There are quite a few ways to increase dopamine naturally. One of them is through using essential oils. Learn how to increase dopamine with essential oils in this article.
What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter/hormone produced in the brain. A neurotransmitter is a chemical that is released by nerve cells to send signals to other nerve cells. Dopamine is also known as the ‘feel good’ hormone.
There are many roles of dopamine in the body, including regulating mood, behavior, sleep and cognitive function. Low levels of dopamine in the body affect important functions such as mood, sleep, memory, concentration and movement. Dopamine deficiency may also be associated with certain medical conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, psychosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Natural ways of increasing dopamine include:
- Eating foods that increase dopamine levels (Please Read: Top 10 Foods that Increase Serotonin and Dopamine Naturally)
- Workout regularly
- Get proper rest at night
- Using essential oils
- And more (Refer to: How to Increase Dopamine and Serotonin Naturally – 7 Ways)
In this article, we shall see how to increase dopamine with essential oils naturally:
How to Increase Dopamine with Essential Oils
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a multipurpose oil that is also known to promote relaxation and peace. Low dopamine levels cause problems like poor sleep, anxiety and fatigue. Inhaling the calming powdery & flowery scent of lavender oil every day assists in promoting better sleep and decreases anxiety.
Place a few drops of lavender oil on a hanky and keep it in your purse: inhale it whenever you feel anxiety kicking in. You can also diffuse 6 drops of lavender oil in your high-quality diffuser 15 minutes before bed.
2. Lemon Oil
The fun fruity scent of lemon oil actually boosts feel good hormones in the body. Research shows that lemon oil has powerful anti-depressant properties that helps beat the blues!
Take a whiff of lemon oil straight from the bottle to energize and awaken your senses. You can also diffuse it every day for 15 minutes.
3. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is also among the list of essential oils to increase dopamine. Its main active compound is carvacol, which has neuroprotective properties for a well-functioning brain. Carvacol has also been shown to increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the brain.
Pure organic and food grade wild oil of oregano can be ingested in small amounts for its medicinal properties. Oregano oil can also be diffused and inhaled through facial steaming.
4. Rose Oil
The romantic and sensual scent of rose oil actually has the ability to make you feel good. Studies like this one show that rose oil has strong anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects. It also prompts psychological relaxation and improves sexual dysfunction.
This luxurious essential oil can be administered through inhalation or used topically to increase doapmine production. Mix about 10-20 drops of rose oil in 1 cup of whole milk and add it to your warm bath before bed. You can also diffuse a few drops in a cod-air diffuser.
Another excellent way to enjoy this oil’s dopaminergic properties is by combining 10-15 drops with 10 ml of grapeseed oil and storing it in a 10 ml roll on bottle. Roll on your wrists, neck, collarbones and hair ends.
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is an invigorating and refreshing essential oil. It has a high menthol concentration which helps relieves high stress levels, agitation and dull moods. Inhaling the fresh minty scent of peppermint oil has an energizing effect on the mind.
Diffusing peppermint oil in a high-quality diffuser when you feel low, dull or unproductive can help invigorate your senses and boost dopamine levels.
You can also use peppermint oil topically, by mixing a few drops with a ‘carrier’ (since essential oils are potent and must be mixed with another substance before application) like coconut oil or shea butter and applying it to your temples, forehead and neck. This method helps reduce stress, tension headaches and promote peaceful sleep at night.
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