Researchers tested whether inhaling phlai essential oil—made from a traditional Asian plant—could boost brain function in healthy adults. In a carefully controlled study, 40 men either inhaled phlai oil or olive oil for 15 minutes, then took memory and thinking tests. The group that inhaled phlai oil showed bigger improvements in working memory and decision-making skills compared to the olive oil group. While both oils seemed to help a little, phlai appeared to have a stronger effect. This suggests phlai could become a natural ingredient in foods or supplements designed to support brain health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether breathing in phlai essential oil (made from a ginger-like plant) could improve memory, thinking speed, and brain function compared to olive oil
  • Who participated: 40 healthy adult men with no known brain or health problems. Half inhaled phlai oil and half inhaled olive oil.
  • Key finding: People who inhaled phlai oil showed noticeably better working memory (the ability to hold and use information temporarily) and executive function (decision-making and planning skills) compared to those who inhaled olive oil. Both groups improved slightly, but phlai did better.
  • What it means for you: Phlai oil inhalation may offer a natural way to temporarily boost certain thinking skills. However, this was a single dose in a lab setting, so real-world benefits need more testing. Don’t expect dramatic changes—the improvements were measurable but modest.

The Research Details

This was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest ways to test if something actually works. Double-blind means neither the researchers nor the participants knew who was getting phlai oil versus olive oil, preventing bias. The 40 healthy men were randomly split into two groups of 20. One group inhaled phlai-containing essential oil for 15 minutes, while the other group inhaled olive oil (the comparison group). Before and after the inhalation, all participants took four different brain tests to measure memory, thinking speed, and overall cognitive function.

The researchers chose olive oil as the comparison because it’s a neutral substance that wouldn’t be expected to boost brain function significantly. This allowed them to see if phlai oil did something special beyond just the act of inhaling something pleasant. The study was designed to test the immediate, short-term effects of a single dose of phlai oil.

Using a randomized, double-blind design is important because it removes guessing and personal bias from the results. If people knew they were getting a ‘special’ oil, they might think they’re smarter even if the oil didn’t actually help. By keeping everyone in the dark and randomly assigning groups, the researchers could be confident that any differences were due to the oil itself, not expectations or luck.

Strengths: The study used a proper control group (olive oil), was double-blind, and tested multiple aspects of brain function with established tests. The sample size of 40 is reasonable for this type of study. Limitations: Only men participated, so results may not apply equally to women. The study only tested one dose for one time, so we don’t know about long-term effects or whether repeated use works better. The study was relatively small, so findings need confirmation in larger groups.

What the Results Show

Both groups showed some improvement in brain function after inhalation, which was somewhat surprising since olive oil isn’t typically known for brain benefits. However, the phlai oil group showed significantly larger improvements in two key areas: working memory and executive function.

Working memory is your brain’s ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information—like remembering a phone number while dialing it. Executive function includes skills like planning, decision-making, and organizing thoughts. These are important for daily tasks like solving problems and managing time.

The phlai group’s improvements were noticeably larger than the olive oil group’s improvements on these measures. The researchers also measured overall thinking ability, short-term memory, and verbal fluency (how quickly you can think of words), and phlai showed benefits in these areas too, though the differences weren’t always as dramatic.

Interestingly, both groups improved on most cognitive measures, suggesting that simply inhaling any pleasant-smelling oil for 15 minutes might provide a small cognitive boost—possibly through relaxation or increased alertness. However, phlai consistently outperformed olive oil across different brain function measures. The researchers noted that phlai’s traditional use for reducing inflammation might explain some of its brain benefits, since inflammation is linked to cognitive decline.

This study builds on traditional knowledge about phlai being used in Asian medicine for health benefits. Previous research on similar plants and essential oils has shown mixed results for brain function, so this study adds useful evidence that phlai specifically may have real cognitive effects. The findings align with growing interest in plant-based approaches to brain health and support the idea that natural compounds deserve scientific investigation.

The study only included healthy men, so we don’t know if women or people with existing health conditions would see the same benefits. It tested only one dose given one time, so we can’t say whether repeated use would be better, worse, or the same. The improvements were measured immediately after inhalation, so we don’t know how long the effects last. The study was relatively small (40 people), so larger studies are needed to confirm the findings. Finally, we don’t know which specific compounds in phlai oil are responsible for the benefits.

The Bottom Line

Based on this single study, phlai oil inhalation may offer a modest, temporary boost to working memory and decision-making in healthy adults. However, confidence in this recommendation is moderate because the study is small and needs replication. This should not replace established brain-health practices like sleep, exercise, and healthy eating. If you’re interested in trying phlai oil, ensure it’s from a reputable source and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.

Healthy adults interested in natural cognitive support might find this interesting. People looking for sustainable, plant-based alternatives to synthetic supplements may want to follow future research. However, people with respiratory conditions, allergies to ginger-family plants, or those taking medications should consult a doctor first. This research doesn’t apply to children, pregnant women, or people with cognitive disorders without further study.

The cognitive improvements in this study appeared within 15 minutes of inhalation and were measured immediately after. It’s unclear how long these effects last—they could fade within minutes or hours. Long-term benefits from regular use are unknown and would require additional research.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily cognitive performance using simple metrics: rate your mental clarity (1-10 scale), count how many tasks you complete without distraction, or time how long you can focus on one activity. Compare these metrics on days you use phlai oil versus days you don’t.
  • If using phlai oil, establish a consistent routine: inhale for 15 minutes at the same time daily (such as before work or study sessions) and log your experience in the app. Note any changes in focus, memory, or decision-making ability.
  • Create a weekly summary comparing cognitive performance metrics across weeks. Track patterns to see if regular phlai oil use correlates with sustained improvements or if benefits plateau. Also monitor for any side effects or changes in how you feel.

This research describes preliminary findings from a single small study in healthy adults. The cognitive improvements observed were modest and measured in a controlled laboratory setting. These findings should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for professional medical consultation. Before using phlai oil or any essential oil, especially if you have respiratory conditions, allergies, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consult with a healthcare provider. Essential oils should never be ingested without professional guidance. Individual results may vary, and more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish safe, effective dosing for real-world use.