When we wake up in the morning, most of us feel as if we need a few more hours in bed. If you feel the same way, then that is because of fatigue in your body and it is not at all easy to handle this. Cups of coffee may help you of course get on the right track for the day, but how many coffee cups do you need to jolt down and for how many days or months do you need to continue this addiction is the BIG question?
Essential oils can help you feel more fresh, energetic, alive and productive. Several essential oils currently available on the market today can boost your energy levels. Here are some of the ones that I have personally tried and tested.
13 Best Essential Oils For Energy & Vitality And To Reduce Fatigue
1. Orange
Essential oils with citrus properties have always been great for boosting your energy and motivation levels. The powerful and energetic scent of orange oil will make you feel more productive and focused. In addition, this oil will improve your mood and make it easy for you to kick away stress and depression, which usually causes fatigue.
The essential oil of orange is derived from the peel of orange. You can also use it as a spray for all-purpose cleaning. For added benefit and improved health, blend this oil with couple of drops of water. For better mind and body energy, you can combine the essential oil of orange with frankincense and peppermint.
2. Eucalyptus
Due to its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, eucalyptus is a highly beneficial essential oil when it comes to treating health issues like loss of appetite, acne, colds, asthma, ulcers, burns, bleeding gums and many more. This oil helps in refreshing and stimulating the brain and improves your energy levels. Please note that, it is important to dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil (almond, jojoba, etc.) before use and this oil should never be taken orally.
3. Lemon
For those who have concentration and anxiety problems, lemon essential oil will help you feel fresh and energized. Lemon blends perfectly with essential oils of ginger, basil and rosemary. It is completely safe to consume this oil in food amounts, however you will need to purchase the therapeutic grade edible version and as always, please consult with your doctor before doing so in case of underlying health conditions.
4. Cedarwood
Because of the calming property of cedarwood essential oil, it has been proven very useful for children suffering from ADHD and ADD. Use of this essential oil will stimulate the brain’s limbic region as well as the pineal gland and improve mental health. This stimulation encourages the release of melatonin, which improves the quality of your sleep and makes you feel energized in the morning.
5. Grapefruit
Grapefruit oil is one of the best essential oils for boosting your energy levels. In addition, it is helpful in preventing bloating and water retention. Grapefruit also encourages the fatty acid release in your bloodstream, which your body can break to get the energy released. In addition, I consider it as a very good option for weight loss as it suppresses the appetite.
6. Peppermint and Spearmint
Both peppermint and spearmint help in boosting your energy levels. Spearmint oil is mild, hence safe for use on children.
Peppermint oil blends well with spearmint and rosemary essential oils. Spearmint oil blends perfectly with rosemary, basil and peppermint as well.
Here are some of the ways you can use peppermint for best possible results:
- You can apply a mixture of 3-4 drops of peppermint oil to the skin after mixing in 1 tsp of carrier oil (almond oil works best). Now rub the blend on back of neck and on temples to release tension.
- You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to your bath with epsom salt for the ultimate relaxation you need.
- To get yourself naturally energized, take a strong whiff straight from the bottle. This will increase your energy levels instantly.
- To get sustainable results, diffuse the peppermint oil throughout your bedroom or living area.
All the above-mentioned ways of using the essential oil of peppermint can reduce the fatigue in you while at the same time boost your energy levels. Whether you use this oil in a diffuser or topically, the results will be surprisingly positive.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon delivers a warming effect on your body and helps in improving the energy levels by increasing the flow of blood to the brain. Cinnamon also helps to regulate blood sugar levels in your body, minimize inflammation and eliminate infections. Apart from that, it helps in boosting the immune system, which in turn fights off the viral and fungal infections in the body. There is no side effect of cinnamon oil I have experienced except possible minor skin rashes, if used undiluted.
8. Basil
There are two types of basil essential oils available in the market – exotic basil and french basil. Both types of basil oils are beneficial for the body, but when it comes to aromatherapy, french basil is definitely the way to go. Basil oil helps in stimulating adrenal glands and plays a vital role in relieving mental fatigue. It blends well with lime, spearmint and rosemary essential oils. Avoid using this oil if you are pregnant.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary oil acts as a stimulant and a 2013 study has shown that it is extremely useful in increasing your energy levels and relieving nervous exhaustion and mental fatigue. This oil blends perfectly with basil, lime, spearmint and peppermint. You can use this oil in a diffuser or can use orally or topically; avoid using this oil during pregnancy.
