Using Essential Oils For ADHD Symptom Management

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW and Laura Angers Maddox, NCC, LPC
Updated October 9, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that can lead to a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, fidgeting, and lack of impulse control. People with ADHD are often treated with stimulant and non-stimulant medications, as are behavioral therapies and treatments. With their recent rise in popularity for aromatherapy and other uses, essential oils are also being considered to help people living with ADHD manage their symptoms on a more holistic level. Frequently used oils can include myrrh, lavender, bergamot, eucalyptus, mandarin, and basil. It can be helpful to reach out to a licensed therapist online or in person for additional guidance regarding ADHD symptom management.

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What are essential oils?

Essential oils are generally concentrated forms of liquids containing the chemical compounds, or essences, of the leaves, roots, stems, and flowers of certain plants. Essential oils are typically obtained by steam distillation or cold press extraction, and because of their potential medicinal properties, they are commonly used in aromatherapy and alternative medicine applications. Their popularity has expanded in recent years as our scientific knowledge of these oils has increased, and it’s not uncommon to find diffusers in homes, dental offices, mental health clinics, and more.

The research behind essential oil

Few studies have been done on the effectiveness of using essential oils for ADHD treatment. Although this means there is generally no scientific proof that essential oils are an effective treatment for ADHD, many claims state that essential oils can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms, especially in children. In consideration of allergies and other medical conditions, essential oils typically won't hurt you or your child, and most have few, if any, side effects. Speak to your doctor before beginning regimes to manage ADHD symptoms.

Essential oils recommended for ADHD symptoms

Lavender

Stress and anxiety can make it more difficult to focus. Lavender essential oil, distilled from the blossoms of the lavender plant, may have calming effects that can ease stress, anxiety, and negative emotions as well as improve sleep. However, lavender essential oil can be toxic and have harmful side effects if not used properly. It should generally be used sparingly, in very small doses.Ingestion is not recommended, and it should never be used topically without being diluted in a carrier oil.

Vetiver

Vetiver is a derivative of grass common to the Indian subcontinent. It is said to relieve symptoms like inflammation in the circulatory and nervous systems, and it can serve as a sedative, which may make it ideal for treating anxiety, insomnia, and possibly the restlessness experienced by people with ADHD.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an herb that belongs to the mint family, and the oil is extracted from the leaves. It is thought to aid in digestion, improve mood, cognitive function, reduce the symptoms of depression and mental fatigue, and relieve stress. It is considered a volatile oil and should be used with caution. It should not be used on young children or by pregnant or nursing women.

Frankincense

Frankincense is normally extracted from the resin of frankincense trees, grown primarily in Africa. Proponents claim frankincense essential oil can be a stress reliever and promote deep breathing and relaxation. It is also thought to reduce blood pressure and can be an aromatherapy boon in stressful environments.

Ylang-ylang

Ylang-ylang essential oil is distilled from the ylang-ylang tree, commonly found in Indonesia and the South Pacific. It is believed to be an antidepressant, potentially reducing anxiety and inducing feelings of euphoria. It may also reduce high blood pressure. In recommended doses, ylang-ylang essential oil can be safe, with minor potential side effects, such as nausea and headache, when used excessively.

Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil is usually taken from the rind of a bergamot citrus fruit. It is commonly mixed with black tea to make Earl Grey tea. It is said to reduce anxiety and stress, as well as high blood pressure and depression. Bergamot essential oil may also stimulate the production of dopamine and serotonin. It can become poisonous if exposed to sunlight, so it should generally be kept in a dark bottle and stored in a dark place.

Eucalyptus

Fresh eucalyptus leaves are often used to distill eucalyptus essential oil. Its many proposed health benefits have been touted for centuries, including increased blood flow, reduced feelings of exhaustion, and stress relief. The stimulating properties of eucalyptus essential oil are said to improve brain function. However, you might consult a doctor before using eucalyptus essential oil because it can have severe side effects, including allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can be toxic when used in excessive amounts.

