3 min read / 18 October 2021 / Caitlin Devlin

The best essential oils to boost your energy levels

Discover how to reset your senses and boost your energy with some of our favourite oils.

Struggling with brain fog or fatigue? Whether you’re gearing up for a run or hitting the mid-afternoon slump in your workday, these energising essential oils can give you a welcome boost.

The olfactory system is incredibly powerful. When stimulated, it can have intense effects on the brain, stimulating memories, waking us up or relaxing us, and even triggering responses in other parts of the body to contribute to our holistic health.

Triggering the olfactory system in the right way can result in a burst of energy that benefits our whole body.

In this article we’ve put together a list of some of the our favourite energising essential oils for boosting productivity and increasing alertness.

Lemon oil

People have used lemons for their energising properties for over a thousand years.

A 2005 study found that lemon oil was able to increase the alertness of students, and further research has since shown that lemon lifts low moods, which can lead to a boost in energy levels.

Citrus oils in general are linked to positivity and alertness and when diffused at the beginning of the day can help you to start it out on the right foot.

Learn more about the benefits of lemon essential oil.

Basil oil

Referred to as ‘the oil of renewal’, basil is known for its stimulating and energising properties, and its ability to reset and refresh alertness.

It is proven to help lift low mood and ease anxiety, which can reduce resulting fatigue and boost energy.

Learn more about the benefits of basil essential oil.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint has strong ties to alertness, and has been used to improve not only cognitive but physical performance.

A study in 2013 showed that peppermint was able to improve exercise performance and breath flow in participants, possible because of its ability to relax bronchial smooth muscles.

This allows for increase ventilation and brain oxygen concentration, which makes us more alert and energised.

Learn more about the benefits of peppermint essential oil.

Sweet orange oil

Much like peppermint oil, sweet orange’s energy-boosting effects have been found to improve athletic performance – in fact, the two oils work well together.

A study in 2016 found that sweet orange combined with peppermint allowed athletes to run faster and increased their lung function.

Sweet orange also benefits from the same positivity-promoting, stimulating qualities as other oils in the citrus family.

Learn more about the benefits of orange essential oil.

Person applying essential oils to skin

Try applying oils topically to your wrists and temples to feel your energy lift.

Ginger oil

Ginger has a longstanding associated with confidence and happiness. A study in 2010 offered an explanation for this association when it found that ginger oil was able to activate serotonin receptors.

This led to a boost in mood, which in turn boosted energy levels.

Learn more about the benefits of ginger essential oil.

Grapefruit oil

Grapefruit oil has the impressive ability to reduce stress-induced immune-suppression, lifting ‘brain fog’.

A study in 2001 suggested that grapefruit is able to inhibit and prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters, which can increase the level and duration of action of the neurotransmitter.

This increases our alertness and energy, and relieves fatigue and fogginess.

Learn more about the benefits of grapefruit essential oil.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary has a whole host of benefits, but one of its most useful is its ability to affect brain wave activity.

A study in 2012 showed that rosemary oil was able to put those that inhaled it in a more active state, and also that it had a stimulatory effect on participants, increasing their energy levels.

Learn more about the benefits of rosemary essential oil here.

Gurjun oil

Gurjun oil, whilst a lesser-known oil, has an ability to aid the production of red blood cells that shouldn’t be overlooked.

By increasing blood flow, it can boost our energy levels and increase the flow of oxygen to our brain. Whilst this is considered a relatively new discovery, gurjun was actually used for these circulation-benefitting purposes in ancient societies.

Learn more about the benefits of gurjun essential oil.

As is the way with natural products, the effects of essential oils are not uniform, and you may take some time to discover your favourite pick-me-up.

Spoilt for choice? Using the oils in combination with each other can also be a great way to increase energy. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve created our Energy Pure Essential Oil Blend to give you an automatic boost.

You might also like to read

Benefits of Essential Oil Roll-Ons for an On-the-Go Lifestyle

5 min read / 3 September 2024 / yasmin sharp

Benefits of Essential Oil Roll-Ons for an On-the-Go Lifestyle

Discover how essential oil roll-ons can enhance your busy lifestyle with portable aromatherapy for relaxation, energy, and targeted relief.

Essential Oils for Common Ailments and First Aid

5 min read / 27 August 2024 / yasmin sharp

Essential Oils for Common Ailments and First Aid

Discover the healing power of essential oils for treating common ailments and creating a natural first aid kit.

How to use Essential Oils to Repel Spiders

6 min read / 16 August 2024 / yasmin sharp

How to use Essential Oils to Repel Spiders

Learn how to use essential oils to naturally and effectively repel spiders from your home.

How to Use Essential Oil Roll-Ons for Skin Care

4 min read / 13 August 2024 / yasmin sharp

How to Use Essential Oil Roll-Ons for Skin Care

Discover the benefits of essential oil roll-ons for skin care, and learn how to easily incorporate them into your natural beauty routine.

Argan Oil for Beard Growth

5 min read / 30 July 2024 / yasmin sharp

Argan Oil for Beard Growth

Discover how argan oil can promote beard growth and enhance overall beard health with its rich blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Natural Beauty: Essential Oils for Glowing Skin

5 min read / 23 July 2024 / yasmin sharp

Natural Beauty: Essential Oils for Glowing Skin

Discover the benefits of essential oils for achieving radiant and healthy skin in our comprehensive guide.

Cooling Essential Oils for Hot Summer Days

5 min read / 9 July 2024 / yasmin sharp

Cooling Essential Oils for Hot Summer Days

Discover the best cooling essential oils for hot summer days and learn how to use them to stay refreshed and comfortable.

Essential Oils for Asthma

5 min read / 2 July 2024 / yasmin sharp

Essential Oils for Asthma

Explore the potential benefits and safe usage of essential oils for managing asthma symptoms.

How to Use Sage Oil for Beard Growth

5 min read / 25 June 2024 / yasmin sharp

How to Use Sage Oil for Beard Growth

Discover how sage oil can enhance beard growth and improve beard health.

Medical Disclaimer

The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please consult your personal physician for any advice or treatment regarding specific health questions. Neither the article editor, writer, nor the organisation of Nikura takes any responsibility for possible health consequences following the information given in any article. All readers should consult their physician before taking any advice given within these articles.

We use strictly necessary cookies to personalise your site experience. You can learn more here.