Essential oils offer an all-natural way to improve energy and promote wellness, whether that means inhaling directly from the bottle or diffusing them throughout your home, or diluting and applying topically.

Citrus oils are well known for their stimulating effects. Sweet Orange and Lime oils’ vibrant citrus scent can help increase alertness during an afternoon slump and may even promote creativity, according to one study1!

Peppermint

Peppermint oil can be both stimulating and soothing to the mind and spirit, providing relief from stress and tension while soothing muscles and joints with its refreshing, clean aroma. Its fresh, clean aroma refreshes concentration while relieving stress. Finally, peppermint provides soothing cooling relief to muscles and joints as well.

Researchers have recently discovered that inhaling peppermint essential oil can significantly enhance endurance-trained rats during an exhaustive swimming test and decrease oxidative damage to muscle tissues, leading researchers to hypothesize that peppermint oil may increase muscle strength by alleviating oxidative stress.

As the FDA does not oversee or regulate essential oils, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional prior to using any. Some oils can be harmful if swallowed or applied directly onto sensitive skin – peppermint oil should always be dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba for best results and to reduce irritation.

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil contains cineole, which has long been renowned for increasing alertness and energy. Test-tube studies have also demonstrated its stimulating effects, and can alter brainwave activity, autonomic nervous system responses and autonomic nervous system responses.

Oil of oregano is an all-natural vasodilator and helps the blood to flow more freely through even the smallest blood vessels, helping Raynaud’s disease patients whose fingers and toes constrict in response to cold or stressful temperatures.

Rosemary can be safely used when properly diluted for topical or inhaled use, but should be avoided by those suffering from certain medical conditions like high blood pressure and epilepsy. Always consult a healthcare practitioner prior to using essential oils internally as ingestion may interfere with some prescribed anticoagulants and ACE inhibitors as well as being unsuitable for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers; additionally it’s wise to conduct a patch test prior to any attempt at treatment using essential oils.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil (EEO) is steam-distilled from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, boasting an herbaceous, camphorous aroma that opens airways and promotes clear breathing – an invaluable asset in blends used for sinusitis, coughing and congestion relief. Eucalyptus oils also possess antimicrobial properties and may protect against bacteria, fungus and viruses such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

Eucalyptus oil outperformed standard oral herpes medication acyclovir in terms of strong inhibitory effects and its antimicrobial activity, likely thanks to eucalyptol, a monoterpene oxide known to interact with key biological pathways. Eucalyptus oil can be applied topically, inhaled or diffused to support respiratory and sinus health; enhance breath work during meditation sessions; or boost energy. Furthermore, it acts as a natural insect repellent.

Tea Tree

Refreshing and invigorating, lavender essential oil can help you remain alert during fatigued states and strengthen cognitive performance. Furthermore, it may reduce cortisol levels while encouraging healthy sleeping patterns.

Tea tree essential oil is produced from Melaleuca alternifolia plants native to Australia and contains several compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that kill certain bacteria and viruses while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies have proven its efficacy against infections while aiding wound healing processes.

Applying it topically helps restore the appearance of skin by diminishing wrinkles and fine lines, soothing irritations, and refining the look of pores. Furthermore, it serves as an effective haircare oil which can effectively eliminate lice and nits as well as soothe dry, flaky scalps.

Before applying tea tree essential oil directly onto the skin, always dilute it first. Too much can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals while long-term exposure could result in male breast tissue development (gynecomastia) or cause an rash.