Registrations are finished and the start of the school year is now upon us and the stress linked to success is well established. Returning to school is fraught with stress from the fear of missing memory.

Improving memory requires a combination of good mental and physical health practices and a holistic approach and some specific strategies to optimize it. Improving memory requires continuous effort.

Firstly, we must tackle stress which has a detrimental effect on memory.

Essential oils containing linalool, limonene and/or citral are best allies for the control of stress impacting memory. Diffused essential oil of orange, lemon, lavender, mandarin, Indian verbena or neroli at night will have a strong impact on sleep and, in turn, on memory.

Then, we tackle the memory itself:

The corpus callosum allows the two cerebral hemispheres to share information, coordinate activities, and work together for various cognitive functions.

It facilitates communication between the two cerebral hemispheres, which is essential for information processing and memory consolidation.

Sensory information and memories are often processed differently in each cerebral hemisphere, then are integrated using the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum then allows this information to flow between the two hemispheres, which can help form a complete picture or coherent memory.

When the corpus callosum is damaged, or simply stressed by stress, it can lead to impaired communication between the brain hemispheres, which can impact the brain's ability to process and integrate information.

However, memory is a complex process that involves many other brain regions, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, which are more directly linked to the formation, storage and retrieval of memories. The best strategy is to tackle stress first.

But as specific, effective and recognized strategy, use aromatherapy.

Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) is often touted for its stimulating and invigorating properties, including those relating to memory and concentration.

Although the exact effects may vary from person to person, here are some of the active ingredients in rosemary that have been linked to memory benefits:

1,8-cineole (or eucalyptol): This is one of the major compounds in rosemary essential oil. It has been studied for its neuroprotective properties and its potential to improve cognition. 1,8-cineole may help increase focus and promote mental clarity.

Antioxidants: Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, such as rosmarinic acids and flavonoids, which may help protect brain cells from oxidative damage. This may contribute to better long-term brain health.

The smell of rosemary is often associated with mental stimulation and improved alertness. Inhaling rosemary essential oil can have an invigorating effect on the mind and help with concentration.

Rosemary is often associated with mental stimulation and memory improvement. A study published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology in 2012 showed that rosemary essential oil had a positive effect on cognition.

The active ingredients of peppermint essential oil are also known to increase mental acuity and concentration.

Those from hemlock essential oil also promote concentration.

Additionally, to significantly improve memory and cognition, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and mentally stimulating exercises.

These recommendations apply to broadcasters with blotting pads. However, for new diffusers, you can set the desired intensity according to need.

Wording for distribution during the study period:

10 drops - Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)

10 drops - Hemlock essential oil (Tsuga canadensis)

10 drops - Mandarin essential oil (Citrus reticulata)

1 drop - Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)

Anti-stress formulation for night diffusion:

5 drops - Orange essential oil (Citrus aurantium)

10 drops - Lemon essential oil (Citrus limonum)

10 drops - Neroli essential oil (Citrus aurantium)

To see the Double-ended diffuser: Click here

References :

Academy of Scientific Massage, Clinical and Scientific Aromatherapy Course, 2023