Top 22 Best Essential Oils for Focus and Concentration (2023 Ultimate Guide)

Do you ever find yourself struggling to stay focused or being able to concentrate while working or studying? Have you noticed that you have brain fog or that your memory isn’t what it used to be?  Perhaps you simply need to naturally achieve flow state / get in “the zone” for an important project, task or presentation. 

Thankfully, nature has given us some amazing ways to improve, increase and enhance memory, focus and concentration.  Essential oils can help enhance our cognitive abilities, improve focus, and boost productivity. In this guide, we will discuss the best essential oils for improving focus and concentration.

The Science Behind Essential Oils for Focus and Concentration

Before we dive into the best essential oils for focus and concentration, let’s learn a littel about the science behind it.

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants, flowers, trees and even fruits, that contain natural compounds that can affect our physiological and psychological responses. When inhaled, applied topically, and sometimes ingested, essential oils can trigger specific positive responses in the brain and body.

Many studies have shown that some specific essential oils can improve cognitive performance, memory, and alertness. So, what are the best essential oils for improved focus and concentration?

The 22 Best Essential Oils for Improved Focus and Concentration

1. Peppermint Oil for Focus and Concentration

When it comes to focus and concentration, Peppermint Essential Oil is a powerful tool that can help increase mental clarity and alertness. The cooling and refreshing aroma of peppermint oil stimulates the mind and helps combat mental fatigue, making it an ideal choice for studying or working on complex tasks.

Research has shown that the aroma of peppermint oil can improve memory and cognitive function, making it a popular choice for students and professionals alike. Inhaling peppermint oil can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a major distraction when trying to focus.

Whether you’re looking to improve your productivity at work or need help staying alert during a long study session, Peppermint Essential Oil is a natural and effective solution.

2. Rosemary Oil for Focus and Concentration

One of the most popular benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil is its ability to enhance focus and concentration. Its energizing scent can help stimulate the mind and improve mental clarity, making it an ideal oil to use when studying or working on projects that require concentration.

A study conducted at Northumbria University found that inhaling Rosemary Essential Oil significantly improved cognitive performance, especially in the areas of memory and alertness. Another study found that diffusing Rosemary Essential Oil in a room improved participants’ cognitive performance on tasks that required attention and speed of thought.

If you are looking to boost your productivity and focus, Rosemary Essential Oil is an excellent natural solution.

3. Lemon Oil for Focus and Concentration

Lemon Essential Oil has specific benefits for focus and concentration. Its invigorating and uplifting aroma helps to improve mental clarity and focus. The oil’s high concentration of limonene, a natural chemical compound found in citrus fruits, has been shown to enhance cognitive function and increase attention span.

Additionally, Lemon Essential Oil has a refreshing and energizing effect that helps combat mental fatigue and promotes productivity. It can be used in a diffuser, added to a bath, or applied topically (diluted with a carrier oil) to the temples or behind the ears for maximum benefits.

Overall, Lemon Essential Oil is a versatile and beneficial oil that can be used for a wide range of purposes, including improving focus and concentration.

4. Lemongrass Oil for Focus and Concentration

Not to be confused with Lemon Oil (see above), Lemongrass Essential Oil is known for its ability to enhance focus and concentration. It stimulates the mind, boosts mental clarity, and helps to improve cognitive function.

Its invigorating scent can promote alertness and increase productivity. Diffusing Lemongrass Essential Oil in your workspace can help to create a focused and energized environment, making it ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to concentrate for long periods.

Additionally, Lemongrass Essential Oil can help to improve memory retention, making it an excellent choice for those studying for exams or anyone looking to enhance their cognitive abilities. Overall, Lemongrass Essential Oil is a versatile and powerful oil that offers a range of benefits for both the mind and body.

5. Eucalyptus Oil for Focus and Concentration

One of the most notable benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil is its ability to improve focus and concentration. This is due to its ability to stimulate the mind and increase blood flow to the brain. Eucalyptus Essential Oil is particularly effective when used in a diffuser or inhaler, as the scent can be inhaled directly into the respiratory system, allowing it to quickly reach the brain.

Studies have shown that inhaling Eucalyptus Essential Oil can improve cognitive performance and enhance mental alertness. It can also help to reduce mental fatigue and increase productivity.

