Essential Oils for ADHD and ODD : How Effective?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are two of the most common disorders in kids.

These are neurodevelopmental disorders where kids have trouble controlling their impulses, listening, attention and getting along with other kids. [1]

As both of them are neurodevelopmental disorders, people often confused ADHD with ODD. But, they are different. Only a trained doctor can find the difference.

ADHD and ODD mostly develop in kids, but adults can have them too. If you see any behavioral change in your child, you must consult with a doctor.

You can also rely on some essential oils in conjunction with behavioral therapy. Some essential oils for ADHD and ODD can help with the symptoms with their calming and relaxing effects.

9 Essential Oil for ADHD and ODD You May Try

Essential oils can help with the behavioral symptoms with their calming effects. The aroma of these essential oils affects the behavior through the central nervous system. [2]

Note that, there haven’t been enough studies to prove the efficacy of these essential oils. These might have drug interaction. So, you should consult with a doctor before you use them.

1. Lavender Oil

The aroma of lavender oil can affect your emotion. It can reduce anxiety and calm you down in a stressful situation. [3]

Because of its relaxing effects, lavender oil may also help people with ADHD or ODD. The oil can also help you have a better sleep. Thus it can improve the attention and concentration of a person.

2. Vetiver Oil

Vetiver essential oil is one of the most effective oil for ADHD or ODD. The oil has a calming effect and can reduce anxiety. [4]

Unlike ADHD patients, who had a hard time paying attention and listening, ODD patients are also angry and always tend to fight. Vetiver oil can create a calming effect to soothe those symptoms.

3. Cedarwood Oil

The warm and woody smell of cedarwood oil can calm your nerves. The oil does it by improving the oxygenation of brain cells. [5]

Cedarwood essential oil contains Sesquiterpences. This component helps boost your brain function. The warm scent stimulates your senses, helping you concentrate better.

4. Orange Oil

The fantastic scent of orange oil not only makes you energetic but also motivated. [6]

ADHD and ODD often come with anger and depression. You may feel fatigue. The strong scent of orange oil will help you fight off depression. Thus, you will be able to concentrate more.

5. Ylang Ylang Oil

One of the biggest problem for someone with ADHD or ODD is lack of concentration. Let ylang ylang oil help you with that.

When your stress level gets high, your body releases a hormone named cortisol. This essential oil can keep a track on the level of cortisol. [7]

6. Sandalwood Oil

The pleasant aroma of sandalwood can soothe anyone’s mind, even the most frustrated one.

The medicinal properties of this oil can help with inflammation, and with some types of cancers. [8]

As sandalwood oil has a soothing and calming effect, people believe it may also help with the symptoms of ADHD or ODD.

7. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil is one of the most effective essential oils. It may help you withindigestion, dental problems, anxiety, anddepression. [9]

People with ADHD or ODD have something in common; they have to deal with negative emotions. Frankincense oil can help you relax and calm when you feel restless.

Note that frankincense oil is quite strong. Make sure you dilute it before you apply it on your skin.

8. Peppermint Oil

The sharp scent of peppermint oil helps you keep concentrate on anything. [10]

People with ODD or ADHD may soothe their restlessness by using this essential oil.

Peppermint oil contains menthol. This component refreshes your mind and improves your concentration. It also helps you keep calm.

9. Rosemary Oil

Are you looking for an oil that can improve your cognition and concentration? Then rosemary oil is the right oil for you. [11]

The aroma of this oil helps you focus and concentrate. It also improves memory and reduces restlessness.

How to Use Essential Oils for ADHD and ODD

Try this simple essential oils blend to soothe the symptoms of ADHD or ODD:

Take a 15 ml bottle and add 1 bottle of vetiver oil, 50 drops of cedarwood oil, 25 drops of lavender essential oil, and 10 drops of valor carrier oil.
Mix them well.
Take 1 drop of the mix on the base of your right toe.
Then take 2-3 drops of that oil at the base of your skull.

Finally, put 3 drops of lavender oil on the T-zone of your face.

Are ADHD and ODD The Same Thing?

No, they aren’t. While these disorders often go hand-in-hand, they are entirely different. [1]

There are some significant differences between the symptoms of these two disorders.

Symptoms of ADHD:

Distracted and lack of focus
The patient is unable to follow instruction.
Forgetful
Disorganized
Constant talking and interrupting
Can’t play quietly

Symptoms of ODD:

Don’t listen to others
Always arguing
Temper tantrums
Always irritating people intentionally
Saying negative things and hurting people

Precautions

Essential oils are usually safe to use. But, some of the oils are quite strong. So, you need to dilute them before using them.

You should consult with a doctor before you use any of the essential oils to avoid any further complications. Do a patch test before you use them to know if they have any side effects or not.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you see any of the symptoms in your child. As both of the disorders are quite common in children, it’s important to follow up with a doctor for their proper childhood.

Do not try to find out by yourself whether your child has ADHD or ODD. Let the doctor diagnose and treat accordingly.

Essential oils can keep your child calm and soothe some other symptoms. But they can’t completely cure the disease. Thus, it’s important for you to seek for proper medical attention.

Bottom Line

Whether it’s ADHD or ODD, both of them can take a toll on your kid’s life. If you see any behavioral change in your kids, consult with your family doctor as soon as possible.

You can try these essential oils to keep them calm and focused.

Do, consult with your doctor before using these essential oils.

So, do you want to try these essential oils? Let us know about your experience in the comment section.