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Research On Improving Cognitive Function And Mood With Essential Oils

The same essential oils commonly used in aromatherapy actually have a significant base of data supporting their use in many medical applications. They have proven antibacterial, antiviral, even anticancer effects. Recent research is building on their ability to improve cognitive function as well. While not directly the aim of these studies, it seems some oils have been shown to be able to improve mood as well in "controlled" research. So how can you take this data out of the lab and into your life? It's pretty easy really -- here's a look at the research, and some ideas on taking it home with you.

Essential oils can loosely be classified as "stimulating", "sedating" or "neutral". Many of the stimulating aromatics such as rosemary, peppermint and sage essential oils seem to share certain effects on the nervous system in a biochemical manner. And by definition, they share effects on alertness and mood. The great thing being that "aromatherapy" that was once laughed at, is now being backed by rigorous research, and the connections between the biochemical actions and the psychological actions are being elucidated.

The results of a very stringent study was just published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Researchers at Northumbria University at Newcastle, in the United Kingdom used a battery of tests to determine the effect of ingesting a single drop of sage essential oil. The study was placebo controlled, and no one knew who was receiving the actual sage oil was being ingested until the testing was complete.

The results of the study are very interesting for several reasons. First, it was the single use of just a drop of sage essential oil that produced significant improvement in mental tasks one hour after ingestion. This same amount of oil can easily enter the bloodstream by either inhalation or topical application. Second, the researchers describe improved mental function with regards to memory-intensive tasks at one-hour, at reduced mental fatigue and improved mood at four hours after ingestion. Not only did a very small amount of oil work, but it worked for quite a long time.

What many of the mental performance enhancing essential oils seem to share is an ability to inhibit the action of an enzyme called "acetylcholinesterase", which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. So a dose of sage essential oil effectively increases the amount of acetylcholine (primary information-handling neuro-chemical ) in the brain. Increasing the amount of acetylcholine has been known to improve mental acuity when performed by other means as well, such as ingestion of choline, vitamins, or "smart drugs" such as piracetam. Whether this is the source of "reduced mental fatigue" has yet to be revealed.

This research notes the sage oil was particularly high in natural chemicals called "monoterpenes". One example of a monoterpene is "1,8-cineole" also known as "eucalyptol", being the primary component in common eucalyptus essential oil. Interestingly, lemon essential oil has also been researched for improved cognitive function, and actually recommended for use by Alzheimer's patients. So it appears that these bright aromatics, which some similar natural constituents, have similar effects in the brain. At the same time, known sedative oils like lavender oil actually slow response time in testing.

Using these essential oils for enhancing mental acuity is one of the more simple aromatherapy procedures. Inhaling using any diffuser will do -- it's likely that if you find one of these bright aromatics you enjoy the smell of, and an inhale it to the point of enjoyment (not too much, not too little) you'll reproduce these effects. As the study on sage noted that the ingestion of one drop was well-tolerated, you might also experiment with a low dose like this. Note that sage does contain a type of "ketone" molecule that's recommended to be used with caution by some therapists, and not by pregnant or nursing mothers, or young children. However, there are many, many oils with similar character to choose from. Find one or more you like the aroma of (you'll use it more) and enjoy!

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