Aromatherapy That Works: How Scent Can Supercharge Your Brain

With a long background in finance and investments (yes really!), I’ve always been drawn to wellness practices that are backed by solid research. So when I finally followed my passion and became a certified aromatherapist, I brought that same analytical mindset with me. There’s a lot of noise out there - but when science speaks clearly, I listen. That’s why I was so excited to discover a recent study from the University of California, Irvine that shows just how powerful essential oils can be for brain health.

This is exactly the kind of evidence-based insight I’ll be sharing regularly on this blog - so if you’re curious about the real benefits of aromatherapy, you’re in the right place.

What’s the Science Behind It?

The study, published in Frontiers in Neuroscience in 2023, looked at whether exposing older adults to pleasant scents during sleep could improve memory and cognitive function. Spoiler alert: it did - and dramatically!

·       Participants aged 60 - 85 were exposed to seven different essential oils via a diffuser for two hours each night over six months.

·       The oils used were: lavender, rosemary, rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon and peppermint.

·       Compared to a control group, those who inhaled the scents showed a 226% improvement in memory performance, particularly in word recall!

·       Brain scans revealed enhanced integrity in the "uncinate fasciculus", a neural pathway critical for memory and decision-making.

That hard to pronounce word is apparently a crucial white matter tract in the brain that connects the temporal lobe with the frontal lobe, playing a significant role in emotional regulation and memory processing.

You can read the full study here and a great summary is also available in the University of California news.

Why Sleep + Scent Is a Game-Changer

The magic happens during slow-wave sleep, the deepest phase of rest when your brain consolidates memories and repairs itself. By gently stimulating the olfactory system during this time, essential oils can activate the limbic system - the part of the brain responsible for memory and emotion.

This isn’t just about relaxation. It’s about neural activation and long-term brain health.

The Essential Oils That Made It Happen

Here’s a quick overview of the seven oils used in the study - and their key benefits to show why they’re worth adding to your nighttime routine:

·       Rose - Calms anxiety, supports emotional balance

·       Orange - Uplifts mood, reduces stress

·       Eucalyptus - Clears the mind, supports respiratory health

·       Lemon - Boosts alertness, purifies air

·       Peppermint -Enhances focus, relieves fatigue

·       Rosemary - Improves memory, mental clarity

·       Lavender - Promotes deep sleep, reduces tension

These oils aren’t just pleasant - they’re potent. And they’re all available in our growing range at At One Organics, where we focus on high-quality, ethically sourced essential oils that support your wellness journey.

How to Try This at Home 

·       It only takes two minutes to set up

·       Use a diffuser in your living room or bedroom in the evening.

·       Fill your diffuser with water, add 5 or 6 drops of your essential oils and press start 

·       Let the aroma work its magic while you unwind, read or sleep

·       That's two hours of peaceful, brain-boosting bliss with almost zero effort!

In the original study, participants rotated through different essential oils each night rather than blending them. You can do the same, or create your own calming blend – whatever your prefer.

My suggestion? Choose lavender, rosemary, and rose for your nighttime blend. These oils are calming, memory-supportive, and emotionally grounding.

If rose feels a bit pricey, try geranium instead - it offers similar emotional balancing properties and is a beautiful cost-effective alternative.

Stick with this ritual at least twice a week for a few months, and you’re likely to notice deeper sleep, clearer thinking, reduced stress and anxiety, improved memory, and a more balanced mood.

Creating a regular aromatherapy ritual before bed can signal the body to wind down. This kind of sensory cueing helps reinforce healthy sleep hygiene and mindfulness.  

 

Final Thoughts

It’s rare to find such clear, measurable benefits from something so simple and natural. But this study proves what many of us in the aromatherapy world have long believed: essential oils can truly support cognitive health - and now we have the data to back it up.

Given none of us are unlikely to do this every night for 6 months, we can't really expect a 226% improvement in our memories! However, what you can expect over time is:

·       First few uses – subtle relaxation, lovely calming scent experience

·       2 to 4 weeks – Likely to see noticeable improvements in sleep and mood

·       3 to 6 months – Likely to experience deeper sleep, long term emotional balance and improved memory and cognitive focus

If you’re ready to explore the power of scent for your brain, sleep, and overall wellbeing, check out our beautiful range of essential oils at At One Organics.  Your brain will thank you!

 

Safety Notes for diffusing essential oils

Even though essential oils are 100% natural, they are highly concentrated plant extracts and should be used with care.

When diffusing oils:

·       Use only pure, high-quality essential oils from reputable sources.

·       Follow your diffuser’s instructions and avoid overuse - typically 5 to 7 drops per session is sufficient. In a small room use 3 to 5 drops and in a large space you can add up to 10 drops

·       Ensure the room is well-ventilated.

·       Keep oils out of reach of children and pets, and avoid direct contact with skin unless properly diluted. Avoid certain oils around young kids - lavender is always safe to use.

·       If you’re pregnant, nursing, have epilepsy, asthma, or high blood pressure, consult a qualified health professional before using stimulating oils like rosemary, peppermint, or eucalyptus.

·       Always listen to your body - if you experience headaches, nausea, or irritation, discontinue use and seek guidance from a certified aromatherapist.

Disclaimer

This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Aromatherapy can complement wellness routines, but it is not a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult your doctor or a qualified practitioner before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have underlying conditions or are taking medication.