12 Essential Oils for ADHD and ADD

By Adam Wanyonyi Ford

1. Vetiver oil

Vetiver oil is rich in fragrance, and therefore, an additive in body perfumes, perfumed soaps, oils and air fresheners. However, with research, Vetiver is effective in the treatment of ADD. Due to its aromatic effect on the mind, it calms, ground and balances the mind. With the calming, warming, sedative and soothing properties on the nervous system, Vetiver, banishes anger, hysteria, and irritability. Moreover, it reduces neurotic behavior and reduces the feeling of anxiousness, a characteristic of people with ADD/ADHD. To use Vetiver essential oil, place five drops within a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as jojoba and then apply that to the base of the neck.

2. Basil oil

Most users call it "the oil of renewal". Basil oil reduces anxiety, fear, and nervousness efficiently. It calms the mind and the heart hence making it able to overcome stress and fatigue. Basil essential oil is useful for people suffering from nervous disorders. Add basil in a room diffuser.

3. Lavender oil

For a long time, Lavender has been useful in eliminating nervous tension, treating respiratory problems and enhancing proper blood circulation. With its calming scent, lavender tones the nerves, thus eradicating anxiety. To reduce cases of nervous tension, emotional stress and restlessness, place a few drops of Lavender essential oil on a pillow before night sleep. According to research, Lavender oil affects the autonomic nervous system, and that is why it is a perfect remedy for treating insomnia.

4. Lemon oil

Lemon oil is stimulating, calming and sleep-inducing. Due to its calming nature lemon is effective in removing mental fatigue, exhaustion, nervousness, nervous tension, and anxiety. It refreshes the mind, increasing concentration, and alertness, an essential need for people with ADHD. Add lemon essential oil in a room air freshener.

5. Rosemary oil

This powerful oil is effective in treating ADHD. It soothes the mind and improves focus. Moreover, the rosemary enhances alertness and enhances performance for overall quality of memory. Rosemary essential oil blends well with Lavender and Lemon. In this cases forming a formidable memory booster. For effective results, one can inhale the oil directly.

6. Frankincense oil

Common oil among spiritual people, frankincense essential oil, alleviates anxiety and depression. Moreover, it increases intuition. By lowering anxiety, it acts as an excellent sleep aid. The oil reduces heart rate and high blood pressure without any adverse side effects. Massaging or a warm shower of Frankincense essential oil is an effective way of using it. Still, the oil a room diffuser works perfectly!

7. Myrrh oil

With most of its use in perfumes and fragrances, the yellowish-orange oil has a viscous consistency and is vital in calming and balancing the body. The myrrh balances the most critical hormones in the body. Balancing hormones, in turn, gives a feeling of calm and concentration. Blending it with Lavender works perfectly in room diffusers while mixing Myrrh with jojoba, makes it an effective massaging oil.

8. Ylang ylang oil

Ylang ylang essential oil is an extract of fresh flowers of Ylang ylang tree. The oil has extensive uses in aromatherapy, treatment of hypertension, memory, and perfumes. It eliminates anxiety, inducing a relaxing and joyous feeling. Besides, the oil strengthens the nervous system, and repairs damaged parts of the nerve. As a sedative, it induces sleep and improves concentration. Due to its volatile nature, it works well in a room diffuser.

9. Peppermint oil

Its everyday use is as a breath freshener. However, peppermint essential oil has extensive application in the field of health practices, culinary arts, and cosmetic practices. Peppermint promotes energy levels, increasing concentration, alleviating mental fatigues and restlessness. These aspects make it efficient in dealing with ADD and ADHD. The concentration of Peppermint is naturally high, thus mixing it with carrier oils such as almond, makes it highly effective. For use, either, apply the oil topically on the skin or inhale it directly from a bottle.

10. Cypress oil

Carenen, limonene, and alpha-pinene are active compounds of cypress essential oil. The oil is a perfect antibacterial, stimulating, antispasmodic and antiseptic. In dealing with ADHD, Cypress essential oil induces a feeling of calmness due to its sedative effect. Also, it eliminates anxiety, anxiousness, insomnia, emotional stress and difficulty in concentrating. Among the various ways to use the oil, the most effective are either massaging it on the skin or inhaling directly from a bottle.

11. Roman chamomile oil

With great soothing abilities, Roman chamomile essential oil calms the mind and the whole body, in turn, increasing concentration, a need for people with ADHD. Moreover, Roman chamomile treats insomnia efficiently. Among ways to use this essential oil, is either adding 4-5 drops to a glass of water or hot beverage or applying on the skin directly.

