Maybe you have been having a tough few days at work, leading you to sleep poorly. One day leads into the next and you wonder when the cycle will break so that your spirits can improve. Mental capacity is off-kilter and brain fog and cloudy thoughts mar your judgement. The weariness and mental fatigue impairs your cognitive performance, stifles creativity, motivation and judgment and potentially leaves you short-tempered. 

Adding to the turmoil, our physical strength can become zapped with muscles that are achy and tired. Physical fatigue can delay reaction times and lead to a decline in muscular strength, endurance and even coordination. To add insult to injury, sleeping poorly and being overly stressed can lead to a cycle of chronic stress - taxing our mental well-being and causing a number of issues including irritation, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and even poor food choices.[1]

Let's be honest, no one wants to suffer from fatigue but sometimes we don't see it coming and controlling it before it hits hard isn't always possible. However, reducing the mental stress that surrounds us will help our bodies and minds feel better, reducing sleep disturbances and evening out emotional turmoil stopping the cycle of fatigue. 

To be able to act and react appropriately, reduce errors, and improve our overall well-being we can look to natural remedies such as essential oils as complementary solutions for mental clarity that will help us be on top of our game. It is important to note that we should remember to address the individual root cause(s) of fatigue which are essential for effectively combating mental and physical exhaustion. 

These include:

• getting adequate rest
• turning off any devices an hour before bed
• practicing good sleep hygiene
• maintaining a balanced diet
• reducing caffeine intake
• managing stress and
• engaging in regular physical activity

So how do we support our bodies with essential oils naturally? Edens Garden carries an essential oil blend called Energy & Focus whose main purpose is to decrease fatigue, add positive energy, uplift and increase motivation. It is a blend that one user described as reminiscent of Skittles - and I have to agree with that aromatic genius. 

Lime & Lime- Steam Distilled (Citrus aurantifolia): This blend uses not one but two of our Lime essential oils. One is cold-pressed and the other steam distilled. They are both invigorating, refreshing and radiant and help to rejuvenate the nervous system and those suffering from mental fatigue by providing a sense of alertness. As one of the citrus oils, it also emits a brighter outlook by influencing positivity to reduce stress and relieve anxiety and depressive states of mind. Plus the naturally occurring antioxidant properties found in citrus oils including Lime, help to combat oxidative stress on the body and naturally fight fatigue.[2]

In a 2020 study on the citrus oil aroma of Lime was tested for its ability to reduce anxiety and fatigue in hospital patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), and results were significantly different between the control and placebo groups. The study concluded that it is beneficial to recommend that Lime essential oil be used for the management of the symptoms of AMI with a patient's holistic care [3].

Bergamot Mint (Mentha citrata): As a member of the mint family this essential oil emits a minty but citrus-centric aromatic. This plant is grown right here in the USA and its essential oil is made by steam distillation of the plant’s leaves and while there are few studies on this oil, we can make an educated guess based on its linalool and linalyl acetate content that its effects are similar to that of Lavender angustifolia and therefore is a great oil to have on hand (or in a blend) to reduce stress and offer mental clarity and relaxation. 

Timur Pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum): a traditional healer better known to us in the West as Szechuan pepper, its origins come from the Himalayas and Nepal. This berry, (not actually a pepper) has an intense, invigorating and pungent aromas reminiscent of citrus and passion fruit. There are few research studies on Timur Pepper but we can look to the constituents found in the essential oil to give a summarization of the oil's abilities which include Linalool, Limonene and b-Phellandrene which acts to calm tension, uplift the mind, relieve depression and also can relieve pain.[4,5] 

Orange- Sweet (Citrus sinensis): It's hard to mistake the soft, honeyed aroma of sweet orange which works as an antidepressant that can soothe the spirit and sweeten and enliven a sour mood. In this blend, Sweet Orange is also able to help enliven a slow-moving morning mental state. 

In a study in 2022 on citrus oils and exercise-induced fatigue, Lemon and Sweet Orange in particular, due to their limonene content and the inhibition of oxidative stress, had a huge impact on reducing muscle fatigue during swimming allowing the subjects to swim longer. The anti-oxidative constituents in many citrus oils have the potential to protect muscles and help to promote the energy supply of glucose. In another study from 2022, Sweet Orange essential oil was used in an aromatherapy study with adults who suffer from fatigue due to chronic diseases. Results were effective in relieving fatigue altho not ameliorating it fully and more research is needed.[6,7,8]

Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens): Edens Garden essential Palo Santo oil is steam distilled from the aged wood of the fallen wood of Palo Santo trees that grow in Ecuador and has been traditionally used for clearing out negative energy as well as for stomach ache, arthritic pain, inflammation and stress. Its name translates from the Spanish into “holy stick”. The Palo Santo tree is actually from the same family as Frankincense and Myrrh. Its essential oil is rich in limonene and α-terpineol.[9]

While there are few research studies on this essential oil, according to Healthline, Palo Santo is a spiritual oil that will usher in a sense of calm, grounding the heart and mind and giving us the gift of emotional stability. Combined with the other oils in this blend, it can ease a weary mind which assists in bringing about creativity, fortitude and focus.[10]

What Essential Oil Gives You The Most Energy?

Certain essential oils have shown an affinity to energize and enhance the atmosphere to heighten focus and concentration. Citrus oils such as Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit and Orange- Sweet are on the top of the list along with Mint family oils and include Bergamot Mint, Spearmint, and Peppermint essential oil. Other herbals such as Rosemary oil can stimulate memory and help with brain fog. These oils, in combination with oils that help to reduce stress and anxiety such as Palo Santo, can calm and ground body and mind adding the grace of mental and physical balance to Energy & Focus essential oil blend.

