Essential Oils and the Brain

The fragrance of many essential oils may help promote emotional well being, alleviate occasional blue feelings that everyone experiences occasionally, may help support the nervous system during times of stress, and may help with focus and reducing absent-mindedness.  For this purpose, it must be remembered that a pleasing fragrance is not a definitive guide to pure quality or therapeutic benefit.  There are a great many perfumes, personal care products, and fragrance grade essential oils which have a wide range of synthetic additives and compounds on which very little data exists.  This is generally done for the sole purpose of increasing the manufacturer's profits   According to some statistics one major company is said to use twice as much as the amount of real lavender essential oil produced in the entire world.

Many of these adulterated and extended oils with synthetic additives contain contain neurotoxins, which may affect the brain and nervous system through  headaches, confusion, dizziness, central nervous system disorders,  anxiety, depression, disorientation, mood swings, short-term memory loss, and more. The vast majority of these synthetic fragrance chemicals are synthesized from petroleum products which disperse quickly and may remain for months on fabrics and other surfaces.  Yet, many consumers are lulled into thinking they are saving money if they can find a supplier or local dealer which may offer "pure" or "therapeutic grade" essential oils for a fraction of the cost and fail to realize that harmful additives may still be present in these products.    Diffusing inexpensive oils which may have synthetic additives to enhance the fragrance can be harmful and more costly in the long run. This is why it is very important to source your oils only from companies which have very strong quality and testing standards.

For pure therapeutic grade oils which may have a beneficial effect, another very ancient oil is Myrrh (Commipora myrrha) which is also a member of the Burseraceae (frankincense) family, and like frankincense is distilled from gum/resin.  Myrrh is remembered along with Frankincense as one of the three gifts brought to the Christ child (the other being gold).  And, like Frankincense, is also listed in the Ebers Papyrus of 16th century B.C. and was further mentioned in Hildegard's Medicine, compiled by the Benedictine herbalist Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179).

The fragrant influence of Myrrh has historically been prized for promoting spiritual awareness and uplifting the mood. A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science discusses the physiological and psychological role of fragrances and essential oils, and effects onneurophysiological brain activity.  

The fragrance of Orange (Citrus sinensis) may help in promoting relaxation.  Lemon (Citrus limon) may help support clear thinking, and was found by Japanese researchers that when diffused in an office environment, mental accuracy and concentration improved dramatically, reducing errors by more than half.  The fragrance of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has historically been considered mentally energizing but also one that helps promote restful sleep.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) is the species most closely related to the Biblical Cedars of Lebanon.  It is steam distilled from the bark and is especially high in sesquiterpenes. Its fragrance is soothing and calming.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also a mint is widely known for its gentle, comforting fragrance.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis CT Cineole) is another mint which may help support mental clarity and focus while relieving mental fatigue; and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) a mint which is refreshing and may help support healthy cognitive unction  All of these provided significant benefit.

Pettigrain (Citrus sinensis) is steam distilled from leaves and twigs from the orange tree.  This fragrance is beneficial for relaxation and minor feelings of anxiousness and insomnia, may help with   mental fatigue, and is uplifiting and refreshing to the senses.

The pungent fragrance of Pine (Pinus sylvestris) has also been traditionally valued for uplifting mind, body, and spirit.

For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.