| Essential oils to improve memory? It depends on the oil, | | | | suspect that my need for greater brain clarity is due in |
| because some are much better for memory than | | | | part to emotional issues, I inhale a blend of basil, |
| others. Which oils are best and how does one use | | | | bergamot, cardamom, geranium, jasmine, lemon, |
| them optimally? | | | | palmarosa, peeppermint, Roman chamomille, rosemary, |
| Which oils?1. RosemaryIn ancient Greece, students are | | | | rosewood, and ylang ylang. |
| said to weave garlands of rosemary into their hair. | | | | Some people even make their own blends. |
| Why? Because they believed that it (a) strengthened | | | | Three Ways to Use Brain-Building Oils |
| the brain and (b) enhanced memory. Modern research | | | | 1. InhaleThe easiest way is to inhale from the bottle. |
| has confirmed that rosemary essential oil contains | | | | Diffusing is also fun, and if you don't have a cold-air |
| compounds which benefit the brain. | | | | diffuser, you can put 4-8 drops of the oil on a cotton |
| 2. CedarwoodThis is my new favorite! When I've | | | | ball and place on the vents. Another way is to put a |
| finished using a bottle of cedarwood for other | | | | drop on a corner of a handkerchief. |
| purposes, I keep the empty one at my desk or my | | | | |
| reading chair. Out of all the essential oils in the world, | | | | 2. Apply Topically |
| cedarwood contains the highest percentage of | | | | Some people prefer to put the memory-enhancing oils |
| sesquiterpenes. These are the compounds in the oil | | | | on the edge of their ears, on the back of the neck, on |
| that support clear thinking by carrying more oxygen to | | | | the forehead, on the wrists, or on the big toe. Why the |
| the brain. | | | | big toe? Because in reflexology, this corresponds to |
| 3. Sage | | | | the brain! The Essential Oils Desk Reference |
| In a 2003 study, young adults were given capsules | | | | recommends diluting with a high-quality vegetable oil. |
| containing either sage essential oil or a placebo. The | | | | Some people follow this guidance and others don't. |
| one receiving the sage oil performed significantly better | | | | 3. IngestSome people prefer to put a drop of a |
| on recall tests! | | | | memory-enhancing oil in a glass of water at their desk, |
| 4. Four More Single OilsThe essential oils of lemon, | | | | and others enjoy boiling some water, adding a drop of |
| jasmine, peppermint, and lavender have also been | | | | the oil, and having a cup of tea. |
| studied for the memory-enhancing qualities. In studies, | | | | |
| diffusing the essential oil of lemon resulted in a 54% | | | | The bottom line? |
| improvement; jasmine, 33%, peppermint, 28%; and | | | | For memory enhancement, which oil to use and how |
| lavender, 28%. | | | | to use it is often a matter of personal choice. My only |
| 5. Two of My Favorite BlendsI keep two | | | | caution is to be sure to use therapeutic grade essential |
| memory-enhancing essential oil blends at my desk. | | | | oils, because I doubt that you want the chemicals of |
| When I want sheer brain power, I inhale a combination | | | | synthetic oils going to your brain. For optimizing the |
| of cedarwood, sandalwood, frankincense, blue | | | | efficacy of your chosen oils or oils, I recommend |
| cypress, helichrysum, lavender, and melissa. When I | | | | consulting with the Essential Oils Desk Reference. |