“Nature itself is the best physician.” – Hippocrates

Imagine a potent, plant-based drop of liquid that you could use any time to uplift your mood, curb overwhelm, promote relaxation, boost energy, and more. That’s exactly what essential oils are – an unconventional panacea for wellness and optimal living. And this is also why you should weave them into your daily routine. 

Their ability to shift your physiology, mental state, and even your perspective in just a few simple inhales makes them one of the most Jedi wellness practices we use daily. When you have a full plate and consistently being on your A game is an absolute must (for us, it is!), essential oils are a simple and powerful support. 

In this article, we’ll cover 4 easy ways to get started today so you can experience the many benefits of adding essential oils to your morning routine.  

Essential Oils to Wake Up and Energize

I’m not a morning person. Never have been. I’ve come to accept that as reality and not something to fight against. As much as I want to be up and at ‘em when the alarm clock goes off, I’m just not – despite routinely getting adequate sleep (something I take seriously). It just always takes me a little longer to shake off the sleepiness in the morning. 

This is why I love using essential oils first thing. They invigorate my senses, the aromas are pleasantly intoxicating and they give me the jump start that I need to pull back the covers, sit up and get out of bed. 

Several options work, but citrus and mint combinations are my all time fave (wild orange, peppermint and spearmint are always in my stash).  But these aren’t the only choices. Check out the list below for a variety of options that could work for you: 

Bergamot

A delicate citrus plant, bergamot is uplifting, calming, and purifying. Citrus plants stimulate the brain and make you feel awake immediately. Bergamot is perfect for inhaling (either in the palms or by diffuser), ingested in tea form, or applied to the skin with a carrier oil. 

Caution: Remember, bergamot (and all citrus oils) cause photosensitivity, so limit sun exposure after use if applied to the skin. A little goes a long way with essential oils, so you only need a few drops. Also, remember if ingesting, make sure you purchase from a trusted, high-quality brand. 

Wild Orange

Wild orange essential oil purifies the air, protects against environmental toxins, supports a healthy immune system and provides an energizing boost without the groggy afternoon feeling later. Studies suggest orange essential oil in aromatherapy improves cognitive function (3). Use orange in the morning – I like to add a drop to smoothies – and you’ll feel ready to tackle the day. 

Peppermint

Peppermint is a potent anti-inflammatory and supports healthy digestion. Most importantly, peppermint offers a refreshing scent that can help increase your morning productivity, concentration, memory, and focus (4). You can use this essential oil topically, aromatically, or orally. I wouldn’t use this one too late in the day because it can be very energizing. 

Lemon or Lime

Lemon essential oil is well-known for its cleansing properties. Its a purifying and detoxifying oil with antiseptic and disinfectant properties. It’s peppy citrus aroma is perfect for rejuvenating the senses. It’s also helpful for your immunity as it can support the body in fighting off the common flu and defend against other infections (1). Like lemon, lime essential oil has a cheerful, sunny disposition and refreshing aroma. I like to interchange these oils or use them together to elevate my mood. 

Basil

Naturally energizing, Basil is a stimulating herb with tons of other benefits. As an essential oil, it stimulates the adrenal glands to relieve brain fog and promote mental clarity (2). This remains one of my favorite essential oils for its restoring herbal aroma and many health benefits. During the work day I like combining this with peppermint and diffuse to stay mentally sharp and focused. 

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is another great oil for energy and focus. It’s also uplifting which makes it helpful for relieving stress and overwhelm. Grapefruit may also promote a healthy metabolism. Some animal studies show that it can curb food cravings leading to reduced food intake. Other studies show that it has potential fat burning properties. One of reasons I love essential oils is because of the variety of benefits available with the use of just one oil. Instead of killing two birds with one stone, with essential oils this is multiplied and you can often accomplish much more for your health. 

Rosemary

Adding another brain boosting oil to the mix, rosemary is another that I find helpful especially on high productivity days. A 2017 study in the International Journal of Neuroscience examined how rosemary and lavender essential oils affected brain performance in 144 people. The researchers found that rosemary oil gave memory a serious lift—especially for recalling information. It also helped people feel more alert and lifted their mood, creating a calm focus. 

How to Choose the Best Essential Oils for Energy

For the most pleasant experience, choose oils that resonate with you. If you generally like citrus aromas, start with those. If you like more minty or herbal tones, then go with that. Or, if you’re like me and enjoy all three maybe select a few to start with and go from there. Once you add them to your routine, notice how you feel after using each oil. You may find that you enjoy certain oils at a specific time of the day.

4 Ways to Incorporate Essential Oils into Your Morning Routine

With 4 young kids, my mornings can be very hectic. Adding essential oils to the first part of my day helps to ground me before the chaos starts. They offer an opportunity to step back from the mountain of things to do and set my intentions, refreshing my perspective. Using oils forces me to slow down, take a few deep breaths and center my thoughts. 

This is one of the most positive experiences that I get to enjoy during what can sometimes feel like a stressful time of the day.  And it doesn’t have to take hours! I literally inhale a few drops in a matter of seconds and strategically add them to my routine so that I passively enjoy their benefits.A morning routine with your favorite oils can help you stay on track, and it’s much easier than you may think. There are three primary ways to use oils:

• Topically
• Internally
• Aromatically

Use the following five different methods to add essential oils for morning energy each day. Figure out which option works best for you, depending on your routine and needs. 

