We need energy for everything we do, and it is the force that enables us to unleash our full potential and achieve our goals. Physical energy provides us with the stamina to move and perform our daily tasks, improving our productivity. Mental energy helps us to focus and concentrate, particularly when making decisions and performing challenging tasks.

Improper lifestyle choices, or our day-to-day activities, can lead to burnout and fatigue. We may struggle to get up in the mornings or feel exhausted by midday. A healthy diet, good sleep, and regular exercise are all vital for enabling us to maintain energy levels and focus. 

However, when you need that instant boost of energy and alertness, essential oils (EOs) offer a natural pick-me-up. This article explores the EOs that improve energy and focus and the different ways to use them for maximum benefit.

What are EOs?

EOs are highly volatile (i.e. readily vapourise), organic compounds extracted from various plant parts. This could be from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, or roots. 

These oils are termed as ‘essential’ because they capture the odour and flavour of the plant that represents its essence. EOs are named according to the plant they have been extracted from; for example, grapefruit essential oil is extracted from the grapefruit’s rind. The aromas EOs travel through the air and are immediately sensed by the olfactory sensors in our nose.¹

Different types of EOs

An EO’s aroma ‘note’ refers to the property that distinguishes the duration the scent of an EO will last. The notes are divided into ‘top’, middle’ and ‘base’. There are eight EO aroma families: citrus, floral, herbaceous, camphoraceous, minty, spicy, resinous, and woody/earthy.

Essential oils for energy

Citrus oils

Citrus oils have a fruity scent and contain compounds that people usually find uplifting, energising, refreshing, and invigorating. These properties can help to reduce fatigue and promote alertness. 

Citrus oils are extracted from the rinds of lemon, grapefruit, orange, or lime.  For an energy boost, you can try:

• Briefly inhaling the aroma from the bottle  
• Sprinkling a few drops of a citrus essential oil on the floor of your shower to envelop yourself in the uplifting aroma 
• Use a diffuser either at home or at the workplace to help you feel energised during the day.²

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is extracted from the underside of fresh, or partially dried, leaves via steam distillation. The most active ingredients are menthol and menthone, which have invigorating and energising properties.⁴ 

When used in a diffuser, it improves energy levels, concentration and alertness.⁴ When it is added to moisturisers and applied topically or added to the bath, it provides a cool and calm feeling that relieves muscle soreness and mental stress. 

You can also try combining peppermint oil with spearmint or lavender oils for an enhanced effect on energy levels.¹ Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves active ingredient 1.8-cineole (Eucalyptol) is beneficial for reducing stress and tiredness, improving energy levels, and enhancing mental clarity.⁵  

Eucalyptus oil is beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety-related disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic attacks.⁵ You can massage your body by mixing eucalyptus oil with carrier oils such as sunflower or sweet almond oil to relax your muscles and provide an energy boost.⁵ You can also use it as an air freshener by adding a few drops to cotton balls and placing them on a radiator.^.

As some varieties of eucalyptus oil contain high levels of 1.8-cineole, application around the mouth, eyes, or broken skin should be avoided.² The oil should not be orally consumed, and its use should be avoided during pregnancy or by people with epilepsy.²

Bergamot oil

Bergamot oil is derived from the bergamot orange peels via cold expression. When it is used in a diffuser or inhaled, the active chemical constituents of this oil relieve stress and anxiety symptoms   This also aids sleep, supporting good energy levels and mood.³

EOs for focus

Rosemary oil

As Ophelia from William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet says, ‘There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance’; rosemary oil enhances concentration, mental clarity, and information retention. 

Rosemary is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the plant via steam distillation. Its herbaceous aroma stimulates the mind and can support stress reduction, memory function, and focus.⁶

It is commonly used in a diffuser in study spaces. You could add a few drops to your bath, or mix it with coconut oil for a massage, to relax your mind and body.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil has the astonishing ability to calm the mind and relieve stress and tension.³ Often known as the ‘Queen of Relaxation’, it combats anxiety by stimulating the alpha and theta brain waves. Its soothing effect on the mind and body relaxes the mind, promoting mental clarity and concentration.³

Lavender oil is obtained via steam distillation of lavender flowers. Lavender oil can be either used in the diffuser or mixed with carrier oil for a massage on your wrists or temples to aid relaxation and sleep. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath to relieve anxiety and tension.^2,3

Frankincense oil

Frankincense oil has an earthy and woody aroma and its active ingredients help to reduce stress. The oil is extracted via steam distillation or carbon dioxide extraction by crushing and powdering frankincense resin crystals and placing them in an oil bath.

Frankincense oil can be used in a diffuser to combat anxiety, reduce fatigue, and promote sleep while improving focus and concentration.⁷ It can be diffused in the workspace to create a focused or serene atmosphere, or added to a warm bath for relaxation. The oil has blood-thinning properties and should be avoided by pregnant women and individuals with bleeding disorders.⁷

Sweet basil oil

Sweet basil oil is derived from the leaves of this herb that emits a sweet, herbaceous and floral aroma, t The oil can help to reduce stress and anxiety and instantly uplift energy levels, improving clarity and alertness.⁸ 

You can either dilute sweet basil oil and add a few drops to the diffuser to inhale, or mix it with a carrier oil and use it as a foot balm at night to promote sleep.⁸

Key precautions and considerations while using EOs

Health considerations

EOs are for external use only. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using EOs, or consult a medical practitioner before using them.² EOs may affect the secretions of certain hormones, although it is unclear whether it has any effect on the developing baby. 

 Consult your doctor before using essential oils if you have:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Hormone-related (endocrine) disorders
• A higher risk of having a heart attack
• Allergies
• Upcoming surgery

Sensitivity test

It is sensible to conduct a skin patch test before using EOs for massage, or other applications on your body, to determine sensitivity. Mix a drop of EO with four drops of carrier oil and apply it on a small area of skin avoiding the eyes, nose or ears. 

The side effects to watch out for are: 

• Redness 
• A burning sensation 
• Hives 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Diarrhoea 
• Nausea 
• Headaches  
• Convulsions²

You must discontinue using the oil and seek medical advice immediately for the appropriate next steps.

Follow dilution guidelines

EOs are highly concentrated, therefore, they must be diluted appropriately with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation. When using EOs in a diffuser, ensure the oils are diluted appropriately, especially around pets and children.  Follow any further health and safety instructions for individual essential oils.²

Choose high-quality EOs

A good quality EO will have the botanical name of the plant from which it was extracted on the label. If purchasing oils within the US,  check for the ‘USDA certified’ seal. This seal means the oils are pure and natural and have followed all the USDA guidelines for organic products.

Storage

EOs should be stored in dark bottles and in cool and dry places to avoid oxidisation upon exposure to sunlight. This will reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of EOs. Always check the expiry date of the oils before usage.⁹

Lifestyle practices to enhance energy and focus

Apart from using EOs, certain lifestyle modifications can support mental focus and boost your energy levels. Eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, and getting regular exercise and adequate sleep can help to manage stress and anxiety. Practices such as meditation or other relaxation techniques can also benefit our mental health, reducing the thoughts and worries that may distract our focus when we need it.³

Summary

It can be challenging to maintain optimum energy levels and focus in today’s fast-paced environment. EOs, such as citrus, eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary among others, can provide a quick boost of energy, focus and motivation to enhance productivity.