Results Show That Children Who Inhaled This Essential Oil for 30 Days Improved Their ADHD Significantly

Aug 24, 2018

An estimated 11 percent of American children have been officially diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This disorder includes symptoms like impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity. Because of these symptoms, the child may have problems in their relationships, daily life or learning. 

Behavior therapy is the first step in treatment, but young children are being treated with medication instead. Half of preschoolers with ADHD were given medication. One out of four preschoolers were treated with only medication. For parents, this is a dismal prospect. Instead of treating children with behavior therapy, many doctors are prescribing drugs unnecessarily. This is especially true when the disorder is misdiagnosed. 

When children take these powerful drugs, they may suffer from side effects like seizures, loss of appetite, increased heart rate and sleep problems. Thankfully, essential oils are now showing promising results in alleviating ADHD. 

Essential oils are basically a concentrated form of plants. Long ago, they were believed to be the spirit of the plant. They are typically made from evaporation, cold pressing, expression or distillation. These essential oils are now being used for conditions like ADHD with surprising results. 

Dr. Terry S. Friedmann actually conducted studies on ADHD and essential oils. He found success with a type of Indian grass known as vetiver. For 30 days, he had children inhale vetiver oil three times a day. By the end of the study, the children were performing better in school and had better brainwave patterns. When cedarwood oil was used instead, 80 percent of the children had improved ADHD symptoms. 

Cedarwood oil is high in sesquiterpenes. This chemical is believed to boost oxygenation within the brain cells. Meanwhile, vetiver is renowned for quieting the nerves and balancing the nervous system. At the same time, it also stimulates the circulatory system. Inhaling the droplets sends the active ingredients to the limbic system of the brain and to the circulatory system. Through this mechanism, the essential oils improve brain activity and beta-theta ratios.

Parents noticed the improvement in their child's behavior. Educators even talked to parents about how the children were performing better in school. By the end of the study, the children's report cards showed improvement as well. 

Another study backs up these results. The Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology looked at how vetiver essential oil worked on the brain. In the study, researchers found that it boosted alertness in animals. In humans, researchers found that it stimulated the sympathetic nervous system and boosted reaction times. The stimulating effects are believed to boost learning and memory. 

If you do not have any cedarwood or vetiver oil at home, you do not have to worry. Other essential oils have been found to improve ADHD as well. Rosemary essential oil boosts mental speed, accuracy and cognitive performance. Lavender essential oil is known for its sedative properties. When given to people with ADHD, it was found to improve sleep. Meanwhile, peppermint oil can help boost alertness. Parents have additional options as well.

Frankincense is useful for causing feelings of calm and mental peace. Ylang ylang is also known for its relaxing properties. While lemon can improve the mood and treat emotional outbursts, bergamot reduces anxiety and stress. Eucalyptus oil is thought to reduce mental exhaustion while boosting blood flow to the brain. 

Around the world, parents are now sharing their stories about essential oils and ADHD. One Florida mom, Tina Sweet, noticed a remarkable improvement in her son's ADHD. Before, he could not stay in his seat or focus on a single task. She gave him essential oils in the morning and an essential oil bracelet to wear. Now, he has cut back on his ADHD medicine and is a calm child.  

If you want to try out essential oils for ADHD, there are a few ways you can do so at home. One of the easiest methods is to put three or four drops of the oil into a diffuser. You can also have the child inhale the scent from the bottle for two to three deep breaths. Repeat this process three times a day. An alternative option is steam inhalation. Add three to seven drops to boiling water. Then, place a towel over the child's head. Have them breathe the steam through their nose with their eyes closed.

Essential oils can be applied topically to the skin, but test the skin first to make sure that it does not cause irritation. By mixing the essential oil with a carrier oil, you can easily use the mixture without worrying about skin irritation. 

For a comprehensive treatment for ADHD, try using other natural approaches. Excess sugar stimulates insulin release and can lead to hypoglycemia symptoms like anxiety, agitation and panic attacks.

Reduce the sugar intake in your child's diet to prevent this symptom. You can also try eliminating gluten to see if it helps. Some studies indicate that neurological issues may be connected to a gluten sensitivity, so it is important to rule out this potential cause. 

Work to create a diet that is good for gut health because gut health is linked to mental wellness. Researchers have also found that children with an omega-3 deficiency are more likely to have ADHD. Try using animal-sourced omega-3 in your child's diet. Meanwhile, work to avoid food additives and GMO ingredients. You should also make sure that your child is not deficient in key nutrients like zing, vitamin B6 and magnesium.

Play time and exercise can help improve ADHD symptoms, so make sure that your child has plenty of time to burn off excess energy. Increase the amount of time your child spends outdoors. You can also reduce ADHD symptoms by limiting their exposure to pesticides, monosodium glutamate, artificial sweeteners and chemical detergents. 

Were these tips effective in treating your child's ADHD? Let us know! 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!