When you consider the vast amount of data you absorb every day, it is easy to see why you might sometimes struggle to remember all the details. A memory might be evoked, however, when you catch a whiff of a familiar scent. This is because the parts of the brain that process smell and memory are closely linked and by using aromas you can stimulate the hippocampus - linked to the storage of facts (semantic memory) and events (episodic memory).
Recover your Memory
Certain oils can provide you with mental clarity when you need it most, helping your subconscious mind to recall information. The best techniques to use for memory aid are burning oils, massage blends for the pulse points and relaxing, scented baths.
Blending Oils to Boost the Power of your Memory
All of these blends are for 35ml of base oil of your choice.
Top Note
Middle Note
Base Note
Stimulating memory and study
4 drops lemon
Not applicable
3 drops cardamom
3 drops ginger
Enhancing recall of events
2 drops basil
2 drops grapefruit
4 drops rosemary
2 drops thyme
Not applicable
Mental clarity
2 drops pine
5 drops rosemary
3 drops cypress
Concentration for a single task
6 drops grapefruit
2 drops black pepper
2 drops thyme
Oils for general memory stimulating qualities
Basil
Grapefruit
Lemon
Pine
Black pepper
Rosemary
Thyme
Cardamom
Cypress
Ginger
Using Memory Boosting Oils
Combine stimulating essential oils with massages, vaporisers, relaxing baths and pulse point blends to help boost your memory and focus your mind.
Memory Massage Blend
The best way to use a massage blend for memory is to bath or shower first. This will open your pores and allow the oils to be more easily absorbed. If at work, this blend can be applied to pulse points.
- Choose your essential oils, and a carrier oil. Pour into a dark glass bottle and shake well.
- Carry the bottle with you to massage onto your pulse points and temples whenever it is required.
- Use your oils to massage your friend before they begin an exam.
Burning Memory Oils
You can mix a stimulating blend of oils to burn in an oil burner, which is useful as a study aid.
Pour 100ml distilled water into a dark glass bottle through a funnel.
Add the oils of your choice. Put the base notes in first, then the middle, then the top. You may use any of the blends suggested, but should double the quantities.
Add some of the water blend to your oil burner, or put in an atomiser and spray around your room.
Remember to shake the bottle well each time you use it to disperse all of the essential oils throughout your memory blend.
Memory Stimulating Balm
This blend is for making a memory balm that can be rubbed into the temples or the back of the neck, to soother and restore a tired mind. Using essential oils in the form of a balm is ideal for the office and places where you cannot readily burn or spray blends.
- Purchase unperfumed base cream from a chemist or health store.
- Place 30g of the base cream in a clean glass pot.
- Add the oils from any of the recipes given, adding base notes, then middle, then top.
- Stir well with the handle of a clean teaspoon.
- Carry the pot on you for use when needed.
Bath Scents for Memory
Running a bath before the start of a demanding day is the ideal way to enjoy the beneficial effects of essential oils. Run a bah to the temperature you prefer and luxuriate in the water.
For a bath blend, use half the quantities given for any of the mixes, that is, a total of 5 drops to add to the running water. Add your oils as the bath is nearly ready so they do not evaporate too quickly. You need to benefit from the stimulating scents. As you lie in the bath clear your mind of thoughts and let it rift with the water.