Whether you need to stay focused while studying, working, or driving, Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be a valuable tool to help you stay alert and focused.

6. Frankincense Oil for Focus and Concentration

Frankincense essential oil is particularly effective in promoting focus and concentration. The aroma of Frankincense has been shown to stimulate the limbic system, which is the area of the brain responsible for emotions, memory, and motivation. By stimulating this area, Frankincense essential oil can help improve cognitive function, boost mental clarity, and enhance overall brain function.

Frankincense oil can also help alleviate mental fatigue, making it an excellent tool for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to maintain high levels of mental clarity throughout the day.

Simply diffusing Frankincense oil or applying it topically to the temples or back of the neck can help promote focus and concentration, making it an excellent addition to any workspace or study area.

7. Cedarwood Oil for Focus and Concentration

Cedarwood essential oil is also known for its ability to enhance focus and concentration. This oil can help improve mental clarity and increase attention span, making it a valuable tool for anyone who needs to concentrate for extended periods. Cedarwood oil has been found to be especially helpful to both teens and adults with ADHD.

Cedarwood oil’s grounding and calming properties can help reduce mental and emotional stress, allowing the mind to focus more effectively on the task at hand. Cedarwood essential oil can also stimulate the limbic system, which is responsible for regulating emotions, and help create a sense of mental balance and stability.

Whether you are a student, a professional, or anyone looking to improve your focus and productivity, cedarwood essential oil can be a valuable tool to support your goals.

8. Basil Oil for Focus and Concentration

One of the most significant benefits of Basil Essential Oil is its ability to improve focus and concentration. The oil contains high levels of eugenol, a compound known for its ability to enhance mental clarity and boost cognitive function.

Basil essential oil is also believed to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to better concentration and focus. Additionally, the oil has a refreshing and stimulating effect on the brain, making it an excellent natural remedy for individuals who suffer from mental fatigue or brain fog.

To use Basil Essential Oil for improved focus and concentration, it can be diffused in an essential oil diffuser or applied topically to the temples or back of the neck.

9. Clary Sage Oil for Focus and Concentration

Clary sage essential oil has been found to have specific benefits for focus and concentration. Studies have shown that the oil can improve cognitive function, enhance memory retention, and increase alertness.

When used in aromatherapy, Clary sage essential oil can help reduce mental fatigue and improve mental clarity, making it an ideal choice for students, professionals, and anyone else who needs to stay focused and productive. Its uplifting and stimulating properties can also help improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being.

Overall, Clary sage essential oil is a versatile and powerful tool for promoting both physical and mental health.

10. Vetiver Oil for Focus and Concentration

Vetiver Essential Oil is highly regarded for its ability to improve focus and concentration. Its grounding and calming properties help to promote mental clarity and increase alertness. It is an excellent choice for those who struggle with distractions, brain fog, or lack of focus.

When diffused in a workspace or added to a personal inhaler, Vetiver Essential Oil can help to create a productive and focused environment. It is also a popular choice for students and individuals who need to concentrate for long periods of time.

Vetiver Essential Oil can be blended with other essential oils such as peppermint, lemon, or rosemary for an even more potent and energizing effect. Overall, Vetiver Essential Oil is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their cognitive function and mental clarity.

11. Ylang-Ylang Oil for Focus and Concentration

Ylang-ylang essential oil is known to have benefits for focus and concentration. Its calming and sedative properties make it an excellent choice for those who struggle with anxiety or restlessness while trying to focus.

Ylang-ylang essential oil is said to help promote a sense of inner peace, reduce mental clutter, and increase mental clarity. Ylang-ylang oil is also thought to help balance emotions and promote a positive outlook, making it a useful tool for those who struggle with negative thoughts or feelings of overwhelm.

Whether used alone or in combination with other essential oils, Ylang-ylang oil is a versatile and effective tool for promoting focus, concentration, and overall well-being.

 12. Bergamot Oil for Focus and Concentration

Bergamot essential oil is particularly known for its ability to improve focus and concentration. This is due to its unique chemical composition, which includes high levels of the compound limonene, known for its mood-boosting effects.