10. Ginger
Ginger oil is one the best essential oils for blood circulation, maintaining energy levels, curing morning sickness and getting rid of nausea and indigestion. Essential oil of ginger also plays a great role in treating cardiac fatigue and muscle pain. You can consume this oil in food grade amounts or just inhale it in order to benefit from it. Due tp its potent anti-inflammatory effects, ginger oil is very effective against arthritis. Although there are no side effects when using ginger oil, consider avoiding it if you use blood thinners.
11. Thyme
Thyme is known for its strong antimicrobial properties. Moreover, this oil improves the immune system (cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous) and tones your body. Thyme is also well known as an oil that can boost your spirits. If you feel weak or run down more often than not, this is the oil for you – it will boost your spirit when you need it the most.
12. Juniper berry
Juniper berry is one of the most effective essential oils that is known for its cleansing properties. It disperses the toxins in your body, which in some cases may be the cause of your fatigue. When combined with sage oil, juniper brings about a positive change and provides the energy you need. You can use this oil in a diffuser or a mood-changing spritzer.
13. Neroli
Neroli essential oil is calming, relaxing, improves mood, promotes self-confidence, sensuality, peace of mind, creates a sense of well-being and positivity. It tackles symptoms of anxiety in postmenopausal women and helps with insomnia, seizures and epilepsy and is known to reduce blood pressure. Neroli can be applied topically or used in diffused form.
My Favorite Ready-to-Use Blend
Want to feel good about yourself or recharge from a busy day? Click here to discover the subtle scents of my 5 essential oil blends and they will be one of your greatest enjoyments, bringing back memories of past experiences and creating a feeling of security, grounding and well-being!
Before we get to the recipes, I would like to introduce you my essential oil blends kit for a holistic & natural approach to deal with anxiety, depression, mental tireless and low productivity. It is packed with stimulating oils to give you that extra push you need to stay productive. There are a few ways to use this Energy Blend.
- When taken as a dietary supplement this invigorating blend provides a unique boost that may help to heighten energy levels, mood, and support cognitive function without any side effects or midmorning crashes. Add Energy to your daily wellness regiment and start fueling your day the natural way.
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- Add 2-4 drops to a veggie capsule and swallow with a glass of water. For first time users, dilute with 1-4 drops of carrier oil until you better understand your body’s response.
- Add 1-2 drops to 8 ounces of water for a flavorful energy boost.
- Aromatically – Diffuse 3-5 drops into the air and inhale the invigorating mist
- Topically – Apply 1-3 drops to the back of the neck, behind the ears, and on the bottoms of feet.
- Take a stimulating bath or shower by adding 4-6 drops of Energy.
Best Ways To Use Essential Oils To Energize Your Mind And Body
Essential oils for can be used in number of ways to boost your energy levels. I believe inhalation is the best way to use these oils for this purpose. You can blend different oils or use them individually as per your convenience.
If you want to use one of the blends of these oils, then blend the essential oils of your choice in a dark glass bottle with an eyedropper cap. Add only a couple of drops of the essential oils at a time. Roll the bottle between your hands to make sure that the oils are mixed properly.
In order to know which blend suits you the most, it is necessary to do a bit of experimentation. Always keep a record of the essential oils you have used in a particular blend and their quantity. You can see my favorite diffuser blends here.
Once your blend is ready to use, here are different ways to inhale these oils and benefit from them:
- Directly inhale the scent from the bottle or add few drops of the blend on a tissue and sniff whenever needed.
- Use the oil blend in a diffuser or a spray bottle and spread the scent in the room. In order to make a perfect blend, just mix 1 tablespoon of witch hazel, 30 drops of essential oils and 12 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
Essential Oil Recipes To Boost Your Energy Levels, Improve Focus, Concentration, Motivation And For Positive Energy
Recipe 1. For energy and alertness, energy and strength
a. A quick shot of energy
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 2 drops ginger
- 6 drops basil
- 6 drops peppermint
- 8 drops elemi
- 9 drops rosemary
Directions:
Blend all the essential oils in a small bottle. Thereafter, add to a diffuser and diffuse in your environment or smell from an inhaler.
b. Feel well, feel energized!
