Tourettes syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves unwanted sounds (tics) and repetitive movements that cannot be controlled. [1]
Tourettes usually show up between ages 2 and 15. This syndrome is part of the spectrum of Tic disorders characterized by motor and vocal tics.
Symptoms may include repeatedly shrugging shoulders, blinking eyes, sniffing, or grunting. In severe cases, symptoms may consist of self-harming activities such as slapping or punching oneself, uttering swearing words, etc.
People with tourettes syndrome are likely to be affected by other co-occurring conditions such as OCD and ADHD.
While tourettes is incurable, some of its symptoms can be managed with proper treatment. Doctors may prescribe some medications to control tic disorders.
While on treatment, you can try some natural remedies such as essential oils to manage some of the tourettes symptoms.
Continue reading to explore some essential oils for tourettes syndrome and how they can help to improve the quality of your life.
4 Essential Oils for Tourettes Syndrome
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender essentialoil is one of the most used oil when it comes to reducing stress and anxiety.
This therapeutic oil is extracted from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia plant through steam distillation. Its incredible aroma has a positive effect on your emotion.
In a clinical trial conducted on thirty men aged between 24 and 40 years show that aromatherapy using lavender essential oil could promote relaxation. [2]
Due to its calming and soothing properties, lavender oil may reduce some of the tourettes symptoms such as eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, and promote better sleep.
2. Frankincense Oil
People with tourettes syndrome may have a problem focusing due to their aggressiveness and anxiety. Frankincense oil can help you calm and relax when you’re stressed and restless.
It’s because this therapeutic oil has anxiolytic effects, which help calm the nerves.
The ability of frankincense oil to tone down anxiety has been proved in a 2015 animal study. [3]
If you have tourettes syndrome along with OCD and ADHD, you can rely on frankincense oil to tone down your anxiety.
3. Chamomile Oil
For over 5000 years, chamomile has been used to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and many more. The essential oil obtained from chamomile may also help to improve your emotional state.
In a clinical trial conducted in 2009, 57 patients with several anxiety issues were treated either with chamomile-infused capsules or with a placebo. [4]
The chamomile group showed a significant reduction in anxiety among the patients.
The calming effect of chamomile oil can help you sleep properly, which may help reduce shrugging shoulders, eye darting, twitching, swearing, and other tourettes symptoms.
4. Vetiver Oil
Vetiver oil originates from the aromatic roots of Vetiveria zizanioides, a clumpy, green grass native to India.
Also known as the ‘oil of tranquility,’ vetiver oil possesses a deeply calming aroma that can help soothe anxiety, depression, insomnia, as well as some symptoms associated with ADHD.
According to the research published in the Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology, vetiver essential oil can reduce mental fatigue and improve alertness. [5]
So, it makes sense that this oil might work for people with tourettes, along with ADHD.
How to Use Essential Oils for Tourettes
You can use several ways to use essential oils to manage the symptoms of tourettes, including:
Inhalation:
- Take your favorite essential oil and pour a few drops of it into a diffuser.
- Let the fragrance spread to your home and enjoy its calming effects.
- Put the diffuser beside your bed to improve your sleep.
Topical Application:
- Take 2-3 drops of essential oil and dilute it with a carrier oil.
- Apply the mix to your neck, feet, wrist, and back.
Words of Caution
- Some essential oils, especially frankincense, is quite powerful. You must dilute them before topical application.
- Make a patch test to find out if you’re allergic to any essential oil.
- If you’re under medication for tourettes, ask your doctor if these essential oils are safe for you to use. It’s because some drugs might interact with these therapeutic oils.
- Do not use any essential oil on children without consulting a doctor first.
Do You Need to See a Doctor?
While tics are mild and not always require treatment, conditions may become severe if accompanied by other symptoms like eye twitching, swearing, etc.
Not everyone with tourettes shows similar symptoms. It’s challenging to identify if your kid has developed tourettes syndrome. You must see a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Besides, your kids are highly likely to have tourettes syndrome if your family has a history of this neurodevelopmental disease. Make an appointment with the doctor if you see any unusual behavior in your child.
Conclusion
Tourette syndrome is incurable and can be challenging for both the family and the patient. There will be significant behavioral and social changes based on the severity and frequency of the tics.
Patients, especially children with tourettes, often suffer from low self-esteem, isolation, and loneliness. Hence, effective treatment must focus on overall support and wellness.
While there’s no cure for this disease, several treatments are available to soothe symptoms and co-occurring disorders.
While on treatment, you can also try these above-mentioned essential oils for their calming and relaxing effects.
