How to Activate Essential Oil: Reticular Stimulate Systems

The Reticular Activating System is the control center for the parts of the brain that allow people to focus and learn. It is a network of neurons and neural fibers that makes the necessary connections for people to process and remember information. When the system overstimulates neurons, a person feels restless and distracted. When the system understimulates neurons, a person feels bored and confused. Doctors often prescribe Ritalin to control stimulation of the system, but natural remedies like essential oils offer holistic treatment of overstimulation and understimulation. Essential oils are derived from plants and provide psychological and physical benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen
• Essential oils

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Create a chart with three vertical columns. In the first column list the seven days of the week for two weeks in proper order with rows for morning, afternoon, and evening for each day.

• 2

  Create two columns adjacent to the first. Title the first column "overstimulation" and list the following sensations above the column: restless, hyperactive, overly talkative, short attention span. Title the second column "understimulation" and list the following experiences above the second column: difficulty understanding, memory trouble, lack of self-control, confusion.

• 3

  Observe your behavior and emotions over the course of two weeks. Place a check mark in the second or third column next to the time of day, if you feel any of the emotions listed in the column titles.

• 4

  Count the check marks at the end of two weeks to determine if your Reticular Activating System is overstimulated, understimulated or both at different times of the day.

• 5

  Apply one of the following essential oils to your temples, sides of your neck and wrists when you most frequently experienced understimulation. Choose basil, cajeput, cardamom, cinnamon, citronella, coriander, fennel, ginger, jasmine, lemongrass, nutmeg, patchouli or peppermint.

• 6

  Perform step 5 with one of the following essential oils to treat overstimulation: bergamot, carrot seed, cedarwood atlas, German or Roman chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, linden blossom, neroli or rose. Alternate oils if your state of mind varies throughout the day.