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 4 drops lavender
- 8 drops bergamot
- 7 drops basil
- 10 drops grapefruit
Directions:
Mix all these essential oils in a small bottle with a dropper (5 ml)
Application:
- Add 6 drops of this blend to your bath for quick boost in energy
- Put 3 drops of this blend on a wet washcloth and rub all over your body before shower
- Do deep inhalations of this blend putting few drops of it on a piece of cloth
c. A bounce in your steps
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 10 drops mandarin
- 5 drops lime
- 7 drops sweet orange
- 3 drops neroli
Directions:
Mix the oils and store in a small glass bottle, preferably one with a dropper. Use anytime you feel like you are running out energy. Simply put 2-3 drops of the blend on your handkerchief or a paper towel and inhale the scents deeply for about a minute. Focus on breathing in through your nose and holding your breath in for a few seconds once you have filled your lungs with air. To exhale, use your mouth instead of your nose.
d. For when fatigue threatens
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 8 drops rosemary
- 4 drops peppermint
- 4 drops eucalyptus
- 3 drops basil
- 30 ml light carrier oil
Directions:
Mix all the oils and store in a dark glass bottle with a roller ball head. To use, apply on both palms. Rub them together for a few seconds and then massage the soles of your feet with your palms. Instead of trying to rub the oils in, simply squeeze your feet/sole with your hand and release; start at the toes and work your way down to the heels and repeat.
About a minute of massage is all that it takes to deal with any kind of slump. Don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards. Another way is to put two drops of the blend on a foot roller and let the oils and the roller work out the fatigue.
e. A double dose of strength
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 2 drops clove
- 4 drops lemongrass
- 6 drops clary sage
- 2 drops thyme
Directions:
Mix the oils and store in a glass bottle, away from heat and direct light exposure. To use, add 2 drops of the blend to a small salad bowl filled with boiling hot water. Keep your face a good 12 inches away from the source of the steam and inhale deeply.
This blend works exceptionally well when you are battling a seasonal ailment (colds, flu, etc) or are just back on your feet after a brief illness. Usually, 2-3 minutes of inhalation will do the trick and keep you energized for several hours.
f. Cooling down those hot summers!
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 5 drops peppermint
- 10 drops lime
- 4 drops sweet fennel
- 4 drops geranium
Directions:
This blend is for when the heat is draining the energy from your body. Start by filling a small mason jar with sea salt, or better yet, with Himalayan pink salt. Leave one inch from the top unfilled. Mix the oils in a small bowl and pour the blend on the salt crystals. Put the lid of the jar back on and keep it on your desk or in your bedroom.
To use, simply open the jar; push your nose inside and take a deep whiff. Continue to inhale the cooling yet stimulating scents for about a minute and then replace the cap back on the jar. Remember to not get too close to the salt crystals. You don’t want undiluted essential oils to come into contact with your skin. In a few days, the aroma will weaken. When it does, heat the jar and its contents in the microwave (a few seconds is usually enough) and enjoy the renewed aroma.
Recipe 2. Focus and mental clarity, focus and concentration
a. More clarity and more focus
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 8 drops rosemary
- 4 drops sage
- 3 drops cypress
- 3 drops lemon
Directions:
This blend should be used in an inhaler because it is a fantastic aroma to carry with you to work and through the day. Blend the oils in a wide bowl or plate and soak the wick of an aromatherapy inhaler in it. Once the wick has soaked up the mixture, insert it into the inhaler case and use it whenever you need laser sharp focus. A few deep inhalations is all it takes for this blend to go to work on the noggin.
b. The power to be attentive and alert
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 5 drops thyme
- 5 drops basil
- 8 drops ginger
- 6 drops lemon
Directions:
This is the blend to use when burnout threatens to take over. Whether it’s too much work or too many late nights that are making you feel drowsy and out of your element, this fresh-smelling blend will put your head back on your shoulders. Just don’t make a habit of shortchanging your sleep and using this blend to get through the day.
The best way to use this blend is in an inhaler. Mix the oils in a small bowl and soak the inhaler wick in the blend. Insert in the inhaler casing and you’ll be good to go. Make it a point to take a minute every hour to enjoy a few deep whiffs of this blend and you will get through the day’s chores, all alert and attentive.
c. The thinking flash!
