A 2016 CDC estimation says 6.1 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD.
In fact, recent statistics show American adult ADHD diagnoses are growing at a rate that is four times faster than with American children.
Besides the disturbing burgeoning cases, another huge concern is the potential toxicity of many conventional ADHD treatment options which could endanger the users’ health.
This partly explains the increasing search for a more natural and effective alternative to managing ADHD symptoms.
Lately, we’ve received lots of inquiries lately from buyers of MOXĒ Essential Oil blends, about using essential oils for ADHD. This article answers some common questions, including:
- What is ADHD?
- What’s the link between essential oils and ADHD?
- DO essential oil for ADHD actually work?
- What are the best essential oils for ADHD?
- What are the typical pharmaceutical prescriptions for ADHD?
- How can I use essential oils for ADHD?
Let's quickly discuss...
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a mental disorder which manifests as:
- Hyperactivity
- Forgetfulness
- Not weighing actions and their likely consequences
- Poor social interactions
- Inability to sustain attention
- Impulsive behavior
Patients usually struggle to stay focused on tasks and lack organizational skills. Victims find it difficult to remember instructions and do as instructed.
The result is usually nose-diving grades at school, low performance at work, and generally poor social skills.
ADHD usually comes with chronic symptoms which could linger extensively. These symptoms account for the reduced daily functionality, poor learning skills, as well as generally low social habits and inability to sustain relationships.
Understanding Essential Oils for ADHD
Essential oils are plant extracts further distilled to obtain a highly concentrated product. These extracts are sourced from the leaves, roots, and stems of certain plants.
Essential oils are home to several properties with emotional, psychological, and physical healing effects.
Using essential oils for ADHD is no rocket science. The good thing is you can administer the oils in different ways.
Ideally, these oils are diluted and applied to the skin through massage or diffused for their aromatherapeutic effects.
If you seek a portable inhaler for aromatherapy even while on-the-go, consider MOXE frost nasal essential oil blend. - made up of peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, camphor, and wintergreen.
For topical (skin) applications, ensure you mix your essential oil with carrier oils – vegetable oil and sweet almond oils are two common oils suitable for this intent.
Read up our "Complete Guide on How To Make Your Own Essential Oil Lotion" for a safe topical formulation.
Do Essential Oils Work for ADHD?
Studies around essential oils for ADHD are limited, but the anecdotal testimonies are convincing and complement the few evidence found so far.
Essentially, these oils are said to be more effective when used in collaboration with behavioral therapy.
The best essential oils for ADHD mentioned in this guide are all commonly famed for their relaxing and calming effects, which helps ADHD patients manage certain behavioral symptoms.
Researchers examined the benefits of essential oil for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and they revealed that the scent of specific plant oils binds with the central nervous system or the endocrine system to modify behavior.
This is possible as the oil properties travel through the nose mucus linings into your bloodstream.
That said, researchers have called for further studies to establish evidence about the true workings of essential oils for ADHD.
Best Essential Oils for ADHD
Let’s quickly go over five of the best essential oils that can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is an extract of leaves and flowers of the peppermint plant. This oil delivers a fresh clean smell with a soothing effect, which accounts for the calmness and relaxation users experience.
Peppermint oil can help manage certain ADHD symptoms like restlessness.
However, this oil may require extra dilution -- more than you would for other oils, particularly for persons with sensitive skins.
Lavender
Among the mentions, here comes [arguably] the most popular essential oil. Lavender is mainly praised for its anti-anxiety deliveries.
Lavender’s charming scent can influence mood and emotions.
When considering the best essential oils for ADHD, lavender takes top spot, for its pleasing aroma which helps calm the nerves, reduce anxiety and, in turn, alleviate other associated symptoms.
Vetiver
Vetiver essential oil is sourced from vetiver, a plant of Indian origin. The plant is thought to contain properties that deliver relaxing and calming effects.
Vetiver also encourages blood circulation, and, in turn, promotes anxiety and stress relief.