Lemon

Lemon essential oil is typically extracted from the rind of the lemon fruit. It can have calming and detoxifying properties and may reduce anxiety, nervousness, and mental fatigue. It is also believed to increase focus and concentration. Avoiding direct sunlight is usually recommended immediately after topical use. 

Cedarwood

Distilled from the cedar tree, cedarwood essential oil is believed to reduce inflammation, relieve tension, and calm anxiety. It also may promote deep, restorative sleep. In high concentrations, it may be a skin irritant, and it should never be ingested. Also, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid cedarwood oil.

Mandarin

Also known as tangerines, mandarins often lend their peels to mandarin essential oil. This oil may act as a sedative and reduce anxiety. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight for about 12 hours after topical use. Mandarin essential oil tends to be mostly safe but can cause skin irritation in some people. An allergy spot-test is recommended.

Basil

When inhaled or ingested, basil may reduce mental fatigue and depression, relieve migraines, and improve concentration and clarity. It’s recommended that people who are pregnant or nursing avoid basil essential oil.

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Myrrh

Myrrh is normally derived from the resin of the myrrh plant, which is native to Egypt. It is believed to stimulate the brain and nervous system, as well as promote alertness and improve blood circulation. It can be toxic when used in excessive amounts and should probably be avoided by people who are pregnant.

You may also consider experimenting with mixing essential oils to create blends that combine the properties of each oil. For example, lavender or ylang-ylang may blend ideally with vetiver oil for ADHD.

How to use essential oils

The following may be safe ways to use essential oils:
  • Dispersing into the air using an aromatherapy diffuser for ambient odors
  • Adding a few drops to bath water or on the walls of a hot shower
  • Applying to the skin, using carrier oils like coconut, olive, sunflower, avocado, sweet almond, or grape seed oils. Do not apply essential oils directly to skin without a carrier oil.
  • Taking a deep breath to inhale the oils from the bottle, or by adding a few drops to a bowl with boiling water
  • Adding a few drops to wool dryer balls or dryer sheets to infuse laundry
  • Mixing in a spray bottle with water to mist a room, linens, or carpeting
  • Applying two or three drops to a clothespin and attaching it to air vents in your home or car

Other things to consider about essential oils

A word of caution: Although many can be completely safe, certain essential oils may present danger. Since, by nature, essential oils are highly concentrated, they are often best used sparingly and with care. Using essential oils improperly can cause harmful skin irritation or allergic reactions, and in some extreme cases, improper or excessive use of essential oils can have toxic effects. 

It may be best to avoid using essential oils topically unless you first dilute them with a carrier oil. Also, ingestion of oils can be dangerous. You might first research the proper, safe way to administer each essential oil so that you understand the dosage and potential side effects.

Are essential oils safe for children with ADHD?

Some experts caution against using certain essential oils, like eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary, on children under the age of 10. You might consult a physician before using essential oils regarding any concerns and possible interactions with medications. You may also want to talk to your child's doctor before using essential oils if your child lives with severe asthma, allergies, or skin irritation.

You might choose to perform an allergy test before using any essential oil topically by applying a small amount of the diluted oil to a small area of the body, like the back of the hand. Prior to using essential oils, you may want to talk with your trusted healthcare provider to be sure there are no contraindications for you or others in your home.

Therapy can help with ADHD symptom management

Also, if you are supporting a child with ADHD, you might benefit from online therapy to help you take care of your own mental health, learn how to best support your child, and aid them in managing their symptoms. Research has shown that online therapy can be effective for a number of concerns, including depression and anxiety. 

Online therapy can empower you to talk to a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home, which may be especially helpful if leaving the home is difficult when caring for someone with ADHD. You may also connect with your therapist via in-app messaging, and they’ll typically respond as soon as they can. 

Takeaway

If you or someone in your family is living with ADHD, you might try using some essential oils under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Commonly used essential oils can include lavender, vetiver, rosemary, frankincense, ylang-ylang, bergamot, eucalyptus, lemon, and cedarwood. However, essential oils and aromatherapy are not generally considered to be a cure for ADHD. They can be used in tandem with other treatments as a complement to medication and therapy. Talking to a therapist via an online therapy platform can help you discover additional methods for ADHD symptom management.
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