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 7 drops juniper berry
- 4 drops rosemary
- 4 drops basil
- 3 drops eucalyptus
- 10 drops tangerine
Directions:
This blend is for when you need to think fast and think out of the box. Mix the oils and store in a small glass bottle. To use, simply put two drops on a paper towel or on your handkerchief and cup it against your nose. Inhale deeply for 1-2 minutes.
d. Racing should be for cars not for thought!
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 5 drops bergamot
- 7 drops sandalwood
- 4 drops rose
- 7 drops neroli
Directions:
This blend smells amazing, which is actually reason enough to wear it on you. Plus, the fact that it also helps to keep your noodle from turning into a hamster on a wheel offers all the impetus needed to use it with aromatherapy jewelry.
Simply pour two drops on an essential oil bracelet or pendant and let this amazing mix of aromas help you to keep your thoughts focused on the task at hand. I promise nobody around will complain about your perfume because this blend is really that good.
e. No coffee no problem
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 8 drops coffee
- 4 drops cinnamon bark
- 3 drops vanilla
- 2 drops sandalwood
Directions:
This is the blend to use when a cup of java is not an option because it will disturb your sleep later. This invigorating and energizing mix will give you few more hours of peak productivity and steely focus. To prepare, mix the oils and store in a dark glass bottle.
To use, get a cup of steaming hot water and pour 2 drops of the blend in it. Enjoy the deliciously stimulating fragrance for about a minute and you will get the same pick me up that you do from a cup of coffee, but without the caffeine and sugar.
Recipe 3. Motivation and energy, overcome procrastination
a. Procrastination no more!
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 10 drops wild orange
- 7 drops white fir
- 4 drops peppermint
- 6 drops cinnamon bark
Directions:
If procrastination has become a self-destructive habit, use this blend to break out of the vicious cycle. Fix a time when you want to start working on a task and diffuse this blend in an ultrasonic diffuser exactly 15 minutes before starting time. Combine the blend with positive affirmations for best effect.
b. Let go off the lethargy
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 5 drops ginger
- 2 drops black pepper
- 7 drops grapefruit
- 4 drops cedar atlas
- 30 ml carrier oil or unscented lotion
Directions:
Mix the essential oils with unscented lotion or any light carrier oil and store in a dark glass bottle. When you just can’t seem to shake off the lethargy, use some on your hands and feet as you would a regular hand/body lotion. Don’t forget to cup your palms around your nose and breathe in the aromas as the warming effect of the oils boosts circulation all over the body.
c. Productivity for all!
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 5 drops sweet basil
- 4 drops holy basil
- 4 drops rosemary
- 3 drops thyme
- 3 drops lemongrass
- 4 drops lime
Directions:
This blend is specifically meant for a reed diffuser that sits on your desk. Mix with 2 tbsp carrier oil and pour into the glass container that will hold the reed sticks. Personally, I like to keep a small USB fan next to my reed diffuser. So, when I really need to get things done, I simply switch it on and get more from the blend in the reed diffuser.
d. Increase drive
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 5 drops black pepper
- 4 drops clove
- 7 drops cardamom
- 10 drops grapefruit
Directions:
I like to call this “The cup of life” technique. It’s simple and works every time and it will help you to plough through days that are not going your way. For this, you will need a terracotta or cork coaster. You are looking for absorbent/porous material here.
To prepare the blend, you simply have to mix the oils and store in an amber glass bottle. To use, skip the coffee and get yourself a cup of hot water with a few drops of lemon juice added to it and some honey to taste. The blend does not go into the cup but on the coaster, and you will only need 2-3 drops of it. Place the cup of steaming hot water on the coaster and enjoy the aroma and the hot drink.
Recipe 4. For awakening, positive energy
a. Take in the positivity
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 2 drops peppermint
- 4 drops lime
- 2 drops lemon
- 3 drops grapefruit
Directions:
Add about 15 drops of this blend to 5 oz. water. Spray the blend on your linen or in the air to use as an air freshener. Alternatively, consider adding a few drops of this same blend to your bath water for a refreshing bath. You can also dilute this blend in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and use as massage oil or rub on your wrists and back of your neck.
b. Let calmness prevail!
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 10 drops chamomile
- 30 drops cedarwood or sandalwood
- 15 drops geranium
- 15 drops bergamot
- 20 drops lavender
Directions:
Combine all the essential oils in a bottle with a dropper (15 ml).
