13 Best Essential Oils for Focus

Do you ever struggle with staying focused throughout the day? Essential oils may be just the solution you need!

By harnessing the power of plant-based aromatherapy, you can improve your concentration and productivity. Of course, with so many different essential oils to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 13 best essential oils for focus. From energizing citrus scents to grounding herbals, there’s something on this list for everyone. So why not try incorporating essential oils into your daily routine and see how they can help you stay on task?

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are used for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. They are extracted from various parts of plants like stems, leaves, flowers, and roots and have been used for centuries for their medicinal and cosmetic benefits. Essential oils are known for their ability to aid in relaxation, improve mood, soothe pain, and promote overall health and wellness. From Eucalyptus to Lavender to Peppermint, each essential oil has its unique scent and purpose. With the growing popularity of natural remedies, essential oils have become a staple for many people seeking alternative ways to support their physical and emotional well-being.

How Essential Oils Can Help You Focus?

Essential oils contain chemical constituents that are known to have a stimulating effect on the mind. For example, Peppermint Oil contains menthol, which has been shown to increase alertness and cognitive function. Rosemary Essential Oil, on the other hand, contains 1,8-cineole, a compound known to improve memory retention and mental alertness. By using these oils, you can create a tranquil and stimulating atmosphere at home or work, helping you to enhance your performance and increase productivity.

Essential Oils for Focus

Rosemary Essential Oil

Aroma: Herbal & Woody

If you’re looking for a natural way to enhance your cognitive abilities and boost your focus, Rosemary Essential Oil may just be the answer. Inhaling the aroma of this oil has been found to have a memory-enhancing effect, according to a recent study¹. Not only does it help to sharpen your mind, but it also has a refreshing and invigorating scent that can uplift your mood and increase your motivation.

Lavender Essential Oil

Aroma: Fresh & Floral

When it comes to essential oils, Lavender is one of the most versatile and popular options on the market, and it turns out that it may have even more benefits than we previously thought. A recent study² has found that Lavender Essential Oil has neuroprotective properties, which means that it could help prevent damage to the nervous system and even improve cognitive function.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Aroma: Sharp & Minty

This stimulating and energizing oil has been shown to combat both mental and physical fatigue according to a study³, making Peppermint Essential Oil a great choice for when you need a quick pick-me-up during the workday or a long study session.

Vetiver Essential Oil

Aroma: Woody & Herbaceous

A 2016 study⁴ found that inhaling Vetiver Essential Oil can reduce mental fatigue and boost alertness – two key factors that contribute to staying on task and getting things done. The warm, earthy aroma of Vetiver Essential Oil is also known for its grounding properties, which can help settle a racing mind and promote overall calmness.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Aroma: Dry & Woody

A recent study⁵ found that Cedarwood Essential Oil has an anxiolytic effect, which means it can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. This can be especially beneficial when trying to stay focused on a task or project. Plus, cedarwood has a soothing, grounding scent that can help promote a sense of calm and balance.

Basil Essential Oil

Aroma: Fresh & Sweet

Basil Essential Oil is packed with linalool, a powerful component that’s been shown to combat the negative effects of memory loss as per a study⁶. Whether you’re studying for an exam, tackling a big project at work, or just need a little extra help staying on task, incorporating Basil Essential Oil into your routine can help give you the mental clarity you need to stay sharp and focused.

Cypress Essential Oil

Aroma: Herbaceous & Fresh

Not only does Cypress Essential Oil have a calming aroma, but it also eases stress, making it easier to concentrate on the task at hand. A study⁷ has shown that it is effective in reducing self-reported anxiety and depression levels, which can also contribute to improving focus.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Aroma: Spicy & Woody

Frankincense Essential Oil is a favorite among those who meditate and center themselves, and with good reason. A study8 has shown that it has stress-reducing properties that can help create a soothing and stress-free environment. This is key when it comes to improving focus since stress and anxiety can be major distractions and obstacles.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Aroma: Floral & Woody

Sandalwood Essential Oil has been found to promote alertness. This is due to the naturally-occurring chemical alpha-santalol that is present in the oil. A study⁹ has shown that this compound can increase physiological parameters like pulse rate and systolic blood pressure, which are markers of alertness.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Aroma: Earthy & Citrusy

Research has shown that inhaling Lemongrass Essential Oil could lead to an improvement in cognitive function, as well as a modulation of mood. No wonder that lemongrass oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its ability to help with mental clarity and focus.

Lemon Essential Oil

Aroma: Sweet & Citrusy

A recent study found that Lemon Essential Oil was effective in reducing test anxiety, making it a great option to use when studying for exams. This refreshing and invigorating scent can help clear your mind and keep you alert, so you can power through any study session.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Aroma: Citrusy & Floral

Bergamot Essential Oil has been found to have some amazing calming properties that can help you stay level-headed and focused on your tasks at hand. In a recent study¹², it was discovered that inhaling Bergamot Essential Oil can lead to a decrease in the psychological stress response, reduce serum cortisol levels, and even lower blood pressure.

Patchouli Essential Oil

Aroma: Earthy & Musky

When it comes to promoting rest, Patchouli Essential Oil could be just what you need. In fact, a study¹³ has shown that this essential oil is perfectly suited to help you wind down after a long day. By promoting a more relaxed state of mind, Patchouli can help you quiet the noise in your head and achieve a better sense of focus.

How to Use Essential Oils for Focus

Diffuser Blend Recipes

One of the most popular ways to use essential oils for focus is in a diffuser blend. By diffusing a blend of essential oils, you can create a calming and stimulating environment to help you stay on task.

Roll-On & Inhaler Recipes

For those moments when it feels like our attention span is decreasing by the second, essential oils can be an invaluable tool to help bring focus back into our daily routine. One easy way to use these oils is through roll-on and inhaler recipes, which can be applied to pulse points or inhaled throughout the day.

Aromatherapy Activities

These aromatherapy activities are a great way to help both children and adults concentrate during sensory activities or work that requires intense focus. Whether you’re a fidgeter or simply looking for a natural way to stay attentive, these recipes can offer a range of benefits.

Personal Care Recipes

Using essential oils in personal care products like perfume, body lotion, shampoo, or lip balms is a convenient way to experience their benefits throughout the day. With essential oils, you can smell great and stay mentally sharp, no matter where your day takes you.

Other Aromatherapy Recipes

Another easy and effective method of using essential oils is through aromatherapy recipes, such as candles or reed diffusers. These not only add a pleasant scent to your home or office space but can also provide a subtle uplift to your mental clarity throughout the day.