with focus and attention span. The brainstem is called the limbic system. The brain's limbic system is intricately connected with the olfactory system—the sense of smell. As a result, essential oils that are inhaled can directly affect the limbic system and emotions.




How to Use Essential Oils for Focus and Concentration


Diffuse


One popular way is through diffusing. This involves adding a few drops of your chosen oil to a diffuser, which then disperses the oil into the air.


Inhale


Inhaling essential oils can also help to improve focus and concentration. If you’re looking for a more direct way to inhale essential oils, you can try using a personal inhaler. This is a small, cylindrical device that allows you to inhale essential oil blends whenever you need to improve concentration.


Topical Application


Another way to use essential oils to boost concentration is by applying them topically to your skin. This can be done by adding a few drops of oil to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, and then massaging it into your skin.


Essential Oils As A Natural Mental Aid


Essential oil (OE) has several beneficial effects, including promoting relaxation and calming nervousness. The healing benefits of essential oil have been known and used for centuries. Research shows that essential oils have clear advantages when it comes to treating depression and other emotional diseases.[*]


Top 7 Essential Oils to Help You Focus


1. Rosemary Essential Oil

image of rosemary oil, a powerful essential oil that can help sharpen focus and concentration
*The Rocky Mountain Oils Rosemary Essential Oil has a powerful herbaceous, slightly woody, and balsamic aroma.

Rosemary oil has been found to have a positive influence on mood states, brain wave activity, and the autonomic nervous system.[*]


Rosemary essential oil has long been associated with memory and focus. In fact, the herb rosemary is often used as a symbol of remembrance. The essential oil of rosemary can be used to support cognitive function and help improve focus.


Rosemary oil is stimulating and can help to clear the mind. It can be diffused to help promote concentration and focus when studying or working. Rosemary can also be used topically on the temples or back of the neck to help support cognitive function.


When diffused, rosemary essential oil can also help to reduce stress and tension. This makes it an ideal oil to use during times of mental fatigue or burnout. Rosemary can also be used in a massage blend to help relieve muscular aches and pains.


2. Peppermint Essential Oil

image of peppermint oil, a powerful essential oil that can help sharpen focus and concentration
*The Rocky Mountain Oils Peppermint Essential Oil promotes cool inspiration and creativity with its minty aroma.

According to a small study, peppermint oil is beneficial for preventing fatigue and enhancing exercise performance.[*]


Peppermint essential oil is often used to promote concentration and focus. When diffused, peppermint oil can help to clear the mind and improve memory recall. Peppermint oil can also be inhaled directly from the bottle or diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically to the temples or back of the neck.


If you are finding it difficult to concentrate or focus on a task, diffusing peppermint oil or applying it topically may help to improve your concentration and focus.


Related: 10 Ways to Optimize Your Time Management and Increase Productivity

3. Lemon Essential Oil

image of lemon oil which is one of two citrus oils on this list that can offer energy enhancing benefits and improve mental alertness.
*The Rocky Mountain Oils Lemon Essential Oil is so refreshing and vibrant while it promotes a positive mood.

Lemon oil has been used to treat a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, inflammation, heart disease, and depression. One study found that lemon essential oil may improve memory.[*]


Lemon essential oil is one of the best oils for focus. It helps to clear your mind and allows you to better focus on the tasks at hand. Diffusing lemon essential oil can also help to create a refreshing and uplifting environment.


When diffused, lemon oil can help to:

  • Clear your mind and help you focus better

  • Create a refreshing and uplifting environment


To use lemon essential oil for focus, simply diffuse it in your workspace or add a few drops to a cotton ball and inhale deeply. You can also apply it topically to your temples or back of your neck.


4. Spearmint Essential Oil


image of spearmint oil that can enhance memory and mental performance
*The Rocky Mountain Oils Spearmint Essential Oil has an amazing uplifting effect that helps encourage a positive perspective and focus.

A 2016 study found that spearmint and rosemary oil improved learning and memory, as well as brain tissue oxidation markers associated with aging.[*]


Spearmint essential oil is often used to promote focus and concentration. When diffused, it can help to clear the mind and promote mental clarity. Spearmint can also be helpful in supporting a healthy immune system.


When used topically, spearmint essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the temples or back of the neck. This can help to promote a sense of alertness and focus.


Spearmint essential oil is a refreshing and uplifting oil that can be used in many different ways. Whether you are diffusing it for a mental pick-me-up or applying it topically to support concentration, spearmint is an oil that is sure to please.


5. Sweet Orange Essential Oil

image of sweet orange oil which is a citrus oil that can improve brain function and improve focus
*The Rocky Mountain Oils Orange Essential Oil has a citrus aroma that can help promote optimism and a cheerful mood.

