Although raising children with autism and ADHD can be challenging, essential oils have gained popularity because of their benefits for focus, sleep, vitamin absorption, and mental health. This article provides a thorough discussion of the top eleven essential oils for kids with autism and ADHD. 

History of Essential Oil Use

The use of essential oils has a long history that is strongly anchored in ancient cultures and traditional medicinal methods. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the long history of essential oil use:

  • Ancient Civilizations: Essential oils were employed by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. They were employed by the Egyptians in aesthetic procedures, embalming, and religious ceremonies. The Greeks and Romans respected essential oils for their health advantages and employed them in their medical practices.

  • Traditional Medicine: Essential oils have long been employed for their medicinal powers in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They recognized that plants with pleasant scents might improve your mood, emotions, and spirit.

  • Renaissance and Middle Ages: Essential oils were used extensively in medicine and healing during the Renaissance. People such as the Swiss physician Paracelsus believed they were beneficial to one’s health. They treated a variety of medical issues with oils.

  • Aromatherapy Emergence: Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, popularized it in the early 1900s. He found the therapeutic benefits of lavender oil while treating a burn and gave the method the name “aromatherapy.” Gattefossé’s research and publications paved the way for aromatherapy to be recognized as a holistic strategy.

  • Scientific Research and Modern Usage: In recent years, scientists have been learning more and more about essential oils. These natural oils have positive effects on health and well-being. They are used by people in a variety of contexts, including massage treatment and personal care items. They are also employed in complementary medicine techniques and aromatherapy diffusers.

Best Essential Oils for Children With ADHD and Autism

Peppermint Essential Oil

For kids with autism and ADHD, peppermint oil is a potent tool for improving focus and mental clarity.

Scientific research has shown that its stimulating scent might enhance cognitive function and lessen signs of hyperactivity. A study found that giving children with ADHD peppermint oil to inhale improved their alertness and cognitive performance, making it an effective concentration aid. The findings were published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Because of its renowned relaxing effects, ylang-ylang oil is a great option for helping youngsters with autism and ADHD control their emotions and promote relaxation.

This essential oil has a powerful ability to control emotions and successfully lower tension and anxiety levels. According to a study published in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, inhaling Ylang Ylang oil decreased blood pressure and enhances sensations of tranquility and relaxation.

Mandarin Essential Oil

The calming and tranquilizing effects of mandarin oil make it particularly beneficial for lowering restlessness and enhancing sleep quality in kids with autism and ADHD.

An investigation that was written up in the Journal of Natural Medicines found that inhaling mandarin essential oil improved sleep patterns by lengthening the time spent in deep sleep and reducing the time spent awake at night.

Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver oil is well known for its grounding and relaxing properties, making it an excellent choice for kids with autism or ADHD.

According to scientific evidence, vetiver oil improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity. According to research, breathing vetiver oil greatly improved brain wave patterns, helped children with ADHD focus, and decreased fidgeting.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

The calming and soothing scent of sandalwood oil has been demonstrated to benefit kids with ADHD and autism in several ways. It helps to foster relaxation, emotional stability, and focus.

In a study published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, researchers found that children with ADHD who used sandalwood oil reported feeling calmer and more stable emotionally.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot oil has a zesty, energizing fragrance that is especially helpful for kids with ADHD and autism. It has been discovered to reduce anxiety and encourage relaxation. According to studies, bergamot oil significantly lowers tension and elevates mood. 

According to research in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, children with autism who inhaled bergamot oil experienced much lower levels of anxiety.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is well-known for its relaxing effects and is frequently recommended for youngsters with autism and ADHD. Numerous studies have indicated that it can help with sleep problems, anxiety, and relaxation.

A study published in the Journal of Medical and Biological Science found that breathing lavender oil helped children with ADHD have improved sleep patterns and enhanced daytime focus.

Chamomile Essential Oil

For kids with autism and ADHD, chamomile oil is an excellent choice due to its well-known mild and calming qualities. It contributes to greater sleep, relaxation, and a decrease in irritation.

Intake of chamomile oil was connected to considerably reduced anxiety symptoms and enhanced sleep quality in kids with ADHD, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Children with autism and ADHD can benefit greatly from cedarwood oil because of its comforting and woodsy aroma. It is thought to aid in promoting relaxation, relaxing emotions, and aiding in focus. 

Inhaling cedarwood oil helped kids with ADHD improve their focus and lessen their symptoms of hyperactivity, according to a Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine paper.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Given its long history of fostering emotional harmony and relaxation, frankincense oil is a crucial essential oil for kids with autism and ADHD. Its therapeutic benefits help with concentration, relieve tension and improve general well-being.

Frankincense oil has been found in studies to have a good effect on children’s emotional and behavioral problems. According to research in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, children with autism who inhaled Frankincense oil experienced less anxiety and depression.

Copaiba Essential Oil

Copaiba oil is well known for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can be quite helpful for kids with ADHD and autism. It has demonstrated potential in lowering agitation, encouraging relaxation, and easing anxiety symptoms frequently connected to these disorders.

According to a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, Copaiba oil has anti-anxiety properties, making it a potential natural remedy for treating childhood anxiety.

Conclusion

Remember that by learning the benefits and proper application of essential oils, parents of autistic and ADHD children can explore natural solutions to assist their child’s well-being. 

However, before integrating essential oils into your child’s regimen, always talk with a healthcare expert and perform extensive research. Once you have the go-ahead from your child’s doctor, you can visit Scentimental Wellness and shop for essential oils that will suit your child’s needs. You may also fill out this form for your inquiries.