Many people use essential oils for reducing fatigue, as they can work quickly and effectively, without causing many unwanted side effects. Fatigue can come in many forms – from slight tiredness in the afternoon following a meal to chronic exhaustion from a lack of sleep, illness, or injury. Temporary fatigue typically has a number of logical explanations, and can be remedied by improved diet, better sleep patterns, reduction in alcohol or substance use, and general awareness of your body’s signals. Chronic fatigue and exhaustion, however, may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, stress, obesity, depression emphysema or sleep apnea.

While there are many pharmaceutical approaches to treat fatigue and chronic exhaustion, many people turn to more natural remedies, due to their availability and ease of use. Using essential oils for reducing fatigue is a popular choice due to various oils’ energizing, stimulant, antioxidant, sedative or soothing properties.

List of Essential Oils for Reducing Fatigue

When it comes to the use of essential oils for reducing fatigue, few oils are more effective than rosemary, peppermint, lemon, black spruce, basil, geranium, eucalyptus, lavender and bergamot, among others. Some of these oils help overcome tiredness, while others ensure more restful sleep, which can eliminate fatigue over the longer term.

Bergamot Oil

As one of the most stimulating oils available on the market, bergamot is commonly turned to by people suffering from fatigue and exhaustion, as well as anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. It can not only re-balance your Circadian rhythms and boost your energy, but also uplift mood and stimulate the production of key neurotransmitters.

How to Use – This oil can be diffused throughout the night to ensure restful sleep, but also inhaled directly for a rapid, energetic burst when you start to feel drowsy during the day.

Rosemary Oil

The direct impact of rosemary oil on the central nervous system is why it is one of the best essential oils for reducing fatigue. It can stimulate energy production and invigorate cognitive function, improving concentrate, memory and focus, which often suffer when you are feeling tired.

How to Use – Never use this oil in the evening, as its effects can often last for 4-5 hours. Steam inhalation is a popular form for using this oil, or you can diffuse it throughout the room for an energy boost that lasts all day!

Eucalyptus Oil

Increasing vitality and boosting mood is essential if you want to overcome fatigue, and eucalyptus oil can do just that. By promoting a healthy body through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, this oil is able to counter negative feelings and improve blood flow, which will provide more energy to the organ systems and muscles.

How to Use – This oil can be diffused throughout and entire home or room, or it can be added to a warm bath. The aromatic compounds are almost as effective as the topical application, leaving you feel energized and alert.

Peppermint Oil

As mentioned above, fatigue can affect both the physical and psychological functioning of our body, and when your mind is tired, few things are more effective than peppermint oil. This stimulant oil can boost cognitive alertness and increase memory capacity, leaving you feeling awake and ready to face whatever challenges the day brings!

How to Use – You can mix peppermint oil with another carrier oil and rub it directly on your chest or neck for a rapid energetic boost, or add some drops of this oil to a morning bath for an invigorated morning and proper energy levels throughout the day.

Basil Oil

This mental stimulant can clear away the clouds of fatigue and exhaustion, while also stimulating circulation in the body, which can increase overall energy levels in the extremities and muscle systems. 

How to Use – Mix 10 drops of basil oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil and apply this topically to your chest, neck and wrists, as this will help to stimulate the body’s blood flow and improve energy levels.

A Word of Warning

Many people turn to essential oils for reducing fatigue, but there are some health concerns that potential users should be aware of. Therefore, depending on your pre-existing conditions or other medications, you may experience unwanted reactions when using some of these oils. Speaking with your doctor about your specific case is important before using essential oils. Furthermore, chronic fatigue syndrome can have long-lasting impacts on your health, so if your at-home treatment of fatigue is ineffective, seek formal medical treatment and re-balance your energy levels!