12. Clary sage oil

With powerful antidepressant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, euphoric, sedative, nervine and hypotensive properties, Clary sage essential oil is very vital in the field of medicine, with particular emphasis on people with ADHD. Due to its sedative properties, it reduces nervous convulsions, nervousness, anxiety, and hysteria; thus making the mind alert! An alert mind is a concentrating mind, just what people with ADHD need. To efficiently use Clary sage oil, apply it to a pulse point, rub on the skin directly, or apply few drops to the pillow at night. This oil forms a perfect blend with roman chamomile. When using the mixture, add a few drops to bathwater.

Aromatherapy - Get To Know The Lamiaceae Family - Part 3

By Donna Chisholm

In the final of my three-part series on the Lamiaceae family, we will explore the remainder of the essential oils.

Marjoram - Spanish (Thymus mastichina)

The properties of Spanish marjoram are similar to those of sweet marjoram, although Spanish marjoram has a higher cineole content. This makes it more effective for assisting with respiratory tract infections.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage needs to be used with care as it can bring on epileptic fits and can be toxic to the central nervous system in large quantities.

Sage could be helpful for tiredness, depression and grief. It can be soothing to the emotional (parasympathetic) nervous system and calming to the nerves.

It is an oestrogen mimic so can be used to assist in regulating the menstrual cycle. It can also be used to assist with menopausal problems.

Sage can also used for digestive problems, and aches and pains caused by rheumatism.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Clary Sage has oestrogen mimic properties which makes it good for assisting with female hormonal disorders, from menstrual problems through to menopausal symptoms.

It could be very effective for treating fear, nervousness, paranoia and depression. It stimulates, revitalizes and regenerates.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

There are three main chemotypes of rosemary: camphor-borneol, 1,8-cineole, and verbenone.

Specific to the chemotypes, the camphor-borneol type is best for helping with muscular aches and pains, the 1,8-cineole type is best for helping with pulmonary congestion and to help with elimination of waste from the liver and kidneys. The verbenone type is non-irritant and is very good for assisting with quality skin care.

In general, rosemary is good for assisting with lifting the spirits and for stimulating the mind. It can be effective in helping with fluid retention, liver and spleen disorders, and jaundice, along with blood circulation and low blood pressure.

Rosemary is one of the most effective essential oils for the central nervous system. It can help with mental clarity and awareness. It is a very good brain stimulant and can help improve memory.

It can assist with many respiratory problems, including coughs, asthma and sinusitis, and it can be used to help relieve pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis, and stiff and overworked muscles.

As it is a highly stimulating oil, it is not suitable for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure. It is also to be avoided during pregnancy.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Spearmint can be used as a digestive stimulant, and can be helpful for nausea, flatulence, constipation and diarrhea. Spearmint is more suitable to use with children than peppermint. It can be helpful for respiratory complaints due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-catarrhal properties. Spearmint can be uplifting for the spirits and for mental fatigue and depression.

It is not to be used during pregnancy. It is not a skin irritant and is non-toxic.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the very versatile essential oils in this botanical family.

It is most important that if you have any questions you consult with a qualified aromatherapist, and it is most important that you consult with your medical professional.

Would you like to know more about aromatherapy and essential oils, particularly for your children? Great educational resource here

Aromatherapy - Get To Know The Lamiaceae Family - Part 2

By Donna Chisholm

In part two of my series on the Lamiaceae family, I would like to explore five more essential oils in this group.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

This oil needs to be used with caution as it is neurotoxic. It is best used by a trained therapist. Hyssop is said to be anti-inflammatory. It can be helpful for asthma, cystitis and a sore throat. It can also assist with relieving the aggravation caused by scratching eczema.

It has no known contra-indications, but there are many other oils that could be used instead if you are not trained in aromatherapy.

Lavendin (Lavendula hybrida)

Lavendin has a camphor content of about 20%. This makes it very good for assisting with respiratory complaints such as bronchitis and laryngitis. It can also be helpful for muscular and circulatory problems. Lavendin can be very helpful in assisting with relieving symptoms from insect bites and stings. Due to the high camphor content though, it should be avoided in cases of epilepsy and pregnancy.

Melissa (Melissa officinalis)

Melissa is very hard to find and due to this is quite expensive. Some people get confused because some companies sell a product called melissa, but it isn't true melissa. It is generally a blend of oils such as lemongrass and citronella.