In a 2015 animal-based research, lab rats were subjected to vetiver essential oil inhalation to examine the oils relaxation effects. The research authors reported its anti-anxiety potential which surprisingly compares to the common pharmaceutical drug, diazepam.
While there are limited studies as to vetiver oil’s particular benefit for managing ADHD, anecdotal reports and superficial studies commend its ability to relieve anxiety, restlessness, and other ADHD symptoms.
Indeed, vetiver is worth a place among the best essential oils for ADHD primarily for its relaxing effect and its ability to relieve anxiety and stress symptoms.
Frankincense
Sourced from the Boswellia tree, the sweet-smelling musky scent of frankincense oil may deliver magical effects in improving focus and relaxation.
The same properties may help curb the negative emotions commonly reported by ADHD patients.
For focus, relaxation, and calm, frankincense oil works great.
Sandalwood
This oil is obtained from the roots and wood of the East Indian sandalwood plant.
Some studies reveal the therapeutic potentials of sandalwood, including anti-inflammatory properties.
However, sandalwood essential oils have also been popularized as a tool to promote calm, relaxation, and mental improvement in ADHD patients.
Pharmaceutical Medications for ADHD
Note that essential oils may be used as a supportive treatment for ADHD. In severe ADHD cases, you should discuss more holistic treatment alternatives with your doctor.
Conventional stimulants are standard prescriptions for ADHD. Such commonly used stimulants include:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Dexedrine
- Vyvanse
- Concerta
These prescriptions have different effects on the brain, which accounts for the calmness victims feel.
Strattera is a standard non-stimulant recommendation for ADHD.
Sadly these drugs are commonly associated with a range of adverse reactions, including:
- Sleeping problems
- Stunted growth
- Moodiness and irritability
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach aches and headaches
...To mention only a few
For these, natural options like MOXE essential oil blends are thoughtful alternatives.
Manage ADHD Symptoms With These Non-toxic Tips
Some lifestyle tweaks can help ADHD patients become healthier. For instance, exercise like yoga can clear out the mind and boost focus
According to the center for diseases control and prevention (CDC), some effective lifestyle remedies for ADHD symptoms include:
- Adequate sleep
- Healthy eating with a balanced diet
- Regular Exercise
- Cutting down on screen time
- Others to consider include:
- Meditation
- Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Spending some good hours outdoors.
- Consuming minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc - if diagnosed of deficiency; otherwise, it may cause even more health concerns
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Neurofeedback
- Massage - well, essential oils does the trickI
It's generally best practice to discuss with your healthcare provider for before making changes.
How to Use Essential Oils for ADHD
Carefulness is advised when using essential oils for ADHD, due to their highly concentrated nature.
You may discuss with a physician for advice, including potential interactions with your regular medications.
That said, there are two common ways to apply essential oils:
- Inhalation for aromatherapy – this is usually made possible by essential oil-infused diffusers or an aromatherapy nasal inhaler.
- Topical applications – for skin health benefits
Applying highly concentrated essential oil directly may cause some regretful reactions on your skin.
Consider running a skin patch allergy test. Apply the diluted essential oil mix to a spot on your skin and watch the effect for many hours.
If you feel any burning sensation, redness, or related allergic reaction(s), discontinue usage.
Takeaway
There you go - the best essential oils for ADHD.
The top 5 essential oils for ADHD are Peppermint oil, Lavender oil, Vetiver oil, Frankincense oil and Sandalwood oil.
While pharmaceutical prescriptions have shown great relief for ADHD, research has unveiled a list of health risks associated with these conventional drugs.
For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, kindly discuss your intention of using essential oils with a healthcare provider.
Remember while essential oils may do as much as the reviews say, you may get disappointed with any of the substandard products flooding the essential oil market.
Check out MOXĒ for your premium-grade essential oils, oil-infused diffusers, and inhalers because aromatherapy is more than just a good smell. It’s the gateway to improving your mind, body, and soul.