Essential Oils for ADD and ADHD

Better focus, quicker learning, calm and grounding - thanks to scent
Mar 5, 2007 Victoria Anisman-Reiner

Essential oils are one of the most effective alternative treatments for ADD and ADHD. Find out how these oils can cross into the brain and help children and adults.

Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder is the childhood epidemic of our age. It has been estimated that as many as 20% of children currently in school exhibit ADD or ADHD behavior patterns, while studies suggest that only half that number are medicated with the drugs used to treat ADHD. The number of “untreated” children may, in part, be due to parents who choose to pursue an alternative route, rather than medicating their children. One of the most effective approaches to treating ADD and ADHD - without drugs - is the use of pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Because many pure essential oils contain small chemical components, they are among the few molecules, natural or synthetic, that can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly heal the brain. This makes essential oils a powerful tool to treat brain disorders and emotional issues.

Some of the basics of essential oil use were discussed in a previous aromatherapy article. The oils discussed below are especially helpful in addressing the needs of adults and kids dealing with ADD and ADHD.

A study conducted in 2001 by Dr. Terry Friedman compared the effects of lavender, vetiver, and cedarwood essential oils in improving focus and learning in ADD and ADHD kids. Vetiver was found to be the most effective in observations and brain wave scans - showing improvements in 100% of subjects. Cedarwood essential oil was 83% effective, and lavender 60%.

How to use these oils:
Lavender - Known as the “universal oil,” lavender is good for almost everything. One of its most well-known properties is as a sedative and for calming the body and mind. Rubbing a few drops on a child’s feet, shoulders, or chest can help them relax and sleep more easily. But be aware: lavender is one of the most commonly adulterated oils and difficult to find pure (labels can be misleading on this one).

The highest theraputic grade I have found and use daily is the brand do-Terra. Contact Kimberly Gingras for more info or for a free essential oil gift at kimberlycbg@yahoo.com