10 Best Essential Oils for Studying: Jumpstart Your Memory Box

When choosing the best essential oils for studying we looked for oils aimed towards improving memory, concentration and focus. Many oils contain core components such as thymol, limonene, and linalool, which studies indicate can have a positive effect on cognitive function. Other essential oils can help promote sleep. This is crucial to improving memory, because sleep is when our long-term memories are processed.

10 Best Essential Oils for Studying: How Memories Relate to Scent

When looking at the benefits of essential oils science-backed research is limited. However, many people stand by their claims that essential oils can be beneficial to us in many different ways. When considering the use of essential oils for concentration and study, we can look at the known association between memory and scent. 

The limbic system is the part of the brain which controls emotional and behavioral response. It is made up of a variety of structures, including the hippocampus and the amygdala. When we smell, our olfactory system sends out signals that move rapidly to these regions of the brain. This forms a strong connection between certain smells and the memories we associate with them.

Essential Oils for Improving Memory and Concentration

1. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil contains a component called cineole, which research shows is effective in improving both memory and concentration. While scientists grant further research and evidence is needed, other studies show aromatherapy can potentially improve certain symptoms of Alzheimers. Another study conducted looked at what happened when rosemary essential oil was diffused into a room where students were writing tests. It was found that the students who received aromatherapy scored higher than the students who did not. Add rosemary essential oil to your diffuser or bath before settling into your studies to enjoy the benefits and aromas of this amazing oil.

2. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is actually a hybrid cross between two different members of the mint family—the spearmint and the water mint. Testing shows participants who smell peppermint essential oil aromas are found to have higher levels of alertness. This is in addition to an increase in their cognitive performance. If you wish to obtain the most benefit from peppermint essential oil, diffuse it around the room before sitting down to study. 

Essential Oils for Reducing Stress

3. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is famous around the world for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. When it comes to studying, it is important to know how to get the most benefit from lavender essential oil. While other essential oils—such as rosemary—are seen to strengthen alertness and cognitive function, lavender oil may actually decrease them. However, this oil still has an important role when it comes to study. It can often be difficult to switch our brain from study-mode to sleep-mode. This is where lavender essential oil comes in. To help wind down after an intense study session, diffuse lavender oil into the air or add a few drops to a hot bath before going to sleep

4. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Similar to lavender oil, ylang ylang essential oil is famous for its calming effects. Studies show that when ylang ylang is inhaled it has a sedative effect, acting to lower both heart rate and blood pressure. Not a fan of the strong scent of lavender? You might find the tropical aroma of ylang ylang suits you better. Add ylang ylang oil to a hot bath or your diffuser, and enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.

Immunity Boosting Essential Oils

5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The same component present in rosemary oil—cineole—is also present in eucalyptus oil. As a matter of fact, another name for cineole is eucalyptol! Studies show cineol directly correlates to an increase in concentration and cognitive function. Furthermore, studies show the inhalation of eucalyptus essential oils can help to boost immune functions. Eucalyptol is also a key ingredient in some medications, particularly those aiming to improve respiratory function. For the above reasons, eucalyptus is a favorite of ours when it comes to the best essential oils for studying. 

6. Lemon Essential Oil

best essential oils for studying


We all know how mood-lifting the citrusy scent of lemon can be. Nothing spells out so-fresh-and-so-clean like the smell of lemon. For this reason, it is a good scent to use while you study. While there is limited research on the effects of lemon essential oil on memory, we believe this summery scent can brighten up a room and make studying more enjoyable. If you find yourself lacking motivation, stop and add some lemon essential oil to your diffuser and find yourself energized by its zesty aroma.

Sound Sleep is Crucial for Study

There is extensive scientific research backing the importance of sleep when studying. Studies show it is during sleep when most of our short-term memories become long-term memories. For optimal cognitive function it is important to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. The following prove to be some of the best essential oils for studying simply because of their tendency to aid in sleep habits. 

7. Sandalwood Essential Oil

The earthy, woody fragrance we all know and love is good for more than just its fragrance. Studies show sandalwood has a unique contradictory effect. Not only does it show promise in battling insomnia, but sandalwood essential oil can potentially help increase levels of mental clarity. Yep, you read that right! It somehow manages to act as both a sedative and a stimulant at the same time. This makes it one of the best essential oils for studying. As with most other oils, you can diffuse sandalwood into the air or add it to your bath or steam shower.

8. Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary sage is a flowering herb found predominantly in the Mediterranean Basin. It is part of the salvia genus and is common in aromatherapy. More research is necessary, but preliminary studies show clary sage can reduce levels of stress and even lower blood pressure. Anecdotal evidence is full of claims that clary sage can also help improve sleep cycles. One way to benefit is to dilute clary sage oil with water and mist gently over pillows and linens. 

Extra Energy for Your Soul

If you find you need to boost your energy, our list of the best essential oils for studying includes a couple of great options for you: 

9. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil is particularly famous for its earthy scent. Regular aromatherapy users claim frankincense helps them stay calm and grounded, so let our pure, organic essential oil spice up your room! While more research is necessary, promising studies involving rats indicate frankincense may have a role in improving mental clarity. For now, let the powerful, woodsy aroma of frankincense essential oil help motivate and energize you. 

10. Sweet Orange Essential Oil

A member of the citrus family, sweet orange essential oil will lift your mood with its bright, fresh fragrance. Multiple studies show this oil to be particularly effective in reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. If you feel like you need a burst of energy, add a few drops of sweet orange oil to your diffuser for some instant cheer. The benefits of sweet orange oil may not stop with mental well-being, as there is some positive correlation between inhalation and improved levels of physical fitness. When studying it's important to take breaks and ensure you get out and get some fresh air. Use sweet orange oil to motivate you to get up and get moving!

Conclusion: The Best Essential Oils for Studying

As you can see there are strong links between the scents we smell and our memories. Using essential oil blends for studying may help increase concentration, focus, and cognitive function, which are all important tools for studying. Whether you want rest and relaxation, or energy and motivation, there is an essential oil for you on our list!

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published