Last Updated: November 15, 2019, by Mark Seward
Do you often feel exhausted, sluggish, or struggle to wake up in the morning? Let’s face it—most of us could use an energy boost from time to time.
For many, caffeine provides a quick fix, but its effects are short-lived and often lead to an inevitable energy crash.
Fatigue throughout the day can seriously impact productivity at work or school, and a lack of motivation can spill into your personal life. If you’re one of the many people who could benefit from enhanced energy levels and sustained motivation, we may have a natural solution.
Essential oils are known to help in various ways. Some essential oils have been found to boost energy, increase productivity, improve focus, and make your day more efficient without the crashes associated with excessive caffeine consumption.
What Are Essential Oils?
If you’re unfamiliar with essential oils, they are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing. Essential oils offer a wide range of potential health benefits—both physical and emotional. They are commonly used in aromatherapy, where they are either inhaled or applied topically to the skin.
With the vast number of essential oils available today, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. While many essential oils claim to boost energy and motivation, scientific backing is not always available.
Only a few essential oils have been studied for their ability to reduce fatigue, increase energy levels, and enhance motivation. However, many other oils are widely used for the same purpose, despite the lack of scientific evidence.
Below, we will explore five scientifically-supported essential oils for energy and motivation, followed by additional oils that are popularly used for the same benefits.
Best Essential Oils for Energy and Motivation
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy due to its vast therapeutic benefits. It is an effective remedy for headaches, nausea, digestive issues, and muscle pain.
Beyond these benefits, peppermint oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. Its refreshing, cool aroma is well-known, but did you know it may help prevent fatigue and boost energy? According to a small study, it might.
A 2013 study examined the effects of peppermint essential oil on athletic performance in 12 healthy male participants. The men consumed 0.05 mL of peppermint essential oil diluted in water daily for ten days, and researchers measured the effects.
The study found that peppermint essential oil improved exercise performance, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Researchers believed the oil worked by reducing blood lactate levels, increasing ventilation, and relaxing bronchial muscles. (1)
While this was a small study, many people use peppermint oil to combat fatigue and boost energy. You can try inhaling it directly or diffusing it for similar effects.
2. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is gaining popularity for its increasing list of scientifically-supported health benefits.
In aromatherapy, rosemary oil is used for nervous tension, stress relief, and respiratory health. It is also known for reducing fatigue, negativity, and enhancing focus, alertness, and concentration.
A 2012 study found that inhaling rosemary essential oil had a stimulating effect. The research indicated that the oil positively influenced mood, brain wave activity, and nervous system stimulation. (2)
A more recent study in 2018 found that rosemary essential oil had a positive impact on memory and concentration. The study involved 79 students aged 13–17, divided into three groups: one group inhaled rosemary oil, another inhaled lavender oil, and the third was exposed to a placebo spray in the classroom.
Researchers discovered that students who inhaled rosemary essential oil showed significant memory improvements compared to those in the lavender and placebo groups. Interestingly, lavender oil actually reduced memory performance, likely due to its well-known calming effects. (3)
If you need a boost to stay productive at work or school, try inhaling rosemary essential oil when your focus starts to wane.
3. Spearmint Essential Oil
Spearmint essential oil is similar to peppermint oil in many ways, offering comparable health benefits. When inhaled, it may help reduce fatigue, enhance focus, and improve motivation for a more productive day.
A study on animals found that a blend of spearmint and rosemary essential oils significantly improved memory and learning in mice. Researchers also noted that this combination helped reduce oxidative brain damage. (4)
4. Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Citrus essential oils are known for their uplifting effects, helping to combat fatigue, increase focus, and enhance motivation. Some research supports the benefits of sweet orange oil for boosting energy.
A 2016 study found that inhaling a blend of sweet orange and peppermint essential oils positively affected athletic performance. Male athletes who inhaled the essential oil blend before a 1500-meter race improved their running times. However, researchers noted the study’s small size and the need for further research. (5)
Try inhaling a mixture of sweet orange and peppermint oils when you’re feeling drained. It might help improve your energy levels.
5. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil has long been used in aromatherapy for its uplifting effects. While scientific evidence is limited, some research suggests it may help boost mood and energy levels.
A 2008 study found that inhaling lemon essential oil had a significantly positive impact on mood. (6)
More research is needed, but citrus aromas have traditionally been associated with an energizing effect.
Other Essential Oils for Energy and Motivation
In addition to the five essential oils backed by research, many other oils are widely used for enhancing energy and motivation:
- Bergamot Essential Oil
- Grapefruit Essential Oil
- Lime Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Thyme Essential Oil
- Ginger Essential Oil
- Wild Orange Essential Oil
- Cinnamon Essential Oil
- Black Pepper Essential Oil
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- Basil Essential Oil
- Jasmine Essential Oil
How to Use Essential Oils for Energy and Motivation
To maximize the benefits of essential oils for energy, motivation, and focus, try the following methods:
- Inhalation: The simplest way to use essential oils is to inhale them directly from the bottle whenever you need an energy boost. Alternatively, add a few drops to a tissue or cotton ball and breathe in deeply.
- Diffusion: Using a diffuser is an easy and effective way to inhale essential oils. Add your chosen oil or a blend to a diffuser and disperse it throughout your home or office for an uplifting effect.
- Topical Application: Essential oils can be applied to the skin, but they must be diluted with a carrier oil (such as almond, coconut, or jojoba oil) before application. Massage the diluted oil onto your skin for an energizing effect.
Final Thoughts
Many people experience occasional fatigue and lack of motivation. While getting enough sleep is ideal, it’s not always easy.
Essential oils offer a natural way to boost energy and focus. While scientific research is limited, many people swear by their effectiveness.
Try experimenting with different essential oils from this list and see what works best for you!