Essential oils are concentrated oils extracted from roots, stems, flowers, and leaves of plants. Each essential oil has properties that are beneficial to the body in one way or the other. While some essential oils are best to apply topically and help heal wounds and burns, others focus on your emotional well-being. These oils help in relieving stress, anxiety and in improving focus. This post will explore some of the best essential oils for ADHD in children.
Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety | Stress & Anxiety Relief
Effects of ADHD in Children
ADHD in children is a mental health condition that causes affected kids to be hyperactive and act hastily. Children with ADHD usually have a hard time concentrating and may become easily distracted. This can be a challenge when you need to get things done or when the kids are in school.
The condition causes anxiety in children, often making it difficult to calm them down. Doctors advise incorporating behavioral therapy in the daily activities of affected children to help them concentrate and be calm. However, combining behavioral therapy and aromatherapy may lead to a significant improvement in the condition. This is because essential oils have been shown to help combat anxiety, hyperactivity, and loss of concentration.
So, which essential oils work great in children with ADHD?
Essential Oils for ADHD in Children
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has been used for centuries for its calming and soothing properties. The scent from lavender oil can help reduce anxiety in children and make them calm. It is a good oil to help kids relax after a stressful day. The calming effect induces sleep giving your child a peaceful night.
This study showed that inhaling lavender oil can elevate mood and reduce anxiety. Therefore, lavender may be well worth the try in helping a child with ADHD.
2. Ylang-ylang oil
Ylang-ylang oil has a sweet floral fragrance. The oil has antiseptic and anti-depressant properties and will help your child feel calm. The sweet scent combats anxiety and stress by reducing the tension in the brain. It will give your child a relaxed feeling and promote better sleep. This healing oil will also elevate your child’s mood and keep them feeling positive.
Best Essential Oils for Energy and Focus
3. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is tasty in tea and gives you that soothing, calm feeling. The calming properties of chamomile are excellent for children as it makes them aware of their environment while giving them that feeling of peace. Chamomile oil provides a soothing effect to your child and relieves any stress that may worsen their anxiety. Anxiety in children with ADHD can make them really irritable, which may be quite difficult to control. If your child has ADHD, try chamomile oil to help them relax and reduce anxiety. Chamomile is generally considered safe for children. According to healthline, a combination of chamomile and ylang-ylang oils may be effective for ADHD.
4. Peppermint Essential oils for ADHD
This oil has a distinct cool, fresh scent that can arouse your senses as it’s sharp and strong. Peppermint oil can help your child stay focused and alert on their daily activities. One of the main challenges of ADHD in children is that it’s hard to keep kids focused on one thing for long. This makes things difficult for parents and teachers, and may also cause anxiety in such kids. The use of peppermint oil will improve attention and alertness.
5. Vetiver Oil
Vetiver oil has calming and relaxing properties that may help to reduce symptoms of ADHD. Vetiver has also been said to possess sedating properties that may help you fall asleep faster. This oil improves concentration and reduces anxiety and impatience. It is calming to the body and has an earthy scent that helps your child stay grounded.
A study conducted in 2001 showed that vetiver oil might benefit children with ADHD from its calming properties.
6. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is another one that improves alertness, attention, and focus according to this study. Inhaling rosemary oil has been shown to improve memory, too.
How to Use Essential Oils for ADHD
Essential oils should be properly diluted first before use as they can cause a reaction, especially in children.
- For topical application, mix essential oils with carrier oils before use
- A faster, easier, and safer way is to use the oils in a diffuser and let your child inhale the mist as it calms them down
- Another way is to put a few drops of the essential oil on a handkerchief, tissue, or scarf and let them inhale the scent
- Put 5 drops of the essential oil in your child’s bathwater and let your child enjoy a relaxing and calming bath
Conclusion
While behavioral therapy is great for ADHD treatment, essential oils will enhance the effects of therapy and may also be effective when used alone. However, before using essential oils, speak to your doctor or a certified aromatherapist.
References
Lehrner, J., Marwinski, G., Lehr, S., Johren, P., & Deecke, L. (2005). Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. Physiology & behavior, 86(1-2), 92–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2005.06.031
Moss, M., & Oliver, L. (2012). Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma. Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology, 2(3), 103–113. https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125312436573