Application:
- Massage: In a small bowl that is non-reactive, add 5 oz. of the massage oil you like the most. Next add 8-10 drops of this blend. Mix well. Massage all over your body.
- In the bath: Add 5-6 drops of the blend to your bath and relax in it for 25 minutes.
- Inhalation: Add 5-6 drops to a cloth, tissue or just fill an inhaler with this blend and inhale deeply.
- Diffusion: Use as much of this mixture as you like in your aromatherapy diffuser and diffuse throughout your living area.
c. All’s well when the day ends well – A bath soak blend
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 3 drops ylang ylang
- 5 drops sandalwood
- 7 drops geranium
- 4 drops vetiver
- 1 tsp milk
Directions:
Mix the oils with the milk in a small bowl. Run yourself a warm bath (hot in winter) and add the essential oil blend to the water. Soak yourself in this uplifting blend for 15 minutes and you will not only sleep better but will also wakeup full of positivity.
d. No more winter blues
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 4 drops cinnamon bark
- 1 drop clove
- 2 drops cardamom
- 2 drops black pepper
- 5 ml carrier oil
Directions:
This blend is for when the plunging mercury impacts your positivity and makes everything seem gloomy and dull. Mix the oils and store in dark glass bottle. To use, put a bath towel in the clothes drier and run the machine at max heat setting for about 5 minutes. You want the towel to be nice and hot.
Then, pour 2-3 drops of the blend on the hot towel and wrap it around your head, as you would after you wash your hair. Once the towel cools, give it a second round of heating with the hair dryer. Don’t forget to inhale the stimulating aromas as deeply as you can.
e. Bring it on life blend!
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 10 drops german chamomile
- 6 drops vetiver
- 8 drops patchouli
- 7 drops blue tansy
- 9 drops mandarin
- 60 ml carrier oil
Directions:
If you lack coping skills and it does not take much to get you down, this blend will help you to face everything that life throws your way. Mix the oils and store in a glass bottle. Use as you would a regular body lotion. In fact, apply some right after your morning shower and before you start the day.
Recipe 5. For concentration and study, concentration and memory
a. The learners blend
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 4 drops rosemary
- 8 drops basil
- 15 drops lemon
- 8 drops litsea cubeba
Directions:
You can use this blend either in a diffuser or as massage oil. I have also tried using it in a bath and the results were amazing.
b. Limitless memory
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 5 drops eucalyptus
- 4 drops basil
- 5 drops rosemary
- 3 drops coriander
- 7 drops turmeric
Directions:
Mix the essential oils and store in a dark glass bottle. To use, add 2 drops to a cup of hot water, placed on the desk or 5 drops in a diffuser.
c. The halo effect
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 8 drops peppermint
- 6 drops grapefruit
- 3 drops clove bud
- 30 ml light carrier oil
Direction:
Blend the oils and store in a dark glass bottle with a roller ball head. When you need super concentration and you need to retain information, apply this blend directly out of the bottle with the roller ball head along your hairline, starting from one ear and going to the other and on the back of your head as well.
d. Breeze through your exams
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 7 drops neroli
- 6 drops geranium
- 3 drops jasmine
- 5 drops bergamot
Directions:
Mix the oils and use in an aromatherapy bracelet on your dominant hand. If you don’t own an aromatherapy bracelet, mix the essential oils with 30 ml carrier oil and use on your wrists and behind your ears.
e. Cut right through the mental fog
Ingredients – essential oil of:
- 5 drops eucalyptus
- 6 drops grapefruit
- 4 drops cedarwood atlas
- 7 drops clary sage
Directions:
Mix the oils and soak an aromatherapy inhaler wick in the blend. Insert the wick into the inhaler and use for 30 seconds with alternate nostril breathing followed by 1 minute of deep breathing, when you can’t seem to think straight.
The Final Word
While essential oils can help you feel more productive, energetic and alive, do realize that there is limit to the relief they can bring. If the reason behind the fatigue you are experiencing is some underlying health issue, you should expect only short-term relief.
While physical exertion may be the major cause of fatigue, poor nutrition, low blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, depression and emotional stress are few other things that can cause fatigue. If it’s difficult for you to figure out the reason behind your fatigue, I would recommend that you visit your doctor. And yes, do not forget using essential oils will make your treatment more effective and less painful for you.