The energy-enhancing benefits of citrus essential oils are well known. One study found that inhaling sweet orange oil and spearmint oil may improve athletic performance.[*]


Sweet orange oil has a fresh, uplifting scent that can help to improve concentration and mental clarity. Additionally, sweet orange oil is also known for its ability to boost energy levels and mood. This makes it an ideal oil to use when you need to be productive and really focus.


6. Lavender Essential Oil

image of lavender oil that can enhance memory and mental performance
*The Rocky Mountain Oils Lavender Essential Oil can be diffused, applied topically, or used around the home.

Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and relaxing effects. Research has shown that it may help to improve sleep quality, as well as cognitive function.[*]


Lavender oil is derived from the lavender plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.


Lavender oil is thought to boost cognitive function and improve memory. Some studies have shown that lavender oil can help improve attention span and reduce anxiety.


In a study of healthy young adults, those who inhaled lavender oil before taking a memory test performed better than those who did not. The results suggest that lavender oil may help improve cognitive function and memory.



7. Basil Essential Oil


image of basil oil which has an invigorating aroma
*The Rocky Mountain Oils Basil Essential Oil can help boost alertness by energizing the body and stimulating mental clarity.

Sweet basil essential oil has been used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, headaches, and digestive issues.[*] Basil oil is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Basil essential oil is known to improve cognitive function. The plant compounds linalool and eugenol present in basil oil have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in rats [*].


In a study on humans, participants who took basil essential oil capsules for eight weeks showed significant improvements in memory recall, compared to those who took a placebo [*].


The cognitive-enhancing effects of basil essential oil may be due to its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygenation in the brain [*]. Basil oil is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may further contribute to its cognitive-protecting effects [*] [*].


Image of various essentials oils stacked up that may improve cognitive function
*Give The Rocky Mountain Oils Essentials Kit a try! Start your collection with these 6 staple essential oils.

Best Essential Oil Focus Blends

There are so many essential oils that can be blended together for optimal results!


Some popular blends for focus include:


Rosemary, Peppermint, and Lemon Essential Oils


The uplifting aroma of this blend will help you feel more energized and able to focus.


This essential oil blend is perfect for those who enjoy the fresh, uplifting scents of rosemary and peppermint, with a hint of lemon to brighten it up. This invigorating mix can help to improve focus and concentration, making it ideal for use during studying or work. Diffusing this blend can also help to purify the air and refresh any space.


To create this blend, simply add equal parts rosemary, peppermint, and lemon essential oils to a diffuser or bottle of your choice. If you're using a diffuser, follow the manufacturer's instructions for how much oil to use. If you're making your own blend in a bottle, start with 1-2 drops of each oil and increase as desired.


This blend can also be used topically, although it's always best to do a patch test first to make sure you don't have any sensitivities. To use topically, simply add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and apply to the skin. You can also add this blend to lotions or other products for an extra boost of fragrance and benefits.


Lemon and Sweet Orange


Citrus fruits are known for their ability to improve mental clarity and concentration. This blend combines two of the best essential oils for focus.


Lemon and sweet orange essential oils are a refreshing and invigorating blend. When used together, these oils can help to boost your mood, increase energy levels, and refresh the mind. This uplifting blend is perfect for diffusing in the morning or anytime you need a pick-me-up.


Lemon oil is known for its ability to boost mood and energy levels. It is also refreshing and cleansing, making it a great addition to any diffuser blend.


Sweet orange essential oil is another oil that is known for its uplifting properties. It can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels. Additionally, sweet orange oil has a fresh, citrusy scent that is perfect for diffusing in the morning or afternoon.


When diffused together, lemon and sweet orange essential oils can help to create a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere. This blend is perfect for use in the morning or anytime you need a pick-me-up.

Image of various essentials oils stacked up that may improve cognitive function
*The oils in the Rocky Mountain Oils Mood Kit are perfect to diffuse while meditating.

Lavender, Clary Sage, and Vetiver Essential Oils


This calming blend is perfect for when you need to relax and clear your mind.


This essential oil blend is perfect for relaxation and stress relief. Lavender oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties, while clary sage oil has been used for centuries to help alleviate stress and tension. Vetiver oil is also an excellent relaxant, making this blend perfect for use in a diffuser or as a massage oil.


Frankincense Oil and Rosemary


Frankincense oil has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. This blend combines the benefits of frankincense with the uplifting properties of rosemary.


Frankincense and Rosemary Essential Oil Blend is great for diffusing when you need to focus or if you’re feeling scattered. It’s also perfect for adding a boost of energy to your day. This refreshing, uplifting blend has a spicy, herbaceous aroma with hints of floral sweetness from the Rosemary.


To use: Add a few drops of this blend to your diffuser or personal inhaler. You can also add it to lotion or carrier oil for topical application.


We hope you've enjoyed this list of the best essential oils for focus and concentration. As you can see, there are a variety of essential oil aromatherapy options that can help improve mental focus and clarity.



Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your specific condition.


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