Best Essential Oils for Studying

There’s no question about it: self-discipline and good study techniques are essential for academic success.  It is true, though, that there are also numerous natural and home remedies that you can use to improve your memory and concentration.  Some of these involve essential oils.  That’s right!  Not only fragrant and calming, essential oils can sharpen your thinking and boost your mental energy.  Below we’ll discuss essential oils that you might find useful and ways that you can use them.

List of Useful Essential Oils for Studying

Sage essential oil: Sage essential oil can help to alleviate mental fatigue and boost mental balance.  This essential oil is extracted from common garden sage.  Sage’s scientific name is Salvia officinalis.

Sweet basil essential oil:

It is sweet basil oil’s cephalic properties that make it useful for improving your studying performance.  Having cephalic properties means that it can boost your brain’s cognitive functioning.  It helps to strengthen memory, improve concentration, and generally enliven the mind.

Rosemary essential oil:

Rosemary essential oil can improve comprehension when reading, as well as general concentration.

Lemon essential oil:

If you’re feeling a bit down and discouraged by all the studying you need to do, lemon essential oil can help to cheer you up and generally improve your mood.

Sweet orange essential oil:

Sweet orange oil is another essential oil that will help you enjoy a happier and more energetic mood.

Eucalyptus essential oil:

Eucalyptus oil can enliven your senses and sharpen your thinking.

Ylang ylang essential oil:

If you’re feeling nervous about an assignment or upcoming exam, you might find ylang ylang essential oil to be useful in alleviating nervousness and anxiety without causing drowsiness.

Peppermint essential oil:

Peppermint oil will help you feel lively and ready to study!  It should help you feel more focused and boost your retention of material.  Peppermint’s effects in this area have been documented by scientists.

Essential Oil Safety Tips

Remember the following safety tips when using essential oils:

• Ensure that your essential oils are high quality therapeutic grade. They should come from trusted sources.
• Do you suffer from an illness such as epilepsy, hypertension, or asthma? Make sure to consult with your doctor before trying essential oils.
• If you are pregnant or lactating, you need to speak with your medical practitioner before using essential oils. You need to be very cautious.
• When using essential oils, never touch your nose, eyes, or mouth without washing your hands first. Essential oils can irritate mucous membranes.
• Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) if you’re going to use them on your skin. Make sure to do an allergy test on a small patch of your skin before using essential oils.
• Never ingest essential oils, as doing so can be dangerous.

Ways to Use Essential Oil

Below are examples of essential oil recipes you can try.

Lemon essential oil on tissue:

One way to use lemon essential oil is to put three drops of it on a tissue and breathe in the fragrance whenever you like.  It will help to enliven your mind, boost your energy levels, and create a cheerful and optimistic mood.

Eucalyptus and coconut oil:

Mix one teaspoon of coconut oil with one to three drops of eucalyptus oil.  You can massage this over your forehead and temples.  This is especially useful if you feel a migraine developing.

Lemon essential oil, ylang ylang essential oil, and coconut oil:

This recipe will help to calm feelings of anxiety and panic.  You’ll need six drops of lemon essential oil, seven drops of ylang ylang essential oil, liquid coconut oil, and a 10 ml roll-on bottle.  Mix the two essential oils with enough liquid coconut oil to fill the bottle.  You can roll this behind your ears, on your neck, and on your shoulders to relax.

Sage and peppermint or rosemary essential oils in diffuser:

Mix sage oil with peppermint or rosemary oil and put in a diffuser.  This should improve your concentration.

Basil essential oil in steaming water:

Bring a saucepan of four cups of water to the boil.  After that, remove it from the heat and put it on a placemat on a table.  Add two or three drops of sweet basil oil.  Making a tent over your head with a towel, breathe in the steam while keeping your face at a safe distance.  You’ll find that intaking this steam will help not only to clarify your thoughts but do away with any headache.

