Memory and learning, something we do for our entire lives. The older I get the more I realise there is to learn rather than the schedules of learning required of students studying at school or university.
Learning is our ability to get and process new information and memory is our ability to store it for future purposes. Every day we are required to use these aspects of our brain function. As a mother of 3 kids, creating an environment that helps not only myself be efficient and productive, but also for my family, is something that I feel a sense of responsibility for.
The sense of smell is not always considered in a learning environment however is also powerful. The use of aromas produce similar effects to music in the learning environment. Both can energise, set or change a mood, relax, reinforce memory and make the surroundings more pleasant and welcoming.1
Lemon*, Peppermint* and Rosemary Essential oils have been studied for their effectiveness in supporting our memory and learning.
Lemon essential oil has a clean crisp scent. It scent promotes clarity and is invigorating and enhancing. Lemon has been shown to have an anti-stress effect and can improve cognitive function. 2,3
Peppermint has been found to enhance memory and increase alertness. 4
Rosemary essential oil has produced a significant enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory and resulted in an increase in perceived contentedness. 5, 6
These three essential oils are a great tool to use in the classroom, office, home to stimulate a productive environment. Did I mention thay they actually smell great too?
Now you know which oils you can use, let’s help you work out how to use them.
Diffuse
2-3 drops each of Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary. In any area of the home/office or workplace.
Roller Bottle
Using a 10ml Roller bottle (or re-use your old essential oil bottle with Aroma Glide attachment and adjust depending on bottle size) is a great way to have your essential oils on hand to use during the day. When using the roller bottle apply as needed to pulse points- inside wrists, back or side of neck.
For 6-15yrs use 1-2 drops each of Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary and top with a carrier oil (any vegetable oil like Young Living v6 or grapeseed)
For 15+ years, add 4-5 drops each of Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary topped with carrier oil
Another option would be to make your own personal inhaler! Buy blank ones from ebay.
* Essential Oils in the Young Living Premium Starter Kit
Which oils help you focus? Peppermint is my favourite.
Belinda
Sources
1.Coming to our senses,incorporating brain research findings into classroom
2. Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice.
3.Can you smell your way to a better brain, science says yes
4. Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang.
10 Roller bottles can be purchased from New Directions online in australia and many other retailers.
Belinda Forsyth 