By inhaling bergamot oil, either through a diffuser or directly from the bottle, it can help to increase mental clarity, reduce mental fatigue, and enhance cognitive function. Many individuals find that using bergamot oil while studying or working helps them to stay focused and on-task, making it a popular choice for students and professionals alike.

Overall, bergamot essential oil is a versatile and beneficial oil that offers a range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being.

13. Cypress Oil for Focus and Concentration

Cypress essential oil is an excellent essential oil to enhance focus and concentration. Its invigorating aroma helps to stimulate the mind and increase mental clarity. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need to stay alert and focused, such as students or professionals who work long hours.

Cypress oil can be used in a diffuser, added to a carrier oil and applied topically, or inhaled directly from the bottle. When used in aromatherapy, it can help to alleviate mental fatigue, improve memory retention, and increase productivity.

Cypress oil’s refreshing and energizing scent can also help to combat stress and promote a sense of calmness, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any essential oil collection.

14. Ginger Oil for Focus and Concentration

Ginger essential oil is particularly beneficial for those looking to improve their focus and concentration. Its stimulating and energizing properties make it an excellent oil to use when you need to stay alert and focused.

Ginger oil can help to improve cognitive function and mental clarity, making it a great oil to diffuse in your workspace or to use in a personal inhaler while studying or working on a project. Additionally, ginger essential oil has been shown to have mood-enhancing properties, which can help to reduce stress and improve overall mental wellbeing.

By promoting both mental and emotional balance, ginger essential oil is a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their productivity and focus.

15. Juniper Berry Oil for Focus and Concentration

One of the specific benefits of Juniper essential oil is its ability to enhance focus and concentration. Its stimulating properties help to promote mental clarity and alertness, making it an ideal choice for those who need to stay focused and productive throughout the day.

Inhaling Juniper oil can help to stimulate the brain, which can improve memory retention and increase cognitive performance. Its ability to calm the mind can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can often hinder productivity and focus. Adding a few drops of Juniper oil to a diffuser or inhaling it directly can provide a natural boost to your mental clarity and concentration.

Juniper oil’s stimulating properties make it an excellent choice for those who need to stay alert and productive throughout the day. By inhaling Juniper oil or using it topically, you can harness the power of this natural remedy to improve your mental clarity and cognitive performance.

16. Sandalwood Oil for Focus and Concentration

Sandalwood Essential Oil is highly regarded for its ability to improve and enhance focus and concentration. This oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to promote mental clarity and alertness, making it an excellent choice for those who need to stay focused for extended periods of time.

The calming and grounding effects of Sandalwood Essential Oil also make it an ideal choice for those who struggle with anxiety or nervousness, as it can help to reduce feelings of stress and promote a sense of calm.

To use Sandalwood Essential Oil for focus and concentration, add a few drops to a diffuser or mix it with a carrier oil and apply it topically to the temples or wrists. So, whether you are studying for an exam, working on a project, or simply need to improve your concentration, Sandalwood Essential Oil can help you stay focused and productive.

17. Lavender Oil for Focus and Concentration

Lavender essential oil has long been known to improve focus and concentration. The scent of lavender has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety that can distract from concentration.

Lavender oil is also believed to help increase mental clarity and alertness, making it an excellent choice for those who need to stay focused and productive throughout the day. Whether you are studying for an exam or trying to meet a work deadline, using lavender essential oil as part of your aromatherapy routine can help you stay centered and focused.

Lavender essential oil’s ability to calm the mind and improve concentration makes it a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance.

18. Patchouli Oil for Focus and Concentration 

One of the most compelling benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil is its ability to enhance focus and concentration. This powerful essential oil contains a number of compounds that have been shown to improve cognitive function and mental clarity, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to increase their productivity and efficiency.

In addition to its effects on cognition, Patchouli Essential Oil is also a natural stress reliever, helping to promote a sense of calm and relaxation that can be essential for maintaining focus and concentration over long periods of time.

Whether you are looking to stay sharp during a busy workday or to stay focused while studying for an important exam, Patchouli Essential Oil is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals.

