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If you’re asking, “What is brain fog?” then don’t bother reading this post. It’s not for you!
But if you’re suffering from brain fog (and many of us are), read on!
Essential Oils For Brain Fog
Mental fatigue
Brain fog is a term used to describe a lack of focus and concentration.
It can be short-term sporadic episodes of brain fog or occur longer-term. Generally, your head feels a bit fuzzy – you may forget things, and you feel like you’re just not right.
I liken brain fog to floating. Feeling somewhat dizzy and not in my body (if that makes sense?)
I get it when I’ve spent too long at the computer or I’m mega stressed – and the quickest way I get out of it is to get outdoors in nature.
A run, walk, or simply breathing fresh air, closing my eyes for a moment and tuning into my breathing.
Brain fog has been talked about more since COVID-19 reared its ugly face – long COVID sufferers tend to describe it as one of the common symptoms.
But what are some other causes of brain fog?
Consider things like:
Mental clarity
There is no one-word answer to beating brain fog. Popping a pill won’t do it!
I recommend you take a holistic approach to beat it and try different things.
Spending time outdoors away from a screen and reducing stress levels will significantly help.
As will drinking more water and limiting caffeine.
It’s no secret that I despise anything drugs or pharmaceuticals related, I shout about it often enough lol … I spoke about it in my Busting Anxiety In Motherhood course.
I simply prefer to heal my body naturally.
That’s not to say that medicine doesn’t have its place – it does, of course, but I prefer to use less toxic things if I can.
This is why I’m a fan of using essential oils – though I am certainly not an herbalist (disclaimer)
This post is purely my opinion on essential oil usage.
Why do I love essential oils?
Not only do I love the scents and smells and the huge range of essential oils available, but also the fact that they’re natural.
They help improve brain function, boost your mood and enhance your energy levels.
I love that they’re so varied too, and their benefits are immeasurable.
Best essential oils & how to use them
There are so many ways to use essential oils!
One of the best ways is to get a diffuser and use it in your living space.
You can also use a carrier oil such as almond oil, marula oil or avocado oil and add some essential oil drops, then massage it into your skin.
Other options include making an inhaler or rollerball, or adding them to homemade skincare products.
Just a word of caution – only use essential oils for external use (they’re not food!) and be aware of dosage, particularly if you have little kids around.
Citrus oils
Lemon essential oil
Lemon oil is fantastic for beating brain fog.
Several studies have seen improvements in people’s moods, simply by smelling the scent of lemons!
The essential oil is usually made from distilled lemon peel, meaning it’s a pungent smell, so it’s excellent as a home fragrance or to smell from the bottle.
This is a great oil to use in natural cleaning products too as it’s antibacterial and antifungal.
I like to squeeze fresh lemon juice in water when I wake up. I don’t do it everyday but say 2-3 times a week, it helps kick-start my day and kick start my body.
Orange essential oil
Similarly to lemons, oranges are a great natural energiser, giving you a boost when needed.
Just like you feel terrific when you drink a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, the essential oil is good for cognitive function, helping sharpen your attention so you can focus on the important things.
Energy boost – More Oils To Try
Peppermint oil
I love drinking peppermint tea – it’s one of my go-to’s. Peppermint hits all the senses, in my opinion, and balances my mood when it’s been a long, tough day with the kids.
It’s great for digestion, helping relieve trapped wind better than anything (sorry if TMI)
But it also perks you up by smelling it, and of course, you can add it to a diffuser to scent your home. It’s excellent for relieving headaches.
My favorite herbal tea, which I make from scratch, contains chamomile flowers, lemon balm (Melissa), and peppermint leaves.
I drink one to two cups daily. It gets rid of a tension headache quicker than anything and is far healthier than popping paracetamol.
A word of warning – the general recommendation is that peppermint should not be used on or around children.
Lavender essential oil
According to Nicholas Culpepper, one of the most renowned herbalists of around 350 years ago, lavender needs no introduction (his book is one of my herbal bibles).
We all know the scent of lavender, right?!
Truthfully, this is the one herb I used in both labours with my babies. The first time in the midwifery unit, my husband massaged it into my lower back (mixed with a carrier oil).
And during my home birth with our second baby, I diffused it and inhaled as I breathed (and groaned) and swore it was the BEST thing to focus on.
It helped keep me calm and trust my body, which is so needed in that euphoric moment when you’re pushing a baby out.
It’s a popular oil and an excellent relaxant, directly impacting the nervous system.
It improves mental performance when a lack of performance is caused by stress or anxiety, and it is a great herb to use as a home fragrance, body spray, or pillow spray.
Rosemary oil
We all know of rosemary as a food herb (delicious with lamb), but it’s also a powerful medicinal herb.
It’s known to help with many medical conditions, including poor blood flow and sluggish lymphatics, brain health, and skin health.
Regarding brain fog, rosemary oil can help refresh you, increasing alertness and reducing drowsiness.
I like to make a rollerball with fractioned coconut oil and rosemary oil – it sounds like a weird combo, but it’s great to rub on the back of your neck to help with fuzzy thinking!
Ylang Ylang essential oil
In a stressful world, ylang ylang is one of the front runners as a ‘calmer downer’ oil. It’s also great to boost your sex drive (on a side note)
It can evoke feelings of love and reduce negative feelings, thereby lifting your spirits and brightening your day.
I am not great with Ylang Ylang on the whole; however – I find it too pungent, but it’s certainly worth a try if you haven’t done so before.
Further tips
Get creative – essential oils
So often, we get stale and repetitive with how we do things.
I love to mix my essential oils and vary their applications, for example, using them in massage oil, in a diffuser, in a candle, a lotion, or shampoo, or natural cleaning products.
The possibilities are endless!
Remember, to help with mental focus and limit mental fog, you must look at your lifestyle first and foremost. Essential oils can help – but they won’t cure!
Are you drinking enough water and preventing dehydration?
Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables and cutting back on refined sugar?
Are you helping your physical energy by exercising regularly and moving your body?
Are you allowing yourself stress-free time in the evenings before going to bed?
Do you have an established, life-improving morning routine set up for yourself?
As a wellness advocate, I always approach any situation holistically. Essential oils can be powerful if used correctly and in conjunction with other lifestyle changes.
Resources
I love Tisserand essential oils and regularly use their rollerballs on my wrists and other pulse points to help with mental focus. They have a site-wide 20% off orders over £60 right now (click here to claim)
Consider checking out some of my other posts to help improve your wellbeing.
I hope this post helps reduce a foggy mind. Pop a comment and let me know!
This post contains affiliate links.
Have you tried journaling before? It’s one of the best well-being practices you can do on your own to help yourself.
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