Top 10 Scents That Improve Brain Function, Boost Energy Levels and Promote Wellness
Do you know how certain scents can instantly lift your mood or trigger a memory? Well, it turns out that these fragrant smells may have a more lasting effect on our brains than we think. The sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotion — some researchers even believe that smell is the most important sense we humans have. With this in mind, you may want to consider what scents you’re putting in your home environment. Here are ten scents to help improve brain function.
Peppermint — Improves brain function, reduces stress
Peppermint essential oil is known for its ability to improve brain function, reduce stress, and boost energy levels. Did you know that peppermint essential oil is one of the few essential oils that can cross the blood-brain barrier? That’s one of the reasons why it’s such an effective essential oil. The other reason is that peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which has a cooling effect that stimulates the senses and increases alertness.
Lavender — Reduces stress, improves cognitive performance
Lavender is well known for its calming effect on the body and mind; that is why it is often used in aromatherapy as a treatment for anxiety. The scent of lavender is a great natural way to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost energy levels. In addition to its calming effects, lavender is also known to enhance cognitive performance and increase concentration. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition found that participants who inhaled lavender essential oils for a week had overall improvements in cognitive performance, particularly in the areas of memory, attention, and problem-solving.
Sandalwood — Improves focus and concentration, reduces anxiety
Sandalwood is a type of wood that comes from various trees of the genus Santalum. It is a medium-density timber prized for its unique fragrance and is used in perfumes, incense, and wood polish. It’s also a popular essential oil that can be used to make perfumes, cosmetics, and soap. The essential oil is extracted from the roots of the sandalwood tree. The scent of sandalwood has been used as an aid to meditation and prayer for centuries. It has a subtle, earthy scent that is calming and soothing and can be used as an effective sleep aid. Sandalwood essential oil is believed to be beneficial for a number of health problems, including anxiety and insomnia. It’s also said to be good for infections like colds and the flu.
Frankincense – calming, reduces anxiety
Frankincense has been around since Biblical times, but the truth is, it’s been used for over 4,000 years by a variety of cultures. Studies have shown that the scent helps ease anxiety while also reducing levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. The smell alone is enough to help reduce stress, but when combined with meditation or yoga, the scent can help reduce stress even more. Among other royal green hojari frankincense benefits when burned, the scent also works to purify the air, making it a great addition to your home or office.
Frankincense has a calming effect on anyone who smells it due to its ability to naturally reduce the stress hormone cortisol. It is also known to stimulate the production of DHEA, which is a hormone that has anti-aging properties. Research has shown that DHEA can also improve memory and brain function. Frankincense essential oil can be diffused, added to a bath, or used in an aromatherapy diffuser to reap the benefits of its anti-aging properties.
Lemon — Promotes a happy mood, sharpens focus
Lemons have a lot of health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to helping you lose weight. It is also a powerful weapon against stress. If you’re in a stressful situation at work, a whiff of lemon can instantly lift your spirits. But that’s not all! Lemon has a powerful and pleasant smell that promotes a happy mood, sharpens focus, and increases energy. In fact, the smell of lemon can even suppress your appetite, which can make it easier to lose weight.
Chamomile — Reduces stress and increases relaxation
When it comes to aromatherapy, most people think about the scent of lavender or the smell of a fresh-cut flower. But what about chamomile? The scent of this common herb is often overlooked, yet its benefits are well documented. Chamomile’s calming scent can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A study published in the “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine” found that chamomile can help make people feel more relaxed. The study also concluded that the scent has the ability to relieve stress and boost energy levels.
