trying lemongrass to boost concentration when the kids are in tow: “Basil is a known mind stimulant, while lemongrass is uplifting and invigorating.”
essential oils for driving
To stay alert behind the wheel on long road trips, skip the coffee and try sniffing peppermint or cinnamon.
Using aromatherapy oils in the car can be enjoyable and beneficial, but it requires a sensible approach. Remember the golden rule: Avoid any oils that make you feel sleepy or over-
Alertness and Energy
To stay alert behind the wheel on long road trips, skip the coffee and try sniffing peppermint or cinnamon. Researchers from West Virginia have found that getting a whiff of pleasant odors periodically while driving increases alertness, reduces fatigue, and even lowers drivers' anxiety and frustration. By stimulating the nervous system, peppermint and cinnamon odors enhance motivation and performance, increase alertness, and decrease fatigue among athletes and clerical office workers. To test the effects of these odors on drivers, researchers had 25 college undergrads sniff peppermint, cinnamon, or a non-
Aromatherapy treatment
In our opinion, aromatherapy can sometimes be helpful in a mild, gentle way in reducing stress, helping with mood, improving alertness, or helping to relax or induce sleep. However, one has to be sensitive to aromatherapy essential oil treatment, and not too many people may be sensitive enough to notice a clear benefit. It appears that lemon odour may improve mood.
A Quick Guide to In-
Oils to Invigorate Basil, black pepper, cedar wood, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, rosewood
Oils for car sickness Ginger, orange, peppermint
Oils to cleanse the air Eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree
Oils to calm Bergamot, geranium, rosewood, mandarin
Oils for concentration Cinnamon, lemon, peppermint
Oils to simply enjoy Cinnamon, bergamot, geranium, patchouli, petitgrain
Oils to be wary of Camomile, jasmine, lavender, marjoram and vetiver as these can be sleep-