Refreshing room spray:

This spray with a mix of essential oils will help to refresh your mind and make you ready for more studying after a break.  To make it, you’ll need four drops of ylang ylang essential oil, five drops of peppermint essential oil, ten drops of sweet orange essential oil, two teaspoons of witch hazel, one cup of distilled water, and an eight-once amber spray bottle.  Make sure to mix well by shaking the bottle before every use.

Dilute with a carrier oil if you want to apply to skin:

If you ever want to apply an essential oil directly to the skin, you’ll need to mix it with a carrier oil (such as grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil).  The dilution ratio should be about two drops of the essential oil of your choice to one teaspoon of carrier oil.  It is important to dilute essential oils because failing to do so could cause skin irritation or reactions.

Ylang ylang, peppermint, and sweet orange oils in cold-mist diffuser:

Try mixing two drops of ylang ylang oil, three drops of peppermint oil, and three drops of sweet orange oil and putting this in a cold-mist diffuser.  This is sure to boost your mood.

Breathe in the fragrance:

If you wish, you can simply inhale the fragrance of your chosen essential oil for positive mood and concentration effects.  You can use any of the essential oils we listed earlier in the article.

Sweet orange, eucalyptus, and peppermint oil in diffuser:

You can sharpen your thinking by using the following mixture in a diffuser: one drop of sweet orange oil, one drop of eucalyptus oil, and two drops of peppermint oil.  The aroma will help to clear any brain fog.

Essential oils and aloe vera gel:

Mix three drops of lemon oil, four drops of peppermint oil, four drops of rosemary, and one ounce of pure aloe vera gel in a small amber glass jar.  Put some of this on your pulse points, including your wrists.  This should improve your memory.

Shower melts for increased energy:

These shower melts require three drops of lemon oil, five drops of peppermint oil, seven drops of rosemary oil, half a cup of baking soda, and one cup of cornstarch.  Create a thick paste by adding tiny amounts of water to this mixture.  As you do so, you’ll probably notice a little bit of fizzing.

Once you’ve achieved a thick paste consistency, put the mixture in the compartments of an ice tray.  Put this in the freezer for between two and three hours.

After this, take them out and put them in a mason jar.  When you want to use one of these shower melts, put it on the floor of the shower.  The steam from the hot water will dissolve it, allowing you to enjoy the fragrance of the essential oils inside.  Be very careful where you step when you use a shower melt: you don’t want to risk a fall!

Tranquil sleep:

Even if you originally planned to stay up all night studying, it’s possible that getting some sleep will actually be more helpful.  If you want to ensure peaceful rest, try this roll-on essential oil recipe.  You’ll need five drops of ylang ylang, five drops of cedarwood, eight drops of lavender, a liquid carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil), and a 10 ml roller ball bottle.

Put the essential oils in the bottle, and put in enough liquid carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil is a popular choice) that the roller ball bottle is full.  Shake well.  You can roll this mixture onto your feet and shoulders before you go to sleep.

Other Home Remedies to Help You Study

Fish oil:

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and as a result it can help alleviate cognitive decline and boost memory.  It is believed that the DHA (docosahexaeonic acid) in fish oil may be able to prevent the development of the brain plaques that have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.  Make sure to talk to your doctor and ask about suitability and correct dosage of fish oil.  If you don’t want to take a fish oil supplement, you can simply eat more sardines, mackerel, herring, and salmon.

Indian gooseberry:

In Ayurvedic medicine, memory and the nervous system can be benefited by Indian gooseberry (also referred to as amla).  Indian gooseberry can also help to strengthen the immune system.  You can take between 1-3 teaspoons of Anwala churna 2-3 times daily for a couple of weeks.  If you prefer, you can instead grind a teaspoon of white sesame seeds and an equal amount of Indian gooseberry root into a powder.  Mix some honey into this.  You can have this each day for three days.

Rosemary:

Rosemary can help with your memory.  You can add one teaspoon of dried rosemary to one cup of boiling water.  Let this steep for around five minutes.  Strain the liquid and mix in a bit of honey, if you wish.  You can drink this every day for three weeks.  Don’t use this remedy if you’re under 18.  Kids can add rosemary to their food as a spice, however.

Almonds:

The omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in almonds make them beneficial to cognition and memory.  To enjoy the benefits of almonds, soak between five and ten of them in water all night.  After that, peel off the almonds’ skin and then grind up the nuts.  Boil this in a glass of milk.  Mix in some honey or sugar.  You can drink this every day for about a month.

Make regular use of the “utensils” exercise:

This is a useful and popular memory exercise.  Open up your utensils drawer and carefully examine everything that tis there and the way that it is arranged.  Pick things up and put them back to help you better remember.  Once you have done this a few times, request that a family member or friend take out one or two items.

Be enthusiastic about learning:

Try to gain new experiences and learn new things as much as you can in your general life.  This will help to keep your brain active and receptive.  Try going to museums and art galleries more often, and consider volunteering for an organization that interests you.

Take power naps:

Taking short (30-minute) power naps during the day can help to rejuvenate and repair your body.  They can make your brain more agile and ready to learn.

Increase your intake of vitamins and micronutrients:

Make sure that your diet includes foods rich in vitamins and nutrients such as: omega 3, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, Iodine, and zinc.  Examples of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are fish, seeds, nuts, and egg yolks, while meat, cereals, dairy, and fish are often rich sources of vitamin B12.

For more vitamin B6, consume more milk, cereals, peanuts, vegetables, pork, eggs, chicken, fish, and turkey.  Strawberries, eggs, tuna, yogurt, cod, turkey, and seaweed are good sources of iodine.  To add more zinc to your diet, eat more nuts and seeds, meat, broccoli, garlic, spinach, mushrooms, and legumes.

Be more creative:

Find ways to express your creativity in daily life.  Cultivate creative activities and find new interests.  Being creative can have positive effects on the brain similar to those of meditation.  It can also help to boost your confidence, making success more attainable.

Exercise more often:

Find time for exercise at least a few times a week for better and stronger connections between brain cells.  Exercising can boost memory and learning abilities.  You’ll find yourself better able to comprehend and absorb information from books and lectures.  You should exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, five times per week.  If you find this too difficult at first, start with two times a week and progress from there.

Beets:

Beets contain natural nitrates, making them useful in improving blood flow to the brain.  This can help to boost overall mental functioning.  Beets can also improve general energy throughout the day.

Broccoli:

Broccoli can help to maintain memory functioning, partly because of its vitamin K content.  Of course, broccoli is also good for general health.  It offers large amounts of vitamin C and fiber.  Broccoli is a food that will benefit any daily diet.

Egg yolks:

Egg yolks offer choline, a substance that is linked to hormones related to happy emotions.  This is significant, as a feeling of well-being can help with focus and motivation.  Eggs are also a wonderful source of protein, making them beneficial to general health and strength.

Extra virgin olive oil:

The polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil can boost memory and cognition.  It is also believed to be able to help counteract proteins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.  Try adding extra virgin olive oil to your daily diet.  This oil has many other general health benefits, as well.

Turmeric:

Turmeric contains curcumin, which means that it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.  It also boosts the brain’s intake of oxygen, making it easy for you to stay alert and think clearly.  Add turmeric to some of your meals to start enjoying its brain benefits.

Dark chocolate:

Pure dark chocolate offers a number of health benefits.  It has a large amount of flavonols, which boast anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  Blood flow to the heart and the brain can benefit from dark chocolate.  Avoid chocolate that has been highly processed and/or that has high sugar content.

Avocado:

Avocado can help you improve concentration and memory.  It also has folate and vitamin K, meaning that it can help to prevent blood clots forming in the brain.  Avocadoes also has a variety of other significant health benefits.  It contains healthy fats and a high level of protein.  For a fruit, it also has a low sugar content.

Bone broth:

Bone broth contains amino acids such as glycine and proline that can boost memory function and maintain the immune system.  Bone broth can also help to reduce inflammation and it generally beneficial to the body.

Blueberries:

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and contains vitamin K and vitamin C.  It is the gallic acid in blueberries that can help to protect the brain from the effects of stress and degeneration.  Try drinking blueberry smoothies whenever you can.

Coconut oil:

Coconut oil can help to improve memory and protect from degeneration.  The oil is also generally anti-inflammatory and has innumerable health benefits.  You can take coconut oil in supplement form, if it’s more convenient.

Walnuts:

Walnuts contain minerals, vitamins (such as vitamin E), and antioxidants that can boost mental functioning.  Many people feel it is beneficial to eat a few walnuts each day.

Spinach:

Spinach and other green, leafy vegetables are beneficial to brain health.  They will boost your general health, as well.  You should incorporate these foods into your daily diet.

Cayenne pepper:

Cayenne pepper boosts the flow of oxygen to the brain, potentially improving functioning.  The vitamin C it contains is also beneficial.  Try adding a bit of cayenne pepper to your meals whenever possible.  Keep some water close by!

Memorize more:

Memorizing things is good exercise for the brain.  You can learn phone numbers, songs, and poetry by heart.

Do crossword puzzles:

Many people find that doing crossword puzzles on a regular basis can help to maintain brain health.  Coloring books can also be useful.

Watermelon:

The lycopene in watermelon is a strong antioxidant.  The pure water in watermelon is also beneficial to the well-being of the brain.  This is because dehydration can cause memory problems and generally low mental energy.

Grapes:

The resveratrol in grapes is beneficial to the memory.  Try to find concord grapes, as they contain a large amount of polyphenols, an antioxidant that can benefit the brain.

Sesame seeds:

An amino acid called tyrosine is found in sesame seeds.  Tyrosine is important in the production of dopamine.  Dopamine is a neurotransmitter of which you need sufficient amounts to enjoy a sharp memory and mental alertness.  The vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc in sesame seeds are useful in ensuring brain health.

Cocoa:

The arginine in cocoa can help to increase blood vessel dilation and boost blood flow to the brain.  A study has found that cocoa intake can lead to better performance on memory tests.

Shellfish and crustaceans:

Shellfish and crustaceans such as lobster, shrimp, crayfish, clams, oysters, shrimp, and mussels are rich in vitamin B12, making them useful in supporting memory function.  Make sure that you stay away from these foods if you have a shellfish allergy, of course.  Ensure that any shellfish or crustaceans that you eat are fresh.

Ginseng:

Ginseng supplements are known to boost brain function.  Studies carried out by the University of Maryland Medical Center have shown that ginseng can boost learning and thinking abilities.  Make sure to talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

Gingko Biloba:

Gingko biloba is an herb known for its ability to improve brain functioning.  It is especially effective at boosting cognitive function and memory.  Gingko biloba can be found in some sports drinks and nutrition bars.  Make sure to talk to your doctor before taking this herb.

 

References

[1] “8 Best Essential Oils for Studying”, https://www.themiracleofessentialoils.com/best-essential-oils-for-studying

[2] “Home Remedies to Improve Memory”, https://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-improve-memory.html

[3] “Efficient Home Remedies to Improve Memory”, https://54health.com/home-remedies/4-efficient-home-remedies-improve-memory

[4] “7 Ways to Boost Brain Power While Studying”, https://www.topuniversities.com/blog/7-ways-boost-brain-power-while-studying

[5] “15 Brain Foods to Boost Focus and Memory”, https://draxe.com/15-brain-foods-to-boost-focus-and-memory

[6] “Top Natural Remedies for Memory Loss”, https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/natural-remedies-for-memory-loss.html

[7] “Maximize memory function with a nutrient rich diet”, https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/maximize-memory-function-with-a-nutrient-rich-diet

[8] “Herbal Remedies for Concentration”, https://www.livestrong.com/article/414203-herbal-remedies-for-concentration