Aromatherapy for a Calm, Clear Mind

Aromatherapy is often used to help people relax and feel refreshed. Many people also enjoy using certain scents when they want to feel more alert, or to clear their head during a busy day. In this post, we look at some favourite oils and a simple blend to try.

Brain fog and feeling clear-headed

"Brain fog" isn’t a medical term, but many people use it to describe times when thinking feels slow or unclear. It is common with stress, poor sleep and many long-term conditions. If brain fog is new, getting worse or worrying you, speak to your GP.

Scent and how we feel

Our sense of smell is closely linked to the parts of the brain involved in emotion and memory. That is why scent can change how we feel in a moment, and why many people find a fresh or familiar scent helps them feel more awake or more settled.

Oils people often choose

1. Rosemary: fresh and herbal. Many people like it when studying or working.
2. Peppermint: cool and invigorating, a popular choice when you want to feel refreshed.
3. Lavender: calming and soft, good for winding down when stress is getting in the way.
4. Lemon: bright and uplifting.

A refreshing blend

• 6 drops rosemary essential oil
• 6 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil (such as sweet almond or jojoba oil)

1. In a small glass bottle, combine the essential oils.
2. Add the carrier oil, which dilutes the essential oils so they are suitable for your skin.
3. Close the bottle and shake well.

How to use it: add a few drops to a diffuser or a tissue and breathe in slowly, apply a little to your wrists or the back of your neck, or add a few drops to a warm bath.

Using essential oils safely

• Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before they touch your skin, and do a small patch test first.
• Citrus oils such as lemon, grapefruit and bergamot can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so avoid using them on skin that will be in the sun.
• Check with your GP, midwife or pharmacist before using essential oils if you are pregnant, have a health condition such as epilepsy or asthma, or take medication.
• Use extra care with children, and keep oils out of their reach. Peppermint is not suitable for young children.
• Never swallow essential oils.

Our upcoming course

Our course, "Aromatherapy for Cognitive Vitality", is coming soon. It covers how to use essential oils safely in everyday life, including diffusers, personal inhalers and blends for the skin, and is designed for carers, professionals and anyone interested in aromatherapy.

Final thoughts

Aromatherapy can be a simple, enjoyable way to feel refreshed or to relax when stress is building. Experiment with the scents you like best, and use oils safely.