Are Americans suffering through a personal energy crisis? It would seem so, given how many among us often feel tired to the point of exhaustion. A landmark study of almost 20,000 people by The Energy Project and HBR.org found that 59% of workers are physically depleted, emotionally drained, mentally distracted and lacking in meaning and purpose. This undoubtedly has an impact on productivity, focus and overall wellbeing.
A primary culprit in this national fatigue is chronic stress―a seemingly inevitable consequence of our modern lifestyle―which promotes elevated cortisol levels, disruptions in sleep and depleted energy reserves.
Experiencing a personal energy crisis may negatively impact your personal wellness and quality of life on every level: mentally, in terms of cognitive function, emotionally, to the degree that your mood is affected, and physically, manifesting in minor aches and pains, weariness or feeling generally tapped out.
So, how can you increase your physical, mental and emotional energy?
Many individuals use coffee to get their motors running. And yet, relying on quick fixes like excessive caffeine intake is not a sustainable solution from a health standpoint, as it can lead to energy spikes followed by crashes, creating a cycle of dependency and potentially impacting sleep quality.
The healthiest strategies focus on building lasting, natural energy through consistent behaviors that nourish both the body and mind over time. A holistic approach to natural vitality includes a plant-centric, whole-foods diet, regular physical activity, stress management and adequate sleep, which collectively nourish your body’s innate potential for vitality and well-being.
Essential oils for energy
In addition to the daily lifestyle choices that support holistic health, there is a growing body of research suggesting that essential oils may also help you generate more verve naturally, lifting your mood, curtailing energy-zapping stress and helping you feel recharged and revitalized.
Essential oils are concentrated compounds extracted from plants through steam or water distillation, or cold pressing. These aromatic oils have been used in traditional aromatherapy practices that date back thousands of years.
Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, used aromatic plants and their extracted oils in religious rituals, embalming and cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Historical data suggests that the Egyptians also used essential oils like frankincense, myrrh and cedarwood for their healing properties and to promote relaxation and spiritual healing.
There are close to 100 commonly used essential oils, each believed to have unique benefits. Many of these have been scientifically shown to help relieve fatigue, elevate mood, increase focus and boost your sense of natural energy. Some of the most worthy contenders are as follows.
The best essential oils for energy
Peppermint essential oil
One study suggests that this refreshing oil may help relieve exercise-induced fatigue. Additionally, 2019 research found peppermint oil to be effective for migraine attacks, with a 40% reduction in headache intensity. Since pain is a top energy zapper, relieving it logically equates to more natural vitality.†
Lemon essential oil
The scents of citrus fruits have traditionally been thought to be uplifting and invigorating. One study found lemon essential oil to reliably enhance positive mood during stress test experiments, with additional research showing it to be helpful in reducing anxiety among patients after surgery.†
Sweet orange essential oil
This fragrant oil helps keeps energy-producing cells healthy by decreasing oxidative damage and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in subjects. As one medical study suggests, this oil creates a fresh feeling while enhancing relaxation from stress and anxiety, lifting your mood and boosting emotional and physical energy. Sweet orange essential oil also has anxiolytic properties, meaning that it can help soothe anxiety, which can otherwise drain your physical and emotional energy.†
Rosemary essential oil
This beneficial oil has been widely used in aromatherapy to combat fatigue and regulate stress, as well as to promote greater mental clarity. Cineole, one of its active ingredients, is believed to help boost energy by increasing the flow of blood to the part of the brain called the cerebrum. Rosemary essential oil has also been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 23%.†
Lemongrass essential oil
With a distinctive herbaceous citrus scent, lemongrass oil is believed to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression. A component it contains called citral may help ease pain and relieve inflammation, leading to renewed vitality. A 2017 study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis using lemongrass oil decreased their arthritis pain by 50% on average within 30 days.†
Bergamot essential oil
Obtained by the fresh fruit of Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, this unique oil is used worldwide in aromatherapy to reduce pain, facilitate sleep and minimize the effects of stress-induced anxiety. One research team found bergamot essential oil to measurably help soothe feelings of fatigue and anxiety. Another clinical review discovered that both linalool and carvacrol―compounds found in bergamot oil―had analgesic (pain soothing), anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory properties.†
Grapefruit essential oil
With a sweet and tangy scent that is both uplifting and energizing, this piquant oil is perfect for combating sluggishness and boosting verve. It can also help reduce mental fatigue and stress. Grapefruit essential oil harmonizes perfectly with other citrus oils like lemon, sweet orange and bergamot, creating bright and energizing blends ideal for diffusion or invigorating topical applications.†
How to use essential oils for energy in your daily life
One fun and easy way to use energizing essential oils is to enjoy them in professionally blended combinations that offer synergistic benefits. You might try, for example:
Cheer Up Buttercup – This uplifting blend features bergamot oil, lime oil, grapefruit oil and lemon oil.
Good Morning Sunshine – Greet the new day with this symphony of rosemary oil, grapefruit oil, orange oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon bark oil.
Keep it Fresh – Experience a gentle lift with this mix of lime oil, grapefruit oil, sweet orange oil, lavender oil and sweet basil oil.
Smiles for Miles – Enjoy this blend of orange oil, bergamot oil, grapefruit oil, lime oil, lemon oil, natural vanilla (in jojoba oil), cinnamon bark oil, nutmeg oil and ginger oil.
If you prefer to create your own combinations, and/or enjoy the DIY approach, here are some additional ideas:
- Mix one or more energizing essential oils with a carrier oil to use as a body lotion or for massage.
- Add your favorite essential oils to products such as body washes and scrubs, facial masks, cleaners, toners, etc.
- Use these oils in the form of aromatherapy candles and vaporizers to distribute the beneficial aromas.
- Create potpourri sachets to place in your drawers and add a fragrant note to clothing. These make wonderful gifts too!
- Dab a favorite essential oil a bandana or handkerchief to keep in your pocket or purse for a soothing scent on the go.
- Incorporate one or more essential oils into your bath. For best results, dilute them slightly with jojoba oil first.
- Place several drops in a pan of simmering water, and breath in the infused steam.
- Add energizing essential oils into your regular body lotion, cleansers, scrubs and/or facial moisturizers.
Given their many applications, it’s no surprise that essential oils have a long and venerated history in aromatherapy and other traditional healing systems. Try some of the options described here and see which you find most elevating for your senses. Here’s to your health―naturally.
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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