1. Inhaling Essential Oils

Inhaling essential oils is the common method for using them. Add a drop or two to the palm of your hand and rub your palms together. Cup your hands over your nose and inhale deeply several times. This is the fastest way to use oils and the one that I most commonly adopt during my busy days. 

I also love to add a few drops of essential oil to the shower floor to create an aromatic steam room. This way of using oils is exhilarating and instantly wakes me up. I leave the ventilation fan off in the bathroom for best results. 

To use oils passively throughout your morning, a diffuser makes this a cinch. You can use a single oil or try one of the DIY blends below. Add 5 to 8 drops of oil with water (depending on the diffuser size and room size). Try the following wake up essential oil blend recipe combinations, and consider adding in an anti-anxiety oil like lavender or ylang-ylang.

Energizing Essential Oil Blends for Your Most Productive Days

Just Get Out Of Bed

For Diffuser

• 4 drops of wild orange
• 2 drops of peppermint (or spearmint)

To inhale in palms: 1 drop wild orange, 1 drop peppermint

Fully Focused for the Day

For Diffuser

• 3 drops rosemary
• 2 drops basil 
• 2 drops peppermint (or spearmint)

To inhale in the palms: 1 drop rosemary (or basil), 1 drop peppermint (or spearmint)

Afternoon Boost Juice

For Diffuser

• 2 drops lemon 
• 2 drops lime
• 2 drops orange
• 2 drops peppermint (or spearmint)

To inhale in the palms: 2 drops of any of the above oils and inhale deeply several times

2. Apply an Energetic Essential Oil Topically

Topical use is another popular way to take advantage of essential oils. Just mix a few drops with a carrier oil of your choice and apply directly on the skin. Be careful to avoid sun exposure after applying citrus oils (including bergamot) because of skin’s photosensitivity after use. 

• The crown of the head
• Behind the ears
• Back of neck
• Wrists and forearms
• Bottoms of the feet
• Behind the knees

3. Ingest Essential Oils

Essential oils are also helpful in the kitchen. Double-check that the essential oil you purchased is safe for consumption (not all of them are). Look for pure essential oils from a company that has a rigorous testing process to ensure that you are not ingesting toxins and impurities with your oils. 

To ingest essential oils, the ideal way is to dilute it with a food grade carrier oil (like extra virgin olive oil) or a food like honey. 

For example, if you want to make a tea, mix an oil like peppermint with a bit of honey and stir the mixture into hot water. If you want to brighten up your morning smoothie, try mixing a drop of essential oil with peanut butter (I often add to my smoothies) or honey and then blend that in with your smoothie. 

4. Drink a Morning Detox Tea

If you want a boost of natural energy but are trying to lose weight, a tonic in the morning is a great option. This detox tea can jump-start your metabolism for the day, and warm water first thing is helpful for stimulating your digestive system. 

For the tea, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8-10 ounces of warm water
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 drop of grapefruit
• Squeeze of lemon

Mix the essential oil with the honey first and then stir into hot water along with the lemon. Lemon helps remove toxins in the colon, lymph glands, and bladder. Grapefruit supports a healthy metabolism. 

How Often Can You Apply Essential Oils?

Essential oils are natural, but they’re powerful. Excessive use can heighten your risk of adverse reactions. Just use common sense and don’t overdo it. If you’re a beginner, start with less vs. more  until you have a better idea of how your body responds.

MAKE THIS EASY

To make this health habit part of your daily rhythm, take action using the steps below: 

1. Choose 1 to 3 essential oils to try. 
2. Decide when you will add them to your morning routine. Will you inhale them in your palms first thing when you wake up? Or will you create a steamy, aromatic shower?
3. Start using the oils in your routine and notice how you feel. 
4. Expand from there with building oils into your daily rhythm. 

Do you currently use essential oils in your morning routine? If so, which ones are your faves? If not, which oils are you most excited to try? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

Sources:

1. National Sleep Foundation. (2019). The Connection Between Hydration and Sleep. Retrieved from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/connection-between-hydration-and-sleep
2. Aggarwal, Bharat, et al. (2013). Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer by Natural Agents From Mother Nature. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693477/
3. Singh, D., et al. (1984). Cedarwood oil as a potential insecticidal agent against mosquitoes. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00441340?LI=true
4. Raja, A.F., et al. (2011). AKBA; Targeting oral cavity pathogens. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21992439/ 
5. Jimbo, D., et al. (2009). Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20377818
6. Tsai, Mei-Lin, et al. (2013). Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Essential Oils of Two Mint Species. Retrieved from: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjpr/article/viewFile/93279/82692
7. Becker, Shannon. Essential Oils to Prevent the Spread of Flu. Retrieved from: https://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oils-flu/ 
8.  Stansbury, Jill, et al. (2012).  Supporting Adrenal Function with Adaptogenic Herbs. Journal of Restorative Medicine. Retrieved from: https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/supporting-adrenal-function-with-adaptogenic-herbs/