SHOW YOUR WORK: RESEARCH & REFERENCES
The Science of the Brain Wave Collection
In school, we were often asked to “show our work.” This page is my way of doing just that — offering a clear look at the research and reasoning behind the Brain Wave Collection.
What we know is encouraging: specific essential oils have been shown to influence memory, attention, mood, and sleep, with measurable effects on the nervous system. This evidence provides a strong foundation for using scent to shape how we feel and function. Read the research → The science connecting essential oils directly to brain wave activity is still emerging. There are gaps I hope will one day be filled, and one of my long-term goals is to contribute to that research myself.
GAMMA was the most challenging to anchor, since gamma waves are fleeting and difficult to study. For this blend, I focused on oils with strong support for cognition and alertness, creating a formula that evokes the essence of gamma rather than claiming to hold it steady. The other states — BETA, ALPHA, THETA, and DELTA — align more directly with existing evidence, and together they create a system designed to support how we function and feel throughout the day.
I hope you enjoy this peek behind the curtain.
Best, Maranda
GAMMA — Focus and Insight
The Science Gap on Gamma
At present, there is no meaningful published research showing that any essential oil reliably increases gamma brain wave activity in humans. Gamma is the fastest and rarest brain rhythm, usually appearing in brief bursts during moments of insight, learning, and complex problem-solving. Humans do not sustain it for long stretches, which also makes it more difficult to study. A few essential oils, such as sandalwood, have shown small EEG shifts into the gamma band, but these findings are exceptions and not a consistent evidence base.
Why Rosemary, Lemon, and Palo Santo
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Rosemary has one of the strongest research profiles for cognition. In one study, blood levels of its primary compound 1,8-cineole correlated positively with memory performance and mood.
📄 Moss et al., 2012 – PubMed 23983963 -
Lemon, a limonene-rich citrus oil, has been shown on EEG to reduce alpha activity (idling) and increase beta activity (alertness), while also improving mood and attention.
📄 Chandharakool et al., 2020 – MDPI Molecules - Palo Santo contains many of the same terpenes found in citrus oils, especially limonene. While direct EEG evidence is lacking, it provides a resinous depth that complements rosemary and lemon, keeping the blend focused and clear.
Our Approach
While there is not yet hard science linking specific oils to gamma, the GAMMA blend is designed to support the functions associated with gamma bursts: alertness, focus, and mental clarity. Rosemary and lemon were chosen for their well-documented cognitive and attentional benefits. Palo Santo provides balance and depth, complementing these sharper notes. Together, they create a blend that supports the conditions for insight and peak focus.
BETA — Energized, Clear Focus
The Science on Beta
Beta brain waves (13–30 Hz) are the frequencies of active concentration, problem-solving, and sustained focus. Unlike gamma, beta rhythms are easier to measure and have been studied more widely. EEG and psychophysiological research shows that certain essential oils can stimulate arousal, while others can temper stress so that attention remains steady rather than anxious.
Why Peppermint, Ginger, and Bergamot
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Peppermint has been shown to increase alertness and memory performance, with EEG changes consistent with stimulation.
📄 Moss et al., 2008 – PubMed 18041606
📄 Lin et al., 2022 – PMC Article -
Ginger reduces fatigue and supports physiological activation, improving autonomic balance and energy levels.
📄 Williams et al., 2022 – PubMed 35788739 -
Bergamot reduces cortisol and supports parasympathetic balance, calming stress so focus remains clear.
📄 Watanabe et al., 2015 – PubMed 25824404
📄 Pasyar et al., 2020 – PubMed 32379683
Our Approach
BETA is about clarity with energy. Peppermint brings a sharp, stimulating edge that wakes up the senses. Ginger supports vitality and sustained engagement. Bergamot tempers stimulation with calm, ensuring that the energy remains steady rather than anxious. Together, they create a profile that supports the Beta state: awake, focused, and ready to take on challenges.
ALPHA — Calm and Creative Flow
The Science on Alpha
Alpha brain waves (8–12 Hz) are linked to calm alertness, creativity, and flow. They often appear when the body is relaxed but the mind is gently engaged. Research shows that wood oils can reduce prefrontal brain activity, citrus oils can modulate EEG power in a dose-dependent way, and certain botanicals can enhance parasympathetic tone.
