Through the use of plant extracts, aromatherapy is a holistic form of healing that promotes physical, emotional and mental wellbeing - mainly through essential oils. Using essential oils for memory and focus enhancement is one of the most popular ways to use them. The properties of frankincense essential oil are known to have positive effects on the brain and its memory function; making it a well-liked and commonly used essential oil for reinforcing the brain’s potential.

In this post, you’ll discover how using frankincense essential oil benefits memory retention, and how you can use it at home to improve your productivity and concentration.

How Do Essential Oils Work?

In very simple terms, essential oils work by its aromas impacting directly the emotional center of the brain; the limbic system. This area for the brain is responsible for all kinds of things besides emotions; it’s also involved with behaviors and memory. For a more detailed explanation of how essential oils work..

Relevant to this post, this emotional part of our brain is also concerned with forming memories. This means that smells and aromas are able to trigger memories or emotions - making it possible to affect our state of mind and mood in a positive way, like when we associate the smell of clove and ginger with loving memories of Christmas.

Frankincense is one of the best essential oils for memory. A recent study from 2019 revealed that, indeed, frankincense essential oil memory retention and memory acquisition had improved. The participants of the study used frankincense for at least four consecutive weeks until they saw optimal results. 

Other essential oils for memory:

Although using frankincense essential oils for memory and focus is perhaps the most commonly used, there are several other great essential oils for memory you can opt for. In our other blog we discuss many of them, but here are more to add to the list:

• Bergamot
• Ylang Ylang
• Ginger
• Rosemary
• Cedarwood

How to use Frankincense and other essential oils for memory 

There are two ways of using essential oils for memory enhancement: 

Frankincense essential oil can be used in the diffuser on its own, but also blended with other essential oils like Lemon Myrtle and Cedarwood in the Inner Balance Trio Pack. Blending essential oils can bring additional benefits such as reducing negative emotions and stress, and compensating with a calmer and more relaxed state of mind. 

Focus Driver, Deep in the Forest and Mental Clarity all contain Frankincense essential oil, and are all incredible options when looking to improve focus and memory. Being compact roll-ons, they’re the perfect companion to have for an easy application on the go, at the office desk, or bedside table.

In our blog, we interviewed enthusiast Toti Hoyos on how he stays focused and calm when walking at great heights and distances between cliffs on a rope, with help from Mental Clarity Natural Perfume. Learn more about his perspective on the  process of conquering fear and refining his ability to stay concentrated though his experience in highlining here.

Let us know how you use essential oils for memory retention in the comments below. We’re always eager to hear your stories and insights!