Essential Oils to Naturally Increase Energy Levels

Using Essential Oils to Boost Energy Levels

Feeling tired, sluggish, and in need of an energy boost? Many people reach for coffee, energy drinks, or sugary snacks for a quick pick-me-up. However, these can lead to crashes later on. Using essential oils is a natural way to increase energy that may provide longer lasting benefits without unwanted side effects.

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from plants that capture the plant’s scent, flavor, and therapeutic properties. With their powerful aromatic compounds, essential oils can provide both physical and mental boosts when you are lacking energy and focus.

How Essential Oils Help Increase Energy

There are a few key ways inhaling and applying essential oils can lead to feeling more energized:

• Activating the limbic system - This region of the brain controls emotions, behavior, motivation, and memory. Essential oils send signals to the limbic system which can immediately affect mood and stress.
• Increasing oxygenation - The scent of some essential oils can promote deeper breathing. More oxygen circulating to the brain and body energizes you.
• Promoting blood flow - The dilating effects of some oils increase circulation when applied topically or inhaled.
• Balancing hormones - Hormonal shifts can cause fatigue. Some oils help normalize hormones like cortisol and thyroid hormones.
• Reducing inflammation - Oils with anti-inflammatory properties can help ease joint or muscle pain that saps energy.

Best Essential Oils for Energy

Certain essential oils are particularly beneficial for boosting low energy. The best options include:

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil has a brisk, sharp scent that is instantly energizing. It’s also one of the most researched oils for increasing alertness. Studies have found peppermint oil can improve energy levels, concentration, focus, and athletic performance.

Applying peppermint oil topically may provide a cooling, tingling sensation that awakens the mind and body. You can also diffuse the oil or inhale it directly from the bottle.

Rosemary

Rosemary oil is another great choice for mental and physical energy. Its woodsy, herbaceous aroma can reduce mental fatigue while boosting nitric oxide levels which dilates blood vessels.

A 2017 study had participants complete a series of mental exercises. Those who inhaled rosemary oil performed significantly better and reported feeling more alert than those who did not inhale the oil.

Lemon

Bright, zesty lemon oil can stimulate the senses and provide an emotional uplift. A 2014 study found that inhaling lemon oil reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improved immune function. Lemon oil’s mood-boosting properties can make you feel more energized.

Eucalyptus

Opening the airways with the strong camphor scent of eucalyptus can improve alertness. A 2015 study had participants inhale eucalyptus oil while running on a treadmill. Those who inhaled the oil not only had more energy, they chose to exercise longer than those who did not inhale the oil.

Orange

Sweet, citrusy orange oil can provide an energizing lift to the mood. Diffusing orange oil improved feelings of positivity and relaxation in an 8-week study. The oil’s anxiety and stress-reducing properties can leave you feeling more mentally alert with renewed energy.

Cinnamon

Spicy cinnamon oil boosts circulation while providing a sweet yet woody scent. It contains the compound cinnamaldehyde which expands blood vessels and warms the body. Applying diluted cinnamon oil can promote blood flow to energize and awaken the body.

Ginger

Ginger oil can energize both the body and mind with its sharp, spicy aroma. It provides a warming sensation that may relieve aches and pains while reducing fatigue. A 2015 study found ginger oil's stimulating effects helped increase alertness and concentration.

How to Use Essential Oils for Energy

There are several methods to leverage essential oils’ energy-boosting potential:

Inhalation

Directly inhaling essential oils by holding an open bottle under the nose is one of the fastest ways to experience benefits. Inhaling activates the olfactory system, sending signals straight to the brain to influence energizing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

You can also diffuse a few drops of an energizing oil or apply some to your wrists and inhale periodically. Use this method with lemon, rosemary, peppermint or eucalyptus oils.

Topical Use

Absorbing essential oils through the skin allows the active compounds to enter the bloodstream. Rubbing diluted oils on your neck, temples, wrists, chest, or bottoms of feet enables the energizing effects to reach target areas more directly.

Use this method of application to help increase circulation, relieve muscle fatigue, or wake yourself up. Recommended oils for topical use include cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper.

Aromatherapy Bath

An aromatherapy bath is a relaxing yet invigorating way to leverage essential oils’ benefits. As you soak in warm water infused with diluted oils, the compounds enter the body transdermally while the scent activates the limbic system.

Try adding uplifting oils like grapefruit, lemon, rosemary, or spearmint to your bathwater. The hydrating and skin nourishing effects will compound the energizing aromatic benefits.

Pair with Massage

Increase circulation and relieve muscle fatigue by pairing energizing essential oils with a massage. Have a partner massage the neck, shoulders, back, legs, and feet using diluted ginger, black pepper, or cinnamon oil.

The increased blood flow to the muscles brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to improve energy levels. The aromatherapy benefits will also give you a mental and emotional lift.

Midday Pick-Me-Up Spray

Keep a quick pick-me-up spray with you at work or in your bag. Add several drops of invigorating essential oils like lemon, peppermint, grapefruit or spearmint to a mister bottle filled with water. Spritz it on your face and back of neck whenever you need an instant aromatherapy energy boost.

Precautions for Safely Using Oils for Energy

While using essential oils can provide an effective energy lift, be sure to take the following precautions:

• Always dilute oils before applying to skin to avoid irritation.
• Certain oils may interact with medications, so check with your doctor.
• Avoid getting oils near the eyes, ears, or nose.
• Ingest only therapeutic grade, food-safe oils in very small amounts.
• If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before wider application.
• Use only 100% pure, high quality essential oils from reputable brands.
• Educate yourself on the safe use of oils if you are pregnant, nursing, or treating children.

Boost Your Energy Naturally

Essential oils provide a safe, effective way to increase low energy levels. Experiment with different aromas and methods to find the best options that provide both a physical and mental lift. With their fast-acting compounds and pleasant scents, essential oils can give you the revitalizing boost you need.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.