19. Tea Tree Oil for Focus and Concentration  

In terms of focus and concentration, Tea Tree Essential Oil has been found to have stimulating effects on the mind, helping to improve mental clarity and alertness. Its invigorating scent can help boost energy levels, making it useful for those who struggle with fatigue or need an extra boost of motivation to focus on a task.

Tea Tree Essential Oil’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety also makes it an excellent choice for promoting a sense of calm and balance, which can aid in concentration and productivity.

You’ll find that Tea Tree Oil has a refreshing and uplifting scent, making it a popular choice for those looking for a cognitive edge.

20. Sweet Orange Oil for Focus and Concentration

Sweet orange essential oil has many specific benefits for focus and concentration. It is a natural stimulant that can help to increase alertness and mental clarity. The oil can be diffused in the air or applied topically to the skin to promote focus and concentration during work or study sessions.

Additionally, sweet orange essential oil has been shown to have anxiolytic effects, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, allowing for improved cognitive function. This makes it a useful essential oil for individuals who struggle with attention deficit disorders or who need to improve their focus and productivity.

Sweet orange essential oil is a versatile and beneficial oil that can be used to promote both physical and mental well-being.

21. Grapefruit Essential Oil for Focus and Concentration

Grapefruit Essential Oil is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their focus and concentration. It has a unique ability to stimulate the brain, increase mental alertness, and promote clear thinking. This makes it a great option for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to stay focused and alert throughout the day.

Additionally, Grapefruit Essential Oil can help to reduce mental fatigue and boost energy levels, making it an excellent choice for those who need an extra boost to get through a long day.

To experience the benefits of Grapefruit Essential Oil for focus and concentration, simply add a few drops to a diffuser, or apply topically to the temples and wrists.

22. Spearmint Oil for Focus and Concentration

Spearmint Essential Oil is well-regarded as being beneficial for improving memory, focus and concentration. The oil contains compounds that have been shown to stimulate the brain and enhance mental clarity.

When diffused, Spearmint Essential Oil can help to reduce mental fatigue and improve concentration, making it an excellent choice for studying or working on tasks that require mental focus. It can also be applied topically to the temples or forehead to alleviate headaches and promote mental clarity.

Overall, Spearmint Essential Oil is a versatile and beneficial oil that can be used in a variety of ways to support overall health and wellness.

Essential Oil Blends for Focus and Concentration

As you can see, there are many essential oils that are excellent for improving and enhancing one’s focus and concentration – almost too many!  Well, you might be pleased to learn that you can combine essential oils to increase their effectiveness, or to simply be more economical with your oils, making them last longer.

When we combine different essential oils, this is known as blending.   And like the individual essential oils, essential oil blends have been used for over a thousand years!  Here are some of our favorite blends for memory, focus and concentration:

Our Top 3 Essential Oil Blends for Memory, Focus, and Concentration

Pure Clarity

Pure Clarity is the name we gave to the blend of Bergamot, Clary Sage, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Basil, Sweet Orange and Peppermint essential oils.  This blend has representatives from the citrus oil, mint, spice, floral and herbaceous groups of oils, and is highly effective at improving mental alertness and focus, giving users a heightened state of mental clarity.  So if you need to focus and concentrate to stay on- task to complete a project, assignment, or just get through the day without being in a “fog,” try the Pure Clarity blend.

How to make your Pure Clarity Blend 

Carefully place 5-10 drops of each oil in a diffuser, or mix 1-2 drops of each oil with the carrier oil of your choice (we recommend extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil) and apply to the temples.

Soothingly Calm

Soothingly Calm is what we termed the blend of Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang, and Patchouli.  This blend contains members of the floral, herbaceous, wood/earth categories. 

The Soothingly Calm blend can help to promote relaxation and grounding while also stimulating the parts of one’s brain needed to focus on task completion.

How to Make Your Soothingly Calm Blend

Carefully combine 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and apply to neck and/or wrists.  Be sure to inhale the blend for 2-3 minutes, while allowing yourself to relax.  That relaxation will soon turn to a noticeable sense of focus!

Flow State

Flow State is a powerful essential oil blend that can help with memory, concentration, focus, and a desire to accomplish goals. 

Flow State is a blend of Basil, Ginger, Spearmint, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, sandalwood, Frankincense, Lemon and Grapefruit essential oils.