Why Hinoki, Juniper Berry, and Grapefruit
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Hinoki inhalation reduced prefrontal cortex activity and increased parasympathetic nervous system activity, consistent with relaxed alertness.
📄 Ikei et al., 2015 – Journal of Physiological Anthropology -
Juniper Berry inhalation was associated with decreases in blood pressure and increases in high-frequency heart rate variability, markers of parasympathetic balance.
📄 BSLOnline – doi:10.15616/BSL.2017.23.3.286 -
Citrus (grapefruit/tangerine, limonene-rich) has been shown in EEG studies to modulate brain activity. Undiluted exposure increased beta (alertness), while lighter exposures promoted more theta/alpha activity (calm engagement).
📄 Supaya et al., 2020 – PubMed 33096890
Our Approach
Alpha is the state of calm creativity. Hinoki provides grounding and physiological relaxation. Juniper berry eases stress and steadies the nervous system. A light touch of citrus adds brightness and gentle engagement, preventing the calm of Alpha from tipping into drowsiness. Together, they support Alpha: relaxed, open, and creatively engaged.
THETA — Deep Relaxation and Imagination
The Science on Theta
Theta brain waves (4–7 Hz) are associated with deep relaxation, meditation, and the transition into sleep. They also support visualization and access to subconscious material. Research shows that certain essential oils can calm the nervous system, lower cortisol, and shift the body toward parasympathetic balance — all conditions aligned with the Theta state.
Why Cedarwood, Clary Sage, and Rose
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Cedarwood (cedrol): Inhalation of cedrol significantly decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate in humans, indicating physiological relaxation.
📄 Dayawansa et al., 2003 – PubMed 14614968 -
Clary Sage: In menopausal women, clary sage oil inhalation reduced cortisol levels and increased serotonin, markers of reduced stress and enhanced calm.
📄 Choi et al., 2014 – PubMed 24802524 -
Rose (Rosa damascena): Inhalation significantly lowered systolic blood pressure and breathing rate, and reduced autonomic arousal in healthy volunteers.
📄 Hongratanaworakit, 2009 – PubMed 19370942
Our Approach
Theta is about deep relaxation and openness. Cedarwood helps quiet the nervous system and slow the body. Clary sage lowers stress hormones and supports emotional ease. Rose adds a softening effect that calms both body and mind. Together, these oils support Theta: calm, expansive, and dreamlike.
DELTA — Rest and Restoration
The Science on Delta
Delta brain waves (0.5–4 Hz) are the deepest and slowest, present during restorative, dreamless sleep. This is when the body repairs tissues, the brain clears waste, and the endocrine system restores balance. Essential oils that improve sleep quality, promote non-REM sleep, or show sedative and calming effects can support the conditions for delta rhythms.
Why Lavender, Sandalwood, and Frankincense
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Lavender: In human sleep studies, inhalation improves sleep quality and increases slow-wave (delta) activity.
📄 Ko et al., 2021 – Scientific Reports -
Sandalwood (santalol): In animal research, inhaled santalol decreases waking time and increases non-REM sleep in rats, suggesting sedative potential.
📄 Ohmori et al., 2007 – PubMed 17879595 -
Frankincense (incensole acetate): In mice, incensole acetate activates TRPV3 ion channels, producing calm/anxiety-reducing effects. This supports a mood-regulation component relevant to restorative sleep.
📄 Moussaieff et al., 2008 – PubMed 18492727
Our Approach
Delta is the state of profound rest and healing. Lavender anchors the blend with strong evidence for enhancing deep sleep in humans. Sandalwood contributes a grounding, sedative depth supported by preclinical research. Frankincense offers calming and anxiety-reducing effects, helping the body move toward deep restoration. Together, these oils support the Delta brain wave state: renewal, repair, and profound rest.
Closing
Taken together, these findings show that while research on essential oils and brain wave activity is still emerging, there is credible evidence that specific oils can influence memory, attention, mood, relaxation, and sleep. Each blend in the Brain Wave Collection was designed with these effects in mind, aligning what is known with the states we aim to support — from focus and clarity to deep rest and restoration. The result is a system of scents that brings together evidence-based function and daily experience, offering practical tools for shaping how we feel and function.