True Melissa is recognized as one of the best essential oils available for sickness during pregnancy. It could be helpful for calming hysteria, indigestion, nausea and settling upset stomachs. It has been found to be very antiviral and assists well against viruses such as flu, herpes, smallpox and mumps.

It does have a high aldehyde content, which can cause skin irritation.

Marjoram - Sweet (Origanum marjorana)

Sweet marjoram can be very helpful to assist with insomnia, especially with high blood pressure. It is a good oil for warming and comforting the heart, so might be useful in cases of grief or loneliness. As it is a warming oil, it can be used for muscle spasms, rheumatic pain, strains and sprains.

Sweet marjoram might also be helpful for digestive complaints such as colic, flatulence, constipation and spasmodic indigestion.

It has anti-spasmodic and emmenagogue properties which are good for painful and scanty periods. It can also be used in a hot compress over the abdomen to help relieve period cramps.

It should not be used during pregnancy.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil can be used to assist with most circulation and heart problems, including arteriosclerosis, hypotension, irregular heart beat and varicose veins. It can also be helpful for uterus congestion, painful periods and fever.

Basil is a very good oil for assisting with the respiratory system. It could be helpful for sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, and flu.

Digestive complaints such as vomiting, nausea, hiccups, dyspepsia and gastric spasms can be assisted.

Basil is excellent for helping with mental fatigue, clearing the head, and for nervous disorders.

Basil should be avoided during pregnancy.

It is important to note that several of the above essential oils are to be avoided during pregnancy. There are many essential oils that are safe and gentle to use so it can be easier to use them. Please consult with a qualified aromatherapist if you have any questions, and do not forego your medical professional's advice.

Would you like to know more about aromatherapy and essential oils, particularly for your children? Great educational resource here

Aromatherapy - Get to Know The Lamiaceae Family - Part 1

By Donna Chisholm

Welcome to the first of a three-part series on the Lamiaceae plant family relevant to aromatherapy.

The Lamiaceae plant family is also known as the Labiatae plant family. It is the largest of all the plant families and includes many of the well-known herbs. The plants are known for their strong aromas, and in aromatherapy some of the best known and loved oils come from this family.

Plants include: Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Melissa true, Clary sage, Sage, Hyssop, Marjoram-Sweet, Marjoram-Spanish, Patchouli, Spike lavender (Lavendin) and Basil.

General therapeutic benefits for this plant family include being good respiratory oils, stimulating, balancing, antiseptic and anti-viral.

Three of the essential oils from this botanical family are:

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)

Lavender would be one the most used of all essential oils. It is gentle yet effective and is suitable for all ages - from babies through to the elderly. It is also used in hospitals at times, one of the few essential oils that is.

Lavender is used to assist with stress relief, insomnia and to relieve headaches. It is very good for assisting with colds, coughs, flu, sinus, and other respiratory ailments because of its antiseptic properties.

With the stress relief, lavender works on both physical stress and emotional stress.

Because of its versatility, lavender would be one of the must-have essential oils for the first aid kit.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

It is important to have a good supplier of peppermint oil, so that you know it is unadulterated.

Peppermint is a cooling oil and anti-inflammatory. It is said to be helpful with irritable bowel syndrome and with regulating the ovaries.

It is very good for helping people to become clear-headed and refreshes the spirit. It can be used to help people who have mental fatigue or who can't concentrate. Due to this, it is excellent for oil burners in environments such as offices, meeting rooms, and other areas where people need to be alert and concentrate.

Peppermint is an ideal assistant for all digestive problems such as indigestion, colic, flatulence, stomach pains, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and relief from travel sickness.

It is also used in ointments to help relieve muscle pain, bruises, contusions, joint pain and insect bites.

Because peppermint is a very strong oil it should not be used on very small children. It should also be used in small quantities because of its potency.

There are no known contra-indications to the complete oil. This is why it is important to know that you are getting a good quality oil.

Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli)

Patchouli has several uses in aromatherapy - it can assist with fluid retention and is also great for healing cracked and broken skin as it has regenerative properties.

It is an oil for emotional balancing and can be beneficial in helping with stress-related issues.

Patchouli is non-irritant and non-toxic.

If you're feeling down, mix a little patchouli with mandarin and spearmint!

As always, if in any doubt, it is important to consult with a qualified aromatherapist. Never diagnose yourself - that is what your doctor is for!

Would you like to know more about aromatherapy and essential oils, particularly for your children? Great educational resource here