A common desire these days is to improve concentration, focus, and brain function. We live in a world where we are easily distracted with technology, operate on little sleep, and have poor diets; all of which, can contribute to issues with staying focused. Many people lean on pharmaceutical pills to stay focused, but the trouble is they don’t always stay working for long and often come with negative side effects. A natural, effective means of drastically improving concentration almost immediately involves the use of essential oils. Let’s take a look at some essential oils to help with concentration and focus.
Lavender- Increase Cognitive Function
Lavender essential oil improves concentration and cognitive function. Overall, lavender reduces mental stress and increases alertness.
Lavender is often cut with hybrid lavender (lavandin) and mixed with synthetic fragrances in order to save money. Make sure to purchase lavender oil from a quality company, such as Young Living, that only provides pure lavender, in order to experience a true increase in cognitive function and focus.
Lavender essential oil can be diffused up to 1 hour 3 times per day, or, alternatively, directly inhaled. To use lavender oil topically, apply 2-4 drops to desired location, such as wrists, or chakra points. Dilution is not required.
Peppermint Essential Oil- Better Focus
Peppermint essential oil is stimulating to the conscious mind. Research, actually, shows that inhaling peppermint during mental tasks may improve attention, performance, and focus. In order to improve concentration, memory, and alertness, place 1-2 drops on the tongue.
Peppermint oil can be diffused for up to 1 hour, 3 times per day, or directly inhaled. If placing directly on the skin, you will want to dilute it with a quality, organic carrier oil, like olive or sunflower oil.
Rosemary Essential Oil- Enhance Mental Clarity
The use of rosemary essential oil enhances mental clarity and concentration. It can help overcome mental fatigue and boost alertness. Rosemary can increase mental ability, as well. 
Before applying to the skin, you will want to dilute rosemary oil with a pure, organic carrier oil. Then, apply 2-4 drops on desired location or chakra points. Rosemary essential oil may be diffused up to 1 hour, 3 times per day, or directly inhaled.
Basil Essential Oil- Overcome Mental Fatigue
Basil essential oil is excellent for helping overcome mental fatigue. Inhale first, then apply to the crown (top of head) for help with mental fatigue.
Basil can, also, be applied to the tip of the nose or on the temples; however you will want to dilute it with a pure, organic carrier oil, such as olive, coconut, or sunflower oil. Basil essential oil can be diffused for up to 30 minutes, 3 times per day.
Cedarwood- Make Better Decisions
Cedarwood essential oil helps one to think clearly and helps clear the mind in order to make better decisions. Cedarwood may even treat ADD & ADHD in children, according to clinical tests conducted by Terry Friedmann, MD.
Brain Power – A Powerful Blend for Concentration
Brain power is an essential oil blend made by Young Living which promotes deep concentration and mental clarity. When used, it can help increase mental potential. It, also, will help to channel physical energy into mental energy.
The oil blend is designed to clear “brain fog” by dissolving petrochemicals that congest the receptor sites in the brain. These sites get clogged due to exposure from synthetic petrochemicals in food, skin and hair care products, and even those found in the air.
Brain power essential oil blend can be diffused for up to 1 hour, 3 times per day, or directly inhaled. For topical use, dilution is not required, except possibly for more sensitive skin. Apply 2-4 drops of basil oil on the back of the neck, throat, temples, under nose, or other desired location.
Other Oils To Consider for Focus and Better Mental Clarity
- Cypress (increases circulation & promotes a sense of security)
- Juniper (promotes feelings of love, peace, and health)
- Lemon (improves memory)
- Lemon myrtle (encourages follow through with goals)
- Helichrysum (uplifting to the subconscious & may help to regenerate nerves)
- Myrrh (uplifting and promotes spiritual awareness; stimulates the limbic system)
- Orange (uplifting & reduces depression)
- Sandalwood (grounding & stabilizing; stimulates the pineal gland)
- Frankincense (promotes higher levels of consciousness, reduces depression, helps with stress)
The Key To Improving Your Mental Performance 
These essential oils work wonders for concentration and increasing mental alertness. Some of them improve memory and processing ability, as well. They can, often, help clear the mind which allows you to make better decisions. Many of them improve mood, also. I would recommend, at a minimum, obtaining a couple of the single oils, such as peppermint, basil, or cedarwood to have on hand for improving focus. Incorporating the use of these oils can lead to better performance of mental tasks and increased quality of projects.
If you need any help or have any questions, please leave them below. I am more than happy to help. If you would like to share your success stories working with these essential oils and improving concentration, please leave them below. I would love to hear your stories.