A seizure is a sudden abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It makes your body shakes uncontrollably, causing unconsciousness and convulsions. [1]
The severity and time of a seizure attack may vary from person to person. It may happen once or keep coming back. A recurrent seizure is known as epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
Having a seizure attack is a scary and traumatic experience. This situation can be life-threatening if not treated on time. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor and start the treatment.
While on treatment, you can also try some essential oils for seizures to reduce some of the symptoms. These oils may treat you with their calming properties.
Remember, these natural remedies are complementary to your conventional treatment. They aren’t meant to replace your doctor. Always consult your doctor before using any essential oil for a seizure.
6 Essential Oils for Seizures
Essential oils have numerous benefits for our bodies. What makes these oils quite famous are their calming and soothing effects. Some of the essential oils contain calming properties. They help reduce anxiety and fear, thus helping deal with a seizure attack.
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil originates from the lavender herb. People have been using this oil to relieve some ailments since ancient times.
Lavender oil is quite versatile. It’s rich in soothing properties. This oil can soothe your nervous system. [2]
Lavender oil can tone down the anxiety, fear, depression, and stress. The oil may effectively deal with disorders like seizures. [3]
2. Jasmine Oil
Jasmine oil comes from the jasmine flower. It’s a natural remedy for anxiety, emotional stress, insomnia, etc.
Jasmine oil can positively influence the nervous system. It can improve your heart rate, stress response, body temperature, blood pressure, alertness, and breathing. [4]
You can use jasmine oil to fight the symptoms of seizures such as anxiety, depression, and fear. The sedative effect of the oil can also help you sleep.
3. Chamomile Oil
For some people, abnormal brain activity can happen due to extreme stress. Chamomile oil’s calming and soothing properties can help reduce stress.
The oil is both physically and mentally restoring. For example, it can help with the physical and mental strain caused by a seizure attack.
Research says inhaling chamomile oil can reduce depression. It’s because this essential oil has anti-depressant effects. [5]
So, using this oil may reduce the possibility of having a seizure attack.
4. Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang ylang oil originates from the flowers of the Cananga odorata genuine. It’s a popular flavouring in foods and beverages.
The oil can promote relaxation, reduce high blood pressure, kill bacteria, and improve sexual desire. [6]
High blood pressure indicates that you might be very stressed or anxious. Ylang ylang can reduce blood pressure and seizure symptoms. [7]
5. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage oil comes from the leaves and buds of the flowering plant Salvia sclarea. The refreshing scent makes it a great choice in aromatherapy.
A study was conducted on some women undergoing a stressful medical condition. It shows that the inhalation of clary sage oil can reduce stress and blood pressure. [8]
Anxiety, stress, and depression can lead to a possible seizure attack. Clary sage oil can enhance well-being, reducing stress and anxiety.
6. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil originates from the gum-like resin of the Boswellia tree. The oil is particularly effective if you have frequent seizure attacks.
Frankincense oil contains relaxing and calming properties. It can promote a general sense of well-being.
The oil can help stimulate the brain and nervous system. It can decrease blood pressure and improve heart rate.
In an animal study, frankincense oil worked as an anti-depressive agent on some lab rats. It worked by activating TRPV3 channels in the brain. The track is involved in the perception of warmth in the skin. [9]
How to Use Essential Oils for Seizures
Aromatherapy is an effective method to reduce seizure symptoms. But a topical massage or bath can help as well.
- Add a few drops of essential oil into a diffuser. Inhale the aroma to calm yourself. You can also put the diffuser beside your bed to ensure a good night’s sleep.
- Dilute 2-4 drops of essential oil with a suitable carrier oil. Massage the blend on your forehead for a soothing effect.
- Pour 10-15 drops of any essential oils into your bathtub. Soak yourself in and relax.
Types of Seizures
There are two types of seizures- focal seizures and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Also known as a partial seizure, a focal attack happens in a specific part of your brain. It can make you feel, see, and hear things that aren’t there.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures can attack both sides of your brain. It can cause blackouts, muscle spasms, and falls. This kind of seizure can also cause both physical and sensory symptoms.
There are six types of generalized seizures:
Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures:
Your body stiffens, shakes, jerks, and you lose consciousness.
Clonic seizures:
You have muscle spasms, and your face, neck and arm muscles jerk rhythmically.
Tonic seizures:
It tenses up the muscles in your arms, legs or trunks. It usually happens when you’re asleep and lasts less than 20 seconds.
Atonic seizures:
The symptoms last less than 15 seconds, causing your head to lean forward and your muscles to go limp suddenly.
Myoclonic seizures:
There will be a sudden jerk in the muscle. It may start as an atonic seizure. You may also have both atonic and myoclonic episodes.
Absence (petit mal) seizures:
An absence seizure is typical in children under 14. This seizure may disconnect you from others around you. For example, you may have difficulty responding to others, stare blankly, and your eyes might roll back in your head.
Causes & Symptoms of Seizures
The actual cause of the seizure is still unknown. Many factors can trigger a seizure attack, most of which are neurological. However, there are some physical and psychological reasons as well.
The common reasons behind seizures include:
- Stroke.
- Brain tumour.
- Cancer.
- Very low blood sugar.
- Electrolyte imbalance.
- Head Injury.
- Certain medications, such as asthma drugs.
- Withdrawal from alcohol or drugs.
- Brain infections, such as meningitis.
Symptoms of seizures may last from a few seconds to 15 minutes per episode. The person can experience both generalized and partial seizures at the same time. One can even precede another.
The common symptoms before a seizure attack include:
- Dizziness.
- A sudden feeling of anxiousness and fear.
- A vision change.
- A headache.
- Sudden jerking of your arms, making you drop things.
- An out of body sensation.
You can understand that a seizure is in progress by the following symptoms:
- Losing consciousness, followed by confusion.
- Uncontrollable muscle spasms.
- Falling.
- Drooling or frothing at the mouth.
- Clenching your teeth.
- Have an abnormal test in your mouth.
- Biting your tongue.
- Grunting.
- Sudden, rapid eye movement.
- Mood swing.
- Losing control of bladder or bowel movement.
Precautions While Using Essential Oils for Seizures
Essential oils can be helpful to seizure attacks due to their calming effects. But they can be dangerous as well if you use them in the wrong way. Therefore, certain precautions must be followed for the sake of your safety:
- Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before topical application.
- Do a patch test on your skin to find out if the oil suits you.
- If you’re pregnant or a breastfeeding mom, do ask your doctor about using essential oil.
- If you have any allergic reactions after using an essential oil, stop using them.
Do You Need to See a Doctor?
You must see a doctor to treat seizure symptoms. Some people may have a mild sign that goes away over time. But, seizure is a painful and scary condition. So, you should call a doctor if any of the symptoms occur:
- Any abnormal body movements.
- The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
- Frequent seizure attacks.
- Loss of seizure control.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Blurry vision.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Tremors.
- Joint and muscle pain.
- Swollen glands.
- An irregular or fast heartbeat.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Behavioural change, such as depression, anxiety, anger, etc.
- Hallucinations.
End Note
Seizures are scary and can make your life miserable. You may have difficulty doing your regular work.
Don’t let seizures make your life difficult. Instead, consult a doctor and start proper treatment as soon as possible.
You can use these soothing essential oils for the seizure to ease some symptoms.
Bring some changes to your lifestyle. Do yoga and exercises. A ketogenic diet may also help you to control your seizure attack.
Read Next: Some Pain-Relieving Essential Oils for Bell’s Palsy That You May Try