The Flow State blend is made up of members of the spice, mint, camphoraceous, herbaceous, wood/earth, resinous, and citrus oils groups of essential oils.

If you need to be singularly focused on completing a project, assignment or even an important presentation, the Flow Stated blend is definitely worth trying. 

How to Make Your Flow State Blend

Add 5-10 drops to your diffuser and breathe in close proximity to the diffuser for at least 5-10 minutes to get the best effects.   Then allow the diffuser to continue running while you are working.  Alternatively, or in conjunction with diffusing, you can mix 1-2 drops of each oil with a carrier oil and then apply to the back of the neck, underside of wrists, and/or inside of elbow area. 

Please note:  the Flow State blend is not recommended for use withing 2-3 hours of trying to go to sleep.

Key Takeaways:  Essential Oils for Focus and Concentration

By incorporating these essential oils into your daily routine, you can boost your cognitive abilities, improve focus and concentration, and achieve better results in your work or studies. Remember to use them in the right way and always dilute them with a carrier oil before applying topically.

Using these essential oils in aromatherapy, diffusion, or diluted topical application can be an effective way to enhance cognitive function and improve focus and concentration. It’s important to note that everyone’s response to essential oils may differ, so it’s recommended to start with small doses and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

How to Use Essential Oils for Improved Focus and Concentration

Now that you know the best essential oils for focus and concentration, here’s how you can use them:

Diffuser

Essential oil diffusers are devices that disperse essential oils into the air to create a pleasant aroma. They can be used in various settings, such as homes, offices, and spas, to promote relaxation and improve mood. In addition to their aromatherapy benefits, essential oil diffusers can also help purify the air, eliminate unpleasant odors, and improve respiratory health.

Essential oil diffusers work by dispersing the volatile compounds found in essential oils into the air in the form of tiny droplets. These droplets are released into the atmosphere through a process called nebulization or atomization, which breaks down the oil into small particles that can be easily inhaled.

As the mist is released, it carries the scent and therapeutic properties of the essential oil throughout the room, allowing people to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.

Different types of essential oil diffusers use different methods to release the essential oils into the air, such as ultrasonic diffusers, nebulizing diffusers, heat diffusers, and evaporative diffusers. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, but all of them allow people to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils in a safe and effective way.

To use an essential oil diffuser, simply add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to water and turn on the device. The diffuser will then create a fine mist that fills the room with the desired scent. Some diffusers also come with additional features, such as LED lights and adjustable mist settings, to enhance the overall experience. With regular use, essential oil diffusers can help create a calming atmosphere and improve overall well-being.

Inhalation

This method is simple:  You can also simply inhale essential oils directly from the bottle or by placing a few drops on a tissue or handkerchief, placing near your nose, and inhale.  To get the most out of the inhalation method, follow this routine:

1. Inhale the oil’s aroma in through the nose and hold breath for a few seconds (to your comfort level).

2. Breath out slowly (over a few seconds) through the mouth.

3. Repeat as desired.

Topical Application

You can apply essential oils topically by diluting them with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil, and massaging them into your temples, neck, or wrists, inside of elbows and knees, and the tops and soles of the feet.

The most common way to prepare a topical essential oil(s) application is to combine 1-3 drops of the essential oil with 1-2 teaspoons of carrier oil; mix thoroughly; then apply to the desired location(s).

Ingestion

Firstly, we recommend diffusing, inhalation and topical applications above ingestion. But, the fact is that some people get better results from taking some essential oils internally.  Before ingesting essential oils, PLEASE do these two things:  1.  Speak to your healthcare professional, and 2. Make sure that the essential oil(s) that you plan to ingest is/are Therapeutic Grade.  Therapeutic grade essential oils are verified for purity and label accuracy. 

Essential Oils for Focus and Concentration:  Final Thoughts

In conclusion, using the essential oils part of plant therapy can be a natural and effective way to improve focus and concentration.  Today, we discussed the top 22 essential oils for focus and concentration.  Whether you use them alone, or in homemade blends, please be sure to always try just a little at first to make sure you won’t have any unwanted effects. The best essential oil is always the one that doesn’t irritate you! By using certain essential oils the right way, you can boost your productivity and achieve better results in your work or studies.