With the challenges of COVID, self-isolating, quarantine and staying inside, time has flown by and we’re all stuck in a mental fog. Life is starting to fall into our new normal: kids are going back to school, and people are heading back to work. Reality snaps you to FOCUS whether it’s school, a job or making sure everyone else gets there on time. Courses, exams, schedules, and a multitude of tasks swirl around your cranium like the annoying mosquitoes and house flies just a short time ago. Then there are the long daily commutes for those who are soooo lucky.

So, what to do? Smelling salts with all that ammonia aren’t a healthy choice but essential oils are, and can be very helpful. Several oils grab the spotlight to help with relaxation and sleep, but others can shut off those dreamy alpha waves to sharpen the mental beta pencil. Here’s my top seven with some helpful tips on use.

Rosemary (cineole)–  There are several varieties of rosemary but I like this one the best. A great balance of 1,8 cineole and other terpenes will clear the cobwebs fast and trigger the all important beta waves.  *It’s so stimulating that it may also increase heart rate so avoid use with high blood pressure.

Peppermint – The old faithful of clearing the head, relieving stuffiness, cooling frustration and general stimulation of the whole body. That menthol always does the trick!

Black spruce – This crisp, sharp evergreen is one of the finest that Canada offers with an interesting mix of terpenes and esters known to relieve stress, soothe anxiety, allowing focus on that important task.

Lemon – Yes, just lemon please.  Nearly 90% limonene makes this a one-dimensional single focused oil on setting you straight to wake up and get things done.

Grapefruit (pink) – Another delicious energizing citrus oil that brings a smile to your face when hitting the books or arranging the impossible.

Black pepper – Limonene, pinenes & phellandrene with a side of beta-caryophyllene make this exotic spicy oil a must have when congestion from food, colds or flu cloud the computations.  Always dilute this oil thoroughly before use.

Juniper berry – Refreshing, slight fruity, slightly camphoraceous, this oil is also known for its detoxing properties so if your foggy state of mind is the result of a hangover, this is your newest friend with no judgement.  Great for driving too!

Honorable Mentions

Eucalyptus globulus, radiata

Basil

Lemongrass

Cardamon

Tips and Recipes

Diffuser Blends

We tend to think of diffusers for evening use, but they can also be used in the morning or when needed to perk up the senses.

Wakey Wakey Time

3 drops Rosemary 

5 drops Lemon

3 drops Juniper berry

Study Buddy

5 drops Grapefruit

3 drops Black spruce

1 drop Basil

Evening Stretch

4 drops Eucalyptus globulus

3 drops Peppermint

2 drops Lemongrass

Roller Ball Blends

Add the drops from any of the above blends into a 10 ml roller ball, top up with fractionated coconut oil.  Roll under the nose or on the back of the neck for a refreshing sensation.

Enjoy!

Sandy Powell

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