What Essential Oil Is Good For Focus And Concentration?

Edens Garden expertly balanced and dynamic citrus-filled Energy & Focus essential oil blend is a sweet and stimulating aromatic that makes an extraordinary choice to improve one's concentration and focus. The citrus oils backed by Bergamot Mint and Palo Santo work in tandem to encourage clear thinking, improve disposition and reinforce positive vibes as it refreshes and uplifts and innervates the atmosphere. 

What Is The Best Essential Oil For Brain Power?

Similar to improving symptoms of fatigue, Citrus, Mint and other stimulating herbal oils such as Rosemary and Eucalyptus can help to improve brain power by expanding the breath and stimulating the mind. Some of the best essential oils work best in blends rather than by themselves since a formulation works in tandem to optimize the chemistry of the constituents that improve mood, temperament and energy, getting you back on track with not only work and family life but with sleep as well. 

Which Essential Oil Is Good For ADHD? 

According to Medical News Today, ADHD symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, or potentially all three. Difficulty sitting still and focusing on a task can be challenging. Evidence readily suggests that essential oils can be beneficial for those with ADHD, and also have been found to help to reduce anxiety and tension.[11]

Rather than suggesting essential oils that are best for ADHD, we recommend sticking with essential oils that are backed by research studies in helping to improve focus and concentration. However, not all essential oils are appropriate for everyone. Considerations include the child's age as well as preference for certain aromas. 

This blog post will help you understand and choose oils that are age-appropriate. For aromatic preferences, we suggest conducting a smell test of essential oil singles as well as blends like Energy & Focus. To do this, sit in front of a few oils (3 or 4 at a time so that you don't overload the sense of smell), uncap one at a time and smell the aroma directly from the bottle. This will help rule out (or in) which oils and aromatics are favored. Once the oils or a blend have been chosen, we suggest diffusing the aroma(s) daily, especially when it is time to focus and concentrate on work or homework. 

Where Do You Rub Essential Oils For Energy?

You can easily use Energy & Focus essential oil blend as a topical treatment but it is wise to be aware that this blend contains cold-pressed Lime essential oil which is phototoxic. Should you decide to use this blend topically, to keep it skin safe, it should be diluted with a carrier oil at 1% which means 5-6 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil such as Jojoba or an unscented cream. If you decide to use more than 1% it would be wise to stay out of the sun for 24 hours after application, especially during the hot, summer months. 

To read more about phototoxic oils, please read this blog post. As with any new product, it is best to also perform a skin patch test on the inner arm before using it on a larger area topically. 

With that said, this oil is lovely applied as you would a perfume onto pulse points or used as a body cream. 

How Do You Use Essential Oils For Fatigue?

Inhalation of essential oils is one of the best methods for many issues including fatigue.[12] Diffusing is one such method that releases essential oil molecules into the atmosphere of your home or workspace. But there are a few other aromatherapy methods we suggest which you can read about below.

• Diffuse intermittently. Most nebulizing diffusers come with various settings allowing you to have your machine turn off after a certain amount of time. Edens Garden Terrazzo diffuser is an elegant option.
• On the go? No problem. This portable personal diffuser comes in handy when on the go and when traveling and it’s small enough to fit in a pocket, purse, or backpack.
• Make a salt inhaler with an easy-to-carry and portable nasal inhaler and switch it up a bit. Remove the wick from your Essential Oil Inhaler and fill it with coarse salt, then add 10-15 drops of Energy & Focus essential oil. The salt works to deliver a more intense aroma that lasts longer.
• Pre-Workout: Make a pre-workout blend by combining 12 drops Energy & Focus with 1 oz of carrier oil. Pack a bottle in your gym bag and rub the oil blend on your palms before exercising - cupping your hands over your nose, breathe in deeply 3-4 times. Energy & Focus is terrific for athletes looking for deeper breathing. Short on time, try our premade Energy & Focus roll-on!

SOURCES:

1. Effectiveness of Aromatherapy on Ameliorating Fatigue in Adults: A Meta-Analysis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9020949/
2. Effects of essential oils on central nervous system: Focus on mental health https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.6854
3. The effects of Citrus aurantium aroma on anxiety and fatigue in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A two-center, randomized, controlled trial https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803319300739
4. Timur Pepper (Zanthoxylum Armatum) https://thefoodielovers.blog/2020/03/31/pepe-timut-zanthoxylum-armatum/
5. What Is Phellandrene? https://leafwell.com/blog/phellandrene/
6. Essential oil composition of Zanthoxylum armatum leaves as a function of growing conditions https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2019.1687517#:~:text=Fourteen%20components%20were%20identified%20from,%CE%B1%2Dpinene%20(4.11%25)
7. A Comparative Study on Relieving Exercise-Induced Fatigue by Inhalation of Different Citrus Essential Oils https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9145370/
8. Effectiveness of Aromatherapy on Ameliorating Fatigue in Adults: A Meta-Analysis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9020949/
9. Palo Santo https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349074749_Palo_Santo
10. Palo Santo Benefits, Uses, Precautions, and How to Use It https://www.healthline.com/health/palo-santo-benefits#:~:text=Palo%20santo%20is%20a%20traditional,the%20oil%20on%20your%20skin
11. ADHD: Can Essential Oils Help? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315114#Can%20essential%20oils%20help%20with%20ADHD
12. Beneficial effect of compound essential oil inhalation on central fatigue https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-018-2375-6