7 Essential Oils Boost Brainpower by 226%!

It’s not only brainpower. You can also use these oils to lose weight, sleep more deeply, ward off illness and so much more according to new research out from UC Irvine.

Imagine never again struggling to recall where you left your keys or the name of that new acquaintance who recognizes you at the grocery store. These moments of cognitive lapse can be unsettling, often leading to concerns about aging or even dementia.

However, groundbreaking research from the University of California, Irvine, offers a promising solution that harnesses the natural potency of essential oils to enhance memory, focus, and brainpower.

The science behind aromas and brainpower

In a pioneering study conducted at UC Irvine, neuroscientists have revealed a novel approach to bolster cognitive function through the inhalation of essential oil scents.

The study focused on subjects aged 60 to 85 and exposed them to seven different essential oils—rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender—during a two-hour sleep session. Notably, half of the participants inhaled diluted essential oil vapors, while the remaining group experienced the full strength of these oils.

Astonishingly, after six months, the group exposed to full-strength essential oils exhibited an astonishing 226% improvement in cognitive performance compared to the control group.

Cognitive function encompasses an array of mental processes, including memory, perception, reasoning, decision-making, and language comprehension.

The study's MRI analysis revealed a notable boost in the left uncinate fasciculus—a brain pathway associated with thinking, emotions, and memory formation—in those exposed to full-strength essential oils. As we age, the activity of this pathway tends to diminish, making this discovery even more significant.

This wasn’t the first study to show a link between essential oils and memory. “The reality is that over the age of 60, the olfactory sense and cognition starts to fall off a cliff,” says Michael Leon, PhD, professor of neurobiology & behavior and a fellow at the school’s Center for the Neurobiology of Learning & Memory.

“By making it possible for people to experience the odors while sleeping, they eliminated the need to set aside time during waking hours every day,” says lead study author Cynthia Woo. The same results would apply by turning on a diffuser and inhaling the scents of these oils for two hours during the day.

While more research is needed to explore the potential benefits for those already diagnosed with early dementia, this approach offers a simple and cost-effective strategy to safeguard brain health as we age.

The benefits of essential oils extend beyond brain health, impacting various aspects of well-being.

Beyond memory: other benefits

Let's delve into the specific benefits of some of the essential oils examined in the UC Irvine study:

Rosemary Essential Oil:

• Reduces Stress: Inhaling rosemary's aroma lowers cortisol levels, decreasing stress and enhancing energy and alertness.
• Elevates Mood: Rosemary's scent can increase dopamine levels, fostering happiness and motivation.
• Enhances Focus: The oil's compounds improve alertness, focus, and mental stamina rapidly.
• Promotes Hair Health: Rosemary oil combats stress-induced follicle damage, promoting hair growth.

Lavender Essential Oil:

• Improves Sleep: Lavender's aroma aids falling asleep and enhances sleep quality.
• Lowers Blood Pressure: Inhaling lavender reduces blood pressure spikes.
• Alleviates Nausea: Lavender's soothing effect calms the enteric nervous system, relieving stomach discomfort.
• Enhances Concentration: Lavender's compounds sharpen alertness and concentration.
• Eases Pain: Lavender oil massage or bathing can significantly reduce pain.

Orange Essential Oil:

• Increases Energy: Orange oil stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, boosting energy and stamina.
• Reduces Anxiety: Orange oil's aroma reduces anxiety and salivary cortisol levels.
• Alleviates Pain: The aroma of orange oil can ease pain.

Peppermint Essential Oil:

• Aids Weight Loss: Inhaling peppermint scent reduces calorie intake and aids weight loss.
• Relieves Headaches: Peppermint's compounds ease headache pain.
• Eases GI Distress: Peppermint oil assists with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.

Lemon Essential Oil:

• Combats Motion Sickness: Lemon oil soothes an upset stomach and quells nausea.
• Reduces Anxiety: Sniffing lemon oil decreases anxiety levels.
• Enhances Mood: Lemon oil inhalation boosts mood and mental well-being.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil:

• Fights Athlete's Foot: Eucalyptus oil's antifungal properties combat athlete's foot.
• Boosts Immunity: Eucalyptus-infused baths enhance immunity and reduce recovery time.

Rose Essential Oil:

• Promotes Relaxation: Rose oil significantly reduces stress hormone levels.
• Eases Pain: Rose oil scent lowers pain perception.

It's important to note that while these essential oils offer numerous benefits, seeking professional medical advice before pursuing any treatment plan is crucial.

Incorporating these oils into your daily routine could hold the key to unlocking natural pathways to improved brainpower and enhanced well-being.

Footnotes

Original article source: Adapted from "7 Essential Oils Boost Brainpower by 226%!" by Linda Melone, First For Women, Issue Date: August 30, 2021. Link to original article. This article has been rewritten for clarity and formatting